Donald, living in Richmond, Virginia, stumbled across Mel’s profile – a beautiful, bright-eyed girl living in Brooklyn, New York. Curious, he waved at her. Mel, never one to ignore curiosity, messaged him back. At first, Donald didn’t believe she really went to Hampton University. They didn’t have any mutual friends, and he was convinced she must be lying. After all, he was Class of 2011 and she was Class of 2012 – how had their paths never crossed? They argued, laughed, and bonded over this Hampton misunderstanding. Donald was the life of every party, while Mel was tucked away in band rehearsals and studying. They realized they had lived two completely different lives on the same campus, yet here they were, finding each other exactly when they were meant to. What started as simple messages turned into long conversations. Months later, Donald moved to New York to start a new chapter in life. Without hesitation, and without ever meeting in person, Mel invited him to move in with her. It sounds crazy to some, but for them, it was an act of pure courage and faith. From the moment they met in person, they became inseparable. They have built a love rooted in bravery and trust – the kind of love that chooses each other daily. Whether they’re traveling across states, exploring new cities, or sitting quietly at home, they are happiest just being together. People often ask, “Don’t you ever get tired of each other?” They just smile, because after long trips away, they come home only to snuggle closer, talk deeper, and love harder. Theirs is a love story of two souls who took a chance, crossed state lines, broke comfort zones, and found their forever in each other.

Yes — they eloped. But before you gasp, cry happy tears, or say “I knew it,” let them tell you how it all unfolded. One quiet July morning, Donald looked at Mel and said, “You know that feeling I told you I’d be waiting for?” She blinked and said, “Yeah...” He looked back at me, calm and certain, and said, “I feel it.” And that was it. He didn’t need to say anything else — She knew exactly what he meant. It was never about if — it was always about when. And just like that, they both knew... it was time. They had talked about every wedding scenario you can imagine — a dreamy destination elopement, a big traditional church wedding, a simple ceremony in the backyard, even running away with matching shoes and a playlist. But every option came with a cost — and not just the financial kind. Someone they loved would inevitably be left out. And they're in the business of love, not hurt (sorry, Mom 😅). So they made it simple. They leveled the playing field. And they eloped — just the two of them, and the peace they felt in making it official. Why July 17th? Funny story. Exactly one week before their wedding, they had a dinner date with our Pastor and First Lady — shoutout to Drs. Jeffrey and Lori Smith — at Jubilee. They had a card, a gift, a plan, and a prayer they’d say yes. Before Pastor Smith could even finish opening the envelope, First Lady Smith looked up and said, “Yes.” (Insert giant exhale of relief here.) From there, it was just logistics. They wanted to keep this moment sacred and private. They wanted to be legally married, but save their personal vows and rings for the people who matter most — the ones who’ve walked beside them, prayed for them, and poured into their love. As they finalized the details, Pastor Smith looked up and said, “Well... the 7th month, the 17th day — what about 7:00?” They all smiled. It felt right. No stress. No spotlight. Just alignment. And let’s be honest — Mel and her numerology were already in love with the date. Here’s what it means: 1 – New beginnings, leadership, independence, stepping boldly into our shared life 7 – Divine alignment, spiritual awakening, inner wisdom 1 + 7 = 8 – Abundance, infinite love, and eternal connection So on July 17, 2025, at 7:00 PM, inside Garland Avenue Baptist Church, with two people who have deeply blessed our journey, they became husband and wife. It was simple. Sacred. Exactly them. And now — they get to share it with you.