V and I met at age 14, and 15. He was sitting on our favorite aunt's steps one day. I saw him and thought who is this new face on "my" block lol. I walked across the street and bluntly asked "who are you" and why are you on "my" block? of course, I was smiling and he had no choice but to smile and respond. He said, "I'm Vito". I said Well I'm Tia. I sat down next to him and pretty much 21 questioned him lol. Before long we were talking for hours. We became close over time and would see one another every chance we could. Over time life happened and I moved. We lost contact for 23years and reconnected via Instagram in November 2025. we started messaging and finally set up a day to catch up on January 12, 2026. We planned our first date to Negril Jamaica for February 25, 2026. We came home and decided we are going to get married. Yup! I know you think we are crazy lol. But are we really? We figured out in one trip what most people take years or a lifetime trying to do. Life is short and it doesn't take a lifetime or a few years to know where you want to be. I believe that you only get one life to live and if you're lucky enough to get a second chance at it do it right! Fall in love, fall out of love, then fall in love again, start that business, if it fails try again. We are two people who experienced life apart and decided it's so much better together. Whatever it is you want to do, just do it! people make life more difficult than it has to be. Eat good, love hard, travel. learn, experience everything you want too. It seems pretty simple to me. V and I thank you for committing to our special day, and we can't wait to celebrate with all of you. With love, The Hawkins