It all started with a simple like on Facebook Dating. James saw Shandal's picture and liked it, but when she checked James' profile, she was not immediately drawn to his photos, so she ignored him. Fate and the app's algorithm had other plans. A few days later, James' profile showed up on Shandal's page, but this time Shandal was with her friend Lyntrell. Lyntrell took one look at James' pictures and said to Shandal, "That's a handsome guy! What's your reason for not liking him back? You need to step out of your comfort zone." Something about Lyntrells' words stuck with Shandal, so Shandal sent a "like" back to James. The two began messaging, but James wasn't big on texting because his job as a truck driver made it difficult. Instead, he preferred talking on the phone. James and Shandal's conversations flowed easily and the two agreed to meet on their first date on Saturday. Fate stepped in again the Friday before the date. Shandal was working in Baton Rouge and decided she wanted to see James in person just to make sure. She invited him to join her and her coworker Eric for dinner at Parrain's Seafood Restaurant. The next day, which was Saturday, Shandal and James had their first 24 hour date. One moment they were laughing over a meal, and the next moment, they were at a Saint's game, laughing and enjoying every second together. From that day forward, the two were inseparable. Not long into the relationship, Shandal explained to James the 90 day rule. James said she was worth the wait. Soon, Shandal and James took their first trip together to Cancun, Mexico. The trip was special in ways no one could imagine. The beauty of the place and the memories created strengthened their relationship, and made it clear that Cancun would always have a special place in their hearts. As their love grew, James decided to propose to Shandal. Shandal had planned a small celebration for her birthday that entailed having food, drinks, and fun with friends at Tabletop Sportsbar, but James had arranged his own surprise to stay at Serenity in the Marigny, a Black-Owned bed and breakfast. James wanted to invite Shandal's friends, but there was one challenge, the fire marshal's restrictions meant he could only invite a small number of people to witness the proposal. With the help of the owner, Ms. Daphne, James hired a personal chef to make the night extra special. After dinner, James casually mentioned heading upstairs to take pictures by the jacuzzi. As James opened the door to the upstairs deck, to Shandal's surprise, Shandal noticed rose petals and candles. Shandal was so overjoyed; her heart started racing, and when she looked up, there was her mom, James' two sisters with their spouses, and a few friends (Marsha, Renee, Ebony, and Melinda). That night was the night James proposed. Shandal knew in her heart this would happen, but she didn't think it would happen so soon. She was overwhelmed with emotion by the beautiful experience that was filled with love, joy, and happy tears. For those who could not share the moment, James reenacted the proposal at Shandal's birthday party she'd planned, making sure that everyone could celebrate her and James' special moment with them.