MEET US IN NOLA

Let’s rewind to 2020. Alonzo was looking for a fresh start, so he packed his bags and moved from Louisiana to Atlanta at the end of January. Ten months later, Deja also relocated to Atlanta from Columbus, Ohio, trading Buckeyes and snow boots for wings and lots of pollen. Now, you might be thinking, “Wow, what a coincidence!”
And you’d be right. Two new lives, one bustling city, and absolutely no idea that they were about to find their forever person....via a dating app! Fast-forward to January 2021. Deja, doing a casual evening scroll through Hinge, came across a profile. Handsome. Confident smile. Suspiciously normal. Looked like he used lotion. She swiped right. Meanwhile, Alonzo was out at a bar with one of his best friends, probably debating something deeply intellectual (like the best Wingstop flavor), when he got the notification: “Deja liked your profile.” Naturally, he investigated. The conclusion? “Yup, she’s fine.” He swiped right. Alonzo made the first move with the line:
“Hey, how are you doing tonight, beautiful?”
(A little cheesy, but it worked anyway. 🤭). They hit it off instantly. Jokes, stories, vibes: check, check, check! A first date was scheduled. And then canceled. And canceled again. And again. Three times! Deja got violently sick right after they started texting. Like, “this might be a sign from the universe” type sick. When they finally met up at Red Pepper Taqueria (an infamous Atlanta Mexican restaurant), Deja was still recovering, and had to end the date after about 30 minutes. Alonzo left the restaurant convinced he had been swindled into buying tacos by a professional ghoster. Plot twist: She was actually interested. And he was definitely wrong. 😏 Despite the rocky start and almost failed first date, sparks flew fast. They quickly became inseparable. By May 2021, Alonzo officially asked Deja to be his girlfriend. In July, they took their first trip together to New Orleans (Alonzo’s hometown tour guide skills: 10/10). By November, Alonzo had survived his first Thanksgiving in the Midwest. Things were moving quickly, but feeling just right. Over the next few years, they made countless memories together: traveling, trying new foods, binge-watching shows, and turning the most ordinary days into something special. In April of 2023, they became proud puppy parents to the lovable (and extremely spoiled) Kota Bear, who is currently running the household. On November 23, 2024, surrounded by close family and friends at a cozy, private brunch, Alonzo asked Deja to marry him. There were tears. There were mimosas. There was a ring. And one very happy yes. From random swipes, rescheduled dates, and a few sick days to a lifetime of love, laughter, and Kota cuddles, this is just the beginning of their forever!