WE GOT MARRIED!

We both trusted that God had a plan for our lives, and have never lost faith that love would come when the time was right. In January of 2023, after much prayer and reflection, we felt led to create a profile on Facebook Dating. It wasn’t about finding someone to just fill a void—it was about trusting God to bring the right person into our lives at the right time. The moment we started messaging, the connection was undeniable. Amber was drawn to A'Derek’s kind heart, his humility, and the way he spoke about his daughter. A'Derek found Amber to be someone who exuded warmth and grace, a woman who understood the importance of faith and family. Our first date came in February of 2023, and it was a night neither of us would forget. We met at Amalie Arena to watch a Tampa Bay Lightning hockey game. It was a cold February night and the energy of the crowd inside the arena was electric. We sat side by side, our shared laughter ringing out as we cheered for the home team. The hockey game wasn’t just a game; it was the start of something special. We were drawn to each other in a way that felt easy, as if we had known each other much longer than a few weeks. Our connection grew even deeper as we found ourselves naturally sharing our lives with each other. Two weeks and three dates later, we made it official. Our relationship felt like it had blossomed so quickly, but neither of us could deny that it was right. We had trusted God, and in return, He had brought us together. From that moment on, our love story has been filled with countless memories. Traveling together has become one of our favorite things. Whether it is a weekend trip to a nearby beach town or a spontaneous road trip, we love exploring new places together. Food, too, has become an important part of our relationship. We enjoy cooking together and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. When we go out to eat, we love trying new dishes together. Movie nights are another cherished tradition. We like to curl up on the couch with a bowl of popcorn between us and dive into movies of all genres. These nights are simple, but they are the kind of moments that deepen our connection. One of the most important aspects of our relationship is family. A'Derek has a daughter, Alisha, from a previous relationship. Amber had known from the start that if she and A'Derek were going to be together, she needed to build a relationship with Alisha as well. Over time, Amber grew to love Alisha as her own. They spend time together shopping, going to the gym, creating plans that A'Derek doesn't agree with lol, and just chatting about school and life. Amber loves the bond they have shared and A'Derek is incredibly grateful for how easily Amber and Alisha have connected. It is a testament to Amber’s nurturing spirit, and it only made him love her more. Our families are equally supportive of our relationship. Amber’s parents adore A'Derek. They see how happy he makes her and how he supports her in everything she does. A'Derek’s family, too, has embraced Amber with open arms. They can see how deeply she cares for him and Alisha, and they appreciate how Amber’s love for God is evident in everything she does. Both families are thrilled to see our relationship grow, and everyone knows that we have something truly special. The culmination of our love story came on Christmas Day 2024, in the warmth of Amber’s childhood home. Surrounded by friends and family, A'Derek had planned a surprise that would forever mark this chapter in their love story. With everyone gathered around, A'Derek dropped to one knee and pulled out an elegant ring as Amber wept and said yes to spending the rest of their lives together. It was a moment of pure joy—one we will always remember as the start of our forever. With trust in God, a shared faith, and a love that has grown stronger each day, we are ready for whatever the future holds—side by side, hand in hand, forever.