HOW IT ALL BEGAN One Sunday morning in November of 1996, Fred was headed to his truck when he was invited to church by a friend who lived in his Jefferson Street apartment complex. He eagerly agreed to accept the invitation to go to church and followed him to Temple Pentecostal Church on Lloyd Ave. It was at the church where he first saw Allison Monique Dunlap. She was up leading the service, directing the choir and teaching the youth. After visiting a few Sundays Fred joined the church. Fred and Allison became great friends becoming a dynamic duo mentoring and working in the church. LOVE IS IN THE AIR Fred quickly started to develop romantic feelings for Allison. As time went on Fred & Allison would talk everyday and he would visit her in the Beauty Salon she owned on the corner of Clarksville Pike and Trinity Lane. Every Friday like clockwork, Fred would finish up his studies, call the youth he was mentoring and wait around for Allison to finish her last head at the shop. No matter how late she got off, they would go to TGIF Restaurant. There was no need for a menu because they ordered the same thing. Fred would get ribs and Allison would get chicken tenders. Fred always finished his food first and then ate the rest of Allison’s chicken tenders. They would then head downtown to listen to music or sit by the river. A RELATIONSHIP IS OFFICIALLY FORMED On Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1997, Fred and Allison made things official and became “boyfriend and girlfriend” at Shoney’s Restaurant on White Bridge Road. All dressed up for a hot date, this was the only spot they could get in to eat without reservations. After the restaurant they headed downtown to the river to sit and talk. It begin to rain, but that did not end the date. Fred walked over to his truck, turned the speakers all the way up and they danced the night away. THE ENGAGEMENT After a year of dating, Fred decided he was ready to pop the big question. So he talked to his mother, aunt Juanita and mentor Dr. Gale Isaacs to let them know how he was feeling. Then Fred went over to Allison’s home to meet with her parents to ask for their permission to marry their daughter. With smiles, tears and hugs, they agreed and gave their permission to marry their baby girl. Once they gave him their blessing, Fred decided to propose in front of her entire family and friends at her Grandmothers Birthday Party on March 23, 1998 at Uncle Buds Restaurant, directly across the street from the Shoney’s where they had there first date. Fred got down on one knee and ask for Allison’s hand in marriage. She said yes! THE WEDDING Fred and Allison wanted to get married on Valentine’s Day to commemorate their first date, but the Pastor, Bishop Dunlap told them it was Sunday and we were having church. So the wedding took place the day before. After 11 months of planning, at Four in the evening, Fred & Allison were united in Holy Matrimony on February 13, 1999 in front of a host of family and friends who gathered from Nashville, Chicago, Indiana and North Carolina. The candlelight ceremony was performed by their Pastor, Allison’s Father, Bishop Sherman L. Dunlap, Sr. at Greater Grace Church on County Hospital Road. Years Later Fred and Allison now lead Triumphant Church with a membership of over 400 congregants. They are successful business owners and investors. Together, they are parenting four beautiful successful daughters; Asya, an honors graduate of Spelman College and aspiring Attorney, currently residing in Washington, DC. Alexus, an honors graduate of Spelman College and fully certified Elementary Educator residing in Atlanta, GA. Aliyah, an honors graduate from Hendersonville H.S. and freshman at Spelman College majoring in Education. Lastly, Amariah, who is holding down the house as an 8th grade honor student who is gifted in the arts and is a member of a championship winning dance team. Cheers to 25 Years of blessing and favor from the Lord… To Be Continued!