We're getting married!

The summer of 2021 Imari traveled to New Orleans, Louisiana to visit family. Day three of her trip, Imari was invited to a social event in Baton Rouge with her cousin Orlando. At first she was hesitant to go. The weather was bad, a heavy storm had rolled in, and the event was a 45-minute drive. Something in her gut told her to go anyway, so she did. Upon arriving at the event, Orlando introduced Imari to Brandon and there was an instant connection. From the moment their eyes met, it was as if the world around them faded into the background. They talked effortlessly, laughed at all the right moments, and found themselves in a space where time seemed to stretch and bend. As the night wore on, Orlando noticed the connection and gave Brandon clearance to court Imari. What followed was a whirlwind of conversations, dates, and shared moments. Imari found herself drawn to Brandon in a way she hadn’t expected. When the time came for her to return home to El Paso, Texas, she wasn’t ready to say goodbye. Instead she did something bold; she extended her flight home just to spend a little more time with Brandon. Back in Texas, Imari and Brandon continued to talk daily. Days turned into weeks, and it became clear to them that this connection was something real, something worth fighting for. Two months later, a decision was made. Imari and Brandon couldn’t bear the thought of being so far from each other. Long distance was no longer an option. Imari was convinced she’d found a solution. She packed bags, loaded her dog Blu into her Kia Soul and made the long move from Texas to Louisiana. Imari found an apartment, transferred her college studies to Louisiana State University, and started building a new life. Brandon was in absolute shock! He never expected Imari to take such a leap so bold, so confident, and yet, so perfect for the two of them. But she did. And that was when their love truly began. Brandon and Imari spent every moment they could together. They went to church, traveled, tried new things, learned about each other’s quirks and passions, and grew stronger as a couple every day. They challenged each other, supported each other, and through it all, the love between them only deepened. On Valentine’s Day of 2024, Brandon surprised Imari in the most beautiful way. On a bended knee, Brandon asked Imari to be his wife. Her heart raced, her smile grew wide, and without hesitation, she said yes! Three years later, and they couldn't be more excited to begin this new chapter together. Every love story is beautiful, but ours is truly one of a kind. Written in the stars; our journey is evidence that there is a God.