It all began on November 7th, 2012 at Vakiea and Ahkyba Griffith’s wedding. During the reception, Carl saw TaShawnna across the room on the dance floor. At that moment, a spotlight appeared on her. Carl believes he heard God say, “That is your wife.” He knew then that he had to meet her. He asked another braidsmaid that was friends with TaShawnna for more information about her. The bridesmaid then went to TaShawnna and put in a good word for Carl. For the rest of the night, Carl was trying to think of a way to approach her, but his phone had died. He knew he couldn’t leave without getting her number. As TaShawnna walked from the hallway, Carl asked to talk to her and proceeded to tell her he felt like she was an angel - his angel - and wanted her number. Since his phone died, TaShawnna wrote her number on a napkin. That was the start of a dream coming true. True love at first sight!

We wanted our family to experience every moment of our union - including the proposal. Carl invited members of his family to TaShawnna's family's annual holiday grab-bag in Oak Brook. As TaShawnna went up to receive her present, her aunt announced she would be getting a "special gift". Lo and behold, Carl made his way to TaShawnna and immediately took a knee. Everyone was elated - especially the bride-to-be!