We would like to thank you for showering us with love and support! We are so excited to rejoice in what God is doing in us with 'our people' whether virtually or in person! We honor you and see fit to share this moment exclusively with you. At this time we would like to ask that our privacy be respected and nothing is shared on social media. We feel led to bask in this precious season with those closest to us before presenting it to others. We will be having an unplugged ceremony and are inviting all guests to be FULLY present with us by turning off cameras and phones. With love, Amber Lee and Malichai Emmanuel

Malichai My mom was outside waiting to pick me up for the weekend. I had just come down with my bag and was stopped right as I opened the door to my dorm’s entrance. A bright and bubbly, black girl eagerly asked me “Hey! Are you black?” I was definitely taken back (that’s not usually how my conversations started). We briefly chatted. I found out her name was Amber. We exchanged contact information, and she invited me to a group chat for black students at Emory. We occasionally would see each other on campus and wave. I recall one time Amber approached me at the DUC with her brother Tracy while I was reading my bible. I was reading Romans, and we all discussed the importance of boldness and studying the Word. In that vein, I frequently invited Amber to a weekly bible study (albeit she only showed up once). Though our conversations were sparse at Emory, I still considered Amber a friend. Amber I was walking into our freshman dorm and saw a familiar face. There were only so many of us at Emory, and I was well prepared to befriend everyone I met! I could tell he was latino, and thought he was black but had no way of knowing. In true Amber character when the opportunity presented itself to cease my wonder, I asked! I could tell he was a bit uncomfortable and I clearly caught him off guard, but proceeded with joy and no remorse. He introduced himself as Malichai, confirmed my theory, and I went on to add him to a group message for black students. Later in the semester, he consistently invited me to a weekly bible study. I met his sisters, Alexis and Taylor, and was very much inspired by how brightly and beautifully they allowed their lights for the Lord to shine! I had such a delightful time and was grateful. However, per my schedule (and maybe or maybe not my priorities at the time), I only attended once. I can count on one hand how many conversations I had with Malichai while at Emory, but we always made sure to wave and smile whenever we saw each other in passing.

Amber I was on Instagram on October 12th and saw Taylor’s story. Immediately I heard the Lord tell me to message Malichai and tell him how much I appreciated his walk at Emory. I thought nothing of it as Jesus and I have a long history of odd, out-of-the-blue assignments. We scheduled a video call to catch up and though I allotted an hour, I wasn’t bothered by Malichai keeping the conversation going. I had an enjoyable time and was excited to have a new friendship! We talked once a week which quickly turned into everyday. From scripture pictionary, to deep conversations, to biblical puns and similar senses of humor, I realized love was definitely growing. It became apparent that I HAD to seek the Lord in fasting and prayer. Malichai checked nearly all of my boxes, but the Lord told me with great clarity: “Just because it looks perfect on paper and to people, doesn’t mean it’s My plan.” I was shocked and saddened, but delighted that the Lord had spoken. I never had a boyfriend and decided years ago to pray the following: “Lord, may my first boyfriend be my only boyfriend. One and done. I don’t want the heartache and I’m believing that as I’m obedient to You, You will honor this request.”

Malichai I remember going on Facebook in September and seeing a story from Amber. A random thought popped into my mind, “what if she’s my wife?” I remember entertaining it for some moments but dismissed the thought. After all, my last interaction with her was ~3 years prior. She randomly messaged me in October, and we started talking weekly. After my second conversation with her, I took the idea to the Lord. I asked Him, “Lord, should I entreat her just as a sister, or can I pursue her?” In seeking Him regarding Amber, I found myself growing incredibly close to Him. I was fasting and waking up 4-5 am intentionally to spend time with the Lord. Nevertheless, I did not receive an answer in the timing “I wanted.” Amber and I grew closer talking everyday. We shared similar values, senses of humor, and developed a fondness for each other. Our conversations were very serious early on regarding marriage. However, we both valued the will and timing of the Lord. We found ourselves fasting from each other on multiple occasions to give the Lord our undivided attention. I knew I could not jump into any relationship without Him giving the “green light.”

The relationship became official March 20, 2021. It was the couple’s first time seeing each other in 3+ years. Malichai surprised Amber in Ohio on her afternoon walk and let’s just say the sky wasn’t the only one crying that day. They continued going steady traversing their first ever romantic relationship while also tackling being long distance. The couple attributes the beauty of their story all to the hand of the Lord Jesus Christ. Malichai sent for Amber and proposed over a lovely picnic upon finishing a 500-piece puzzle. Who knew the girl who lived in the same dorm a floor above and born a day after waited for the boy downstairs, one day her elder? From a journey that began the first day of spring, the 23-year old couple invites you to join them on the first day of summer to celebrate their union and #JordanYear