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A Reality TV Dare Leads to Lasting Love for Kheri Carter and Brian Carkhuff
For Kheri Orisha Carter, participating in the fourth season of “Ready to Love,” a dating reality show on Oprah Winfrey’s OWN network, wasn’t originally her idea. This dating journey, however, unexpectedly led her to Brian Thomas Carkhuff. Their story underscores how unconventional paths, even a reality TV show, can lead to finding lasting love and commitment.
The Dare That Changed Everything
“It was actually a dare,” Ms. Carter admitted. Longing for a committed relationship and finding the Washington, D.C., dating scene challenging, she found herself persuaded by friends to audition when “Ready to Love” came to town. “I was looking for love, and I wanted to be in a committed relationship,” she explained. After several interviews, she secured a spot on the show’s cast, embarking on a journey she never anticipated.
A Brief Appearance, A Lasting Impression
Though her time on the show was short, lasting only four episodes, it was enough for Brian Thomas Carkhuff to notice her. “I was obviously on so Brian could find me,” she reflected. After seeing her on television, Mr. Carkhuff reached out to Ms. Carter via Instagram on December 15, 2021.
Instagram Connection: A Modern Love Story
Mr. Carkhuff was immediately drawn to Ms. Carter. “She struck me as intelligent, strong-willed, and composed, as well as sexy and beautiful,” he said. Determined to meet her, he followed her on Instagram and began engaging with her posts. While Ms. Carter received numerous messages, Mr. Carkhuff’s stood out. “He was a gentleman,” she noted.
A Clever Pickup Line
“She had written a post about men who were ‘thirsty,’ and I used that post to slide in her DMs,” Mr. Carkhuff recounted. His message conveyed his genuine interest: “I am not that kind of guy, and if you’d go out with me, I can show you.” After a reassuring phone call, they arranged their first date.
First Date Spark: St. Anselm
Their first date took place at St. Anselm, a steakhouse in Washington’s Union Market, on December 19, 2021. The attraction was immediate and mutual. Mr. Carkhuff found her even more captivating in person, while Ms. Carter appreciated his wit, observant nature, and confident demeanor. The initial spark quickly led to subsequent dates, including sushi at O-Ku Sushi and an ax-throwing adventure.
Exclusivity and Commitment
Despite casually dating other people, a turning point came when they saw each other’s social media posts with other individuals. This prompted a serious conversation about their feelings and intentions.
- “When I saw him on that trip, I knew I was serious,” she said.
- “I realized then how serious she was, so when I got back we talked about where we were headed,” Mr. Carkhuff added.
Two months into dating, they committed to an exclusive relationship. In April 2022, during a trip to Miami for Mr. Carkhuff’s birthday, they solidified their relationship, making it official.
Building a Life Together
In August 2022, Ms. Carter moved into Mr. Carkhuff’s home in the Trinidad neighborhood of Northeast Washington, where they continue to reside.
- Mr. Carkhuff, 58, is a senior account executive at T-Mobile for Government.
- Ms. Carter, 41, is a real estate agent with RLAH @properties.
The Proposal: A Return to Where it Began
Mr. Carkhuff proposed on March 7 in a private room at St. Anselm, the location of their first date. He orchestrated a surprise, leading Ms. Carter to suspect something was happening. The couple married on April 30 at the Superior Court of the District of Columbia Marriage Bureau. “I felt like a teenager in love — giddy, ecstatic, and so proud to have just married my best friend,” Ms. Carter shared.
Celebration and Future Plans
Following the ceremony, they celebrated with lunch at the Capital Grille and dinner with friends at Sly Rooftop in the Morrow Hotel. A larger wedding celebration is planned for June 20 in Georgetown.
“I wasn’t sure I would ever find the kind of love and commitment Kheri and I have found in each other,” Mr. Carkhuff expressed. “I felt like I truly solidified a life with my true partner.” Their journey, from a reality TV dare to a committed marriage, is a testament to the unexpected ways love can blossom and solidify into a lasting partnership, proving that sometimes, reality is better than reality TV itself.