We met at one of our mutual friend’s card party. When I first saw Ryeshedia she was memorizing; beautiful hair, teeth, and skin were all plusses in my book. Throughout the night me and my best friend Diggs were beating everyone at the party in spades and Ryeshedia and her best friend Tyne were up next. We played several games of spades and me, and my best friend, were winning every round. Boom! Bam! Nexxxxxt! During the conversation we found out that both Ryeshedia and her friend were unavailable, so in respect we continued to keep the game friendly. Although Ryeshedia was tempting... I decided to keep her as good ole eye candy while we continue to whoop a**. As the night expired there was a heated debate that occurred between both my best friend and Ryeshedia. They were going back and forth and both were strong on the points of view about the topic. During the debate, Ryeshedia had become very passionate about who she is and her character (which are two out of the three things that's very important to her... so never ever question it ...lol). As I was trying to get Ryeshedia to realize that my friend enjoys challenges and how she's allowing my friend to win not only in spades, but in her mind as well. I reached over touched her hand and made contact and like that ... we locked eyes, and I was able to calm her down and provide her with that needed reassurance " Hey it's all good... We are just here for tonight... you don't owe us any explanation ..." After the evening was over Ryeshedia left and I couldn't even remember her name, but never forgot her face, that smile, that smell, that confidence, and that beautiful personality. After the party I never talked to or saw her again. During that time, I was soooo done with love and was ready to throw in the towel. UNTIL!!!!! A year had passed; and I was not even expecting what would happen next. Text "Aye... you may not remember me and that's cool... My cousin gave me your number... Me: Who is this???? (ready to go off... because I don't play on phones...). Text: I'm going to hit you in a minute. Me: oh hell nawl!! (calling and calling and calling with no answer...) Text: I'm pulling up to the barber shop give me a few minutes... Me: who is this ?!... We finally talked and were able to connect our puzzle pieces. The rest was history. We talked and never stopped talking. We found out that we have so much in common. We talked... We developed boundaries and shared our favorite color. We talked... We open to each other about our darkest secrets and deepest wounds. We talked... We discussed the hard questions and tackled each and every challenge ... We talked... We talked about our needs and wants individually and together... We talked... We talked about our goals and ways to get there and how we can support one another. We talked... We talked about our fears and ways to be one another's light. We talked for minutes. We talked for hours. We talked every day. I mean WE TALKED!!! We never missed a beat. We shared parking lot dates. We were so patient with one another, so kind, so loving. And that's how we met!!!

Wow, the proposal... just the thought alone makes me smile and fill my soul with joy. Unbeknownst to Jasmin the plan to marry her was already decided a year before I actually proposed. Long story cut short and sweet! Jasmin had been speaking on wanting to go to the Grand Canyon since we had been dating. Everytime she would mention it, I would downplay the trip. On year 3; I decided to make this an anniversary trip she'd never forget. This is a place she had been eager to get to, so to me this was the perfect time (especially if she thinks we are only going because she wants to lol.) This was months of planning and secrets with family and friends. Finally going to one of her dream places and she's about to get the surprise of her life. I just had no idea exactly at what point on the trip I'd pop the question. I had all employees on board with my surprise proposal. I was at first going to propose on the private plane tour but... the ride was a little uneasy for babes and even worse for our friend, who was in on filming the surprise but very very afraid of heights. Also not as intimate as I wanted. Next up our Hummer tour... this has to be it! Nervous trying to get it together, the crew help me plan it. They took us to a perfect spot on the last stop. All alone as the group kept walking... gave my friend the phone and said record. This is the perfect place, perfect scenery, perfect time. Sunset proposal... I kneeled on one knee and began speaking from the heart and ended with.... WILL YOU MARRY ME... YES SHE WILL!. I was nervous and thought she knew. She knew absolutely nothing and it showed in her reaction as she cried and hugged me with what felt like her soul. This had me emotional & excited, the heart don't lie so thank you God for the courage to say the words. Thank you Jas for saying YES!