The Jones Anniversary Reception 2021

COVID couldn’t stop what GOD ordained. A week before we were to be married, Covid-19 was continuing to ravage the nation. The government, local and federal, had waited too late to take things serious and because of that, Tennessee went into lock down. No gathering of more than 10 people, so our wedding was canceled...or so we thought. Amber and I made the decision to still have our wedding. I (DJ) would not be able to give Renae the wedding we had planned and saved for, but we both agreed to move forward with the wedding even if it was just us. We understood the uneasiness of everyone not wanting to travel. Luckily, we have an amazing family that came to support us and an amazing church family that showed us support. We got married April 4, 2020 in a small intimate ceremony, and it couldn't have been more perfect.

Step 1: Ask her parents for their blessings. Once that was received, Dedric began ring shopping and finalizing the details for the proposal. He had chose the Big Four Bridge in Louisville, Kentucky as the location. Step 2: Enlist all her friends. Renae has friends spread all throughout the U.S., so Dedric had to add all her friends on Facebook, without her knowing. They all agreed to be a part of this special day. Step 3: Purchase ring. Dedric had no idea the amount of pressure and particular-ness that would go into ring shopping. He knew the type of ring Renae liked, but was still a little nervous. Once the ring was purchased, Dedric had the overwhelming feeling of ‘Wow, this is really happening’. Step 4: Details. Once all Renae’s friends had agreed to come, her favorite flowers, a photographer, a cake, and a grand scheme to announce it. The planning for the smoothest engagement possible was the next task. With the help of LaVonia, I had an idea how I wanted things to go, Step 5: The Big Day. That morning was just like any other, Dedric was up and Renae was still sleep. Dedric had disguised the day as a photoshoot for their 1 year anniversary. As they reach the bridge, Dedric was in constant contact with the photographer and Renae’s family and friends. They had the photoshoot on the bridge, and Dedric said he had another surprise for her birthday, but he needed to cover her eyes and lead her to it. As he walks Renae toward her friends and family waiting their with the proposal. **A random guitarist was there and played some beautiful music for an added bonus for the occasion.** As Dedric positioned himself behind Renae, he removed the blindfold, and immediately dropped to a new ring in hand. She was so excited to see all her friends, that she had no idea what Dedric was doing behind her. Finally, everyone told her to turn around, and there he was, her future husband, waiting for her response. You all are here, because she said, “Yes!”

Now, this is a story all about how My life got flipped-turned upside down And I'd like to take a minute Just sit right there I'll tell you how our road lead to here The day was July 14, 2017, and Dedric got a message on his phone that said, “It’s A Match!” Though excited, he had matched with others before, and nothing came out of it. He had thought about her and read her profile over and over until she responded to the message he had sent. She finally responded “Hello, I am Renae!” The days following, a plethora of text messages were exchanged! The conversations over that time had been engaging, funny, captivating, and invigorating!! After a week or so of texting we decided to meet in person. The first in-person meet up was suppose to be a quick meeting to set up maybe a future date however, it turned into a four hour conversation in the car. Needless to say, we hit it off. In two weeks time, now July 29, we had become “official” boyfriend and girlfriend! As they say ladies and gentlmen, the rest is history - or better yet, “Our” Story. (See what we did there?)

Copy and paste this link to see our engagement video and hear what we felt and thought when we first met. https://drive.google.com/open?id=1IRSRpBfWDoFKxl2Mz1TFdnAfLS53WnhT Copy and Paste the link to see how our proposal and the beginning of our wedding journey. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1H5Ee9ZdavyOAJ9jSfOE33-qOHgDXsRDQ/view?usp=drivesdk