It all started in high school, April 2006! During lunch hour Gene usually went to the library and Jaquiri went into the lunchroom to hang with her girls. On this day Gene decided to go to the lunchroom with his guys, but what he didn't know was someone was about to change his life! Gene and his friends took a seat at a lunch table not too far from Jaquiri's. Jaquiri walked over to Gene's table because she had recognized one of her friends sitting there and wanted to ask him something. She proceeded to chat with her friend until they were interrupted by Gene. It was at that moment Gene and Jaquiri locked eyes for the first time and their lives became intertwined. Although they had never seen each other before, from that day forward they're paths seemed to cross everyday. By chance, one day Jaquiri and her cousin were outside playing when she recognized Gene's famous ponytail from a distance, she thought to herself; What is he doing around here. She proceeded to insult him in a playful manner and that caused Gene to approach her to see what the fuss was about. For hours they walked and talked and got to know each other and surprisingly found out they lived a few blocks from each other. As days past their connection grew more and more which prompted Gene to ask a question he had never asked before; Do you want to be my girlfriend? Jaquiri was a little hesitant to trust Gene due to past experiences so she hesitated for a long time. Gene was determined to make her out of a believer so he tried over and over for about week. Jaquiri finally said yes and their journey began.

They spent their 11 year anniversary celebrating in Paris, France! This year was also Jaquiri's Golden Birthday so Gene wanted to make sure it was the best year she ever had! They first spent the weekend celebrating with close family; Gene had also booked a 2 story suite at Sybaris Hotel to finish off her birthday weekend! This is where their journey would take its next step. On the way to the hotel they spent time In the car listening and jamming to their favorite songs! When they finally arrived to the hotel nothing felt abnormal. They first sat down on the first level for a candlelit dinner where they reminisced about the good old days as kids! After dinner Gene grabbed Jaquiri's hand and led her to the second floor of the suite where the room was completely decorated with birthday balloons, rose petals, candles and souvenirs from a few of the trips they had taken together over the years! As Jaquiri explored the room Gene began preparing himself to ask the big question. Jaquiri slowly made her way back to Gene then he grabbed her hands and began expressing his love for her. Although they always talked about their love for one another, something felt different to Jaquiri this time and butterflies began forming in her stomach! After expressing himself Gene proceeded to ask Jaquiri if she had read what the balloons said behind her. She said no and turned around to get a closer look, to her surprise they said "Will You Marry Me!" In shock, Jaquiri turned back around to find Gene on one knee. He said with nervousness in his voice "So? Jaquiri Shawnese Lawson Will You Marry Me?, with tears in her eyes and a full heart Jaquiri said "Of Course I Will Marry You!" And so they kissed, they danced, they laughed and the next chapter in their lives began!