It was the stuff of our adolescent sitcom lives. The bustling college Student Center. The nerves of new beginnings. Sophomore boy sees incoming freshman girl. The eyes meet. The sparks light. It was, in fact, a vibe- kismet from the beginning! Deniece and Gardy’s story began at Hofstra University in the summer of 2000, and in the spirit of all things New York, the two connected and quickly battled about which really was the thorough-est borough. Deniece, a Grenadian- American, Brooklyn girl and Gardy, a Haitian- American Queens kid, had it out, but ultimately found their favorite place… right with each other. The two spent hours on the phone that summer. They learned alot about each other and developed a sincere connection. But as sweet beginnings form, they sometimes also end. As Deniece and Gardy worked hard to balance school, maturity and the demands of adjusting to college life, they parted ways right before his family relocated to Atlanta. Still connected on social media, there was an occasional ‘like’, and a "you look gorgeous" under some pics. But as divine alignment and God would allow it, those small gestures would set the stage for a re-encounter 15 summers from their first.

It was a wedding. Love was a flow. Another vibe. Gardy was a groomsman this time, standing alongside his cousin who remained a close friend of Deniece’s. She didn’t know it then, but Gardy had distinct plans to reignite what he experienced as a college sophomore. Not as young, and certainly a bit wiser, Deniece used the opportunity to turn it up that day – donning her finest attire with the subtle intent on catching his eye. That second, first hello ignited that instant magnetic connection again-just as Gardy had planned. This time around, both Gardy and Deniece were mature and single, and made the intentional decision that their 850 mile distance wouldn’t snuff their flame. They spoke every day for hours at a time, again! On October 10, 2015 at the Million Man March anniversary in Washington DC, Gardy for the first time uttered the words, " I Love You". It was new, but familiar. Fitting and true.

The love bloomed and did so quickly. They were floating. It was then, four months in, that Deniece received news that would change her life- she was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. Gardy had a decision. With the already-existing strain of long distance, one might assume it would mean another goodbye. But God has a plan and Gardy, a commitment. Their love, God’s power, and the faith that strengthened their bond helped Deniece #SlayCancer. His strong character and optimism made her cherish him in a way she never saw coming. Deniece exemplified the word "strength" which made Gardy fall deeper in love. Over the next three years, with millions of facetime calls, traveled miles, and hospital visits their love deepened and while celebrating her birthday in paradise, Gardy cemented his commitment and made Deniece the happiest woman in the world. Gardy proposed and promised forever.

COVID-19 tried it but their love has the last word!  Initially they were to marry in Grenada, West Indies, however God had other plans ( you know the saying, make plans and watch God laugh!) This destination wedding was suddenly ixnayed but Deniece and Gardy realized that marriage is a lifelong commitment of 2 people, while a wedding is a celebration of that promise; Destination Delerme has always been about the journey, not the physical location. On October 10, 2020, exactly five years after Gardy expressed his love to Deniece, they will publicly declare their love and commitment to one another- with God at the center of it all.