We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

It was at the Salem Baptist Church of Chicago in 2004 where Tiara and Jared would meet for the first time. Tiara was volunteering with the audio ministry in youth church, while Jared was very active in his rap ministry and as a part of ZOE posse. Almost every Sunday, Tiara would watch as the ZOE ministry strolled down the aisles during praise and worship and admired Jared from afar. She had no idea at the time that he too was admiring her. The two crossed paths on multiple occasions, especially when Tiara would set up Jared’s audio for ministry. They didn’t exchange many words, just looks. Unfortunately, because the two didn’t speak much it was when Jared left for the army and Tiara went off to college that the two parted ways for many years, almost forgetting about the other’s existence. It wasn’t until 2017, 13 years later that the two were back in contact. Tiara made a Facebook post desperately seeking assistance from anyone willing to help her pack up her boxes as she made her first move on her own to Hyde Park. Jared expressed interest and let her know that he would be happy to help. But on the day of her move, he was no where to be found. After getting help from her friends and family, Tiara settled into her new apartment and soon received a message from Jared apologizing for being MIA. He quickly asked if the two could catch up at a local restaurant, Ja’Grill, which would be where they had their first date and where Jared would leave his to-go box of jerk wings on the table (lol). From that day forward the two have been inseparable. Their love came faster than they thought was possible but it felt right. They were comfortable being completely transparent with one another, even about the parts of themselves they weren’t so proud of. After both of them had suffered much heartache they knew they didn’t want to experience that again. And because of the strength of their friendship, love for one another, and devotion to God...they never will.