Cayla and Jalen first met as freshman at Paisley IB Magnet School in Winston-Salem, NC. It wasn’t until sophomore year in journalism class until they really got to know each other. Sweet innocent flirting quickly turned to something more when Jalen asked Cayla to be his girlfriend on January 21, 2012. We completed high school in 2014 and started at UNC - Chapel Hill that fall. This time was probably the highest of highs and lowest of lows for our relationship, but it made our bond stronger. We grew together and learned that love depends on trust, honesty, and communication. After strengthening our foundation in college we felt stronger than ever to take on the world as partners. We moved to the Washington DC area in 2018 and gave birth to our son, Carter K Cephus, on February 5, 2020. Our love has been 10 years in the making and we look forward to celebrating many more with you all.

Cayla accidentally left her promise ring at Jalen’s mother’s house months before the proposal. She kindly agreed to hold on to the promise ring until Cayla and Jalen came back to visit again. Of course, it just so happened the next time they visited was for Christmas. On the night before Christmas, everyone opened their one gift and Jalen saved the best for last. He presented a ring box to Cayla and she excitedly ripped into it to find... her promise ring. She was honestly happy to see her promise ring again as it had been months before she had last worn it. But as Cayla looked up to thank Jalen, she saw him down on one knee with another box! Jalen asked if Cayla would marry him and she ecstaticly replied “Of course!”

1. Jalen and Cayla both always chose the money bag peice when playing Monopoly as kids. 2. Cayla and Jalen rescued a black lab in February. 3. Cayla and Jalen both have one younger sibling. 4. Growing up, Jalen’s and Cayla’s favorite soda was Dr. Pepper. 5. Cayla and Jalen will be getting married on their 10-year anniversary! 6. Jalen and Cayla were both nicknamed “Sunshine” as babies. 7. Cayla and Jalen both graduated from UNC - Chapel Hill 8. Jalen and Cayla love to visit San Diego, CA. They have been 4 times during their relationship. 9. Jalen and Cayla’s best concert was Lil Wayne and 6lack. Their worst concert was 2 Chainz. 10. Cayla and Jalen loved rollercoasters as kids.