“I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.” | Mark 11:24 Matched | 01.28.23 It’s Official | 03.17.23 The Proposal | 05.11.25 Our Forever | 03.14.26

On January 28, 2023, Brad made the first move and slid into my messages with a compliment on my best feature…my smile! After a few flirty yet in-depth and intentional messages, followed by a video chat a few days later, we made plans to have our first date a week later. Shortly into our date, I knew that there was something special about Brad by the way he prayed over our meal. After lunch, he walked me to my car and we said that we would let each other know when we had made it home. So in my true, funny-natured fashion, I texted Brad “I made it home. BUT I don't think we are a good fit. JUST KIDDING. I like your vibe and I had a really good time ☺️. And you get bonus points for the church notes.” I just knew when he read my message that he would no doubt, have a good laugh and then call me! He quickly did and we have been inseparable ever since! On March 17, 2023, we made it official before our first adventure as a couple: a quick flight for the weekend to New York so we could see Michael Jackson on Broadway…. because when you’re starting something 🎶 , you might as well start with: “Butterflies”.. “Rock With You”.. and “The Way You Make Me Feel.” Over the next two years, our love and connection grew as we enjoyed countless date nights, adventures traveling, family time, cooking meals side by side, spending time with friends, and cheering on The Commanders. As our bond deepened, I realized that we were perfectly aligned in our vision for the future, and our faith reminded us that with God, all things are possible. On Mother’s Day, May 11, 2025, before we got our day started, Brad asked me to be his wife; choosing a moment filled with purpose, love, and divine timing to begin our FOREVER!.. It was the most perfect proposal despite the fact that the ring fell onto the floor when Brad opened the box. We laughed about it and both were thankful that there was no vent on the floor, close by. Before we left Brad house, I quietly thanked God several times because over 10 years ago, while attending an Herbalife Seminar, one of the guest speakers gave us an assignment. She told us to write down what we wanted in certain aspects of our lives and one area was: Relationships. Literally and almost to the “Tee” what I wrote down and who I prayed for…. when God’s timing was right, was Brad.

I was not one for online dating and I was very skeptical, but I told myself that I would give it a try. On January 26, 2023 I noticed the profile on Match.com of Iyabo Alli. Her name was very unique but I loved everything in her profile; the way she mentioned that she had a love for GOD and especially her beautiful smile. I decided to give her a ‘poke’ and on January 28th she replied back with a "hi, how are you doing." We began to text and talk on the app and Iyabo was understanding of my work schedule at the time which would vary from week to week. I thought she would think I had something else going on but she didn't! We finally setup a date where we could meet face to face. I was looking forward to seeing the attribute that attracted me to her, in-person which again was, her smile. When we met, I was happy that she looked exactly like her profile picture and we had good vibes and great conversations. As I think back to that day, I remember she wasn’t smiling very much.. though to this very day, she insists she was. Either way, we still had a great time. After our date, Iyabo did text me "I had a good time but I don't think this will work out. Just kidding lol.” On March 17, 2023, Iyabo and myself made it official as a couple before a trip out of town to NYC, to see a Michael Jackson play. Over the next two years we have spent time on date nights, over each other’s houses, out of town on trips with friends and family and creating alot of memories. When Iyabo introduced me to her family and friends, I felt the love from everyone and I felt comfortable introducing her to my family and friends too. I knew she was the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with so on Sunday, May 11, 2025, I decided to take that leap of faith and propose to Iyabo before church service and before we went past the gravesite of her mother and aunt. She is a special woman that has made me a lucky man. I look forward to seeing what God has in store for us and the ride of our lives being Husband and Wife together. Ever since our first date, I would like to think that I have kept Iyabo smiling ever since.