HER STORY I made a trip home to Orangeburg, SC for Father’s Day weekend 2019. With many hometown lunch favorites to choose from, I decided to have a lunch date with my mom at the infamous China Kitchen. As we are eating lunch, in walks a familiar face in a police uniform— Justin. We speak briefly and go our separate ways. On Sunday, we venture to another hometown favorite, the Kuckery, and I run into Justin again—an interesting coincidence but I go about my merry way. One day, I received a call from an unknown number and as always I quickly declined. That call was followed shortly by a text: “Hey this Justin Harris, your mom gave me your number.” A bit surprised because my mom NEVER gives out my number without asking first, I reluctantly called back to see what Justin had to say. We connected pretty instantly and engaged in conversation. He traveled to visit me in Atlanta about 1 month later, and the rest is history! We head to Jamaica with my best friend and her husband. Little did I know, a photo session with my friends and their family would turn into a proposal on our 2nd anniversary where Justin would get down on one knee, in my happy place--the beach--and ask me to be his wife. HIS STORY I saw Mrs. Richardson and her daughter Saturday and Sunday while eating at a couple of hometown favorites, but couldn’t remember her name. I said a brief hello to her and her mom having not seen her since our high school days. Upon walking out of the restaurant on Saturday, I said “God, that will be my wife one day” **Does research to find out Alexia’s name and scores** I saw her mom at a church function, and inquired about Alexia. Mrs. Richardson asked if I would like her number and I said it would be an honor to have your daughter’s number. A few hours later, I couldn’t resist and made the call. After a few months of communicating, I made my way to Atlanta, GA to pay her a visit. By Day 2, we were in the swimming pool and she couldn’t resist—she asked the question. Without hesitation I said yes and left Atlanta, taken! The story continues, we travel across the waters to Jamaica. I miss my flight and she had to leave me. I was stressed because the biggest moment in my life was approaching quickly. I set up the proposal at her favorite place with the ocean behind us. She believes we are taking group pictures with her friends, when in fact I am behind her on one knee. I instantly gained my forever, after she hesitated for 3 mins to say I do. July 22, 2023 we make it official official!