WE STILL DO!

We met at our childhood best friend's house August 25, 2007. My best friend and his best friend are cousins. I had just graduated high school May 2007 and we were having a celebration before we left for college. About 30 minutes after the party started Clyde walked in. I found out months later that he knew I was going to be at the party. It was a one sided blind date! He saw a picture of me earlier that day and planned to come back that night to meet me. That night we talked and I gave him my number. It took him a week to call me! We started hanging out. He would come to my house everyday! Even after I hinted to him that he didn't have to come EVERYDAY! Two years later we had our first son Jailen and we got married. Two years after that came Clyde III (Tre), then 18 months later came Emery. Over the years we have overcome many trials. After ten years of marriage we can still look at each other and say... I Still Do!

Way back in August 2007, one of my best friends told me about a back-to-school party that his cousin was having. He mentioned that her friends would be there and how single they were. He showed me a picture with the four of them on it and one stood out—Jasmine. When I saw her I invited myself to the party so I could my work my magic. When I get there I realize that it wasn’t a party, just a get-together with the four ladies, my homeboy, and I. So, I did what I do best—made everybody laugh and supplied some of the party goods. By the end of the night Jasmine had given me her phone, on a piece of paper. I intentionally waited 3 days before I called her, but when I did she was hooked..lol. We instantly clicked and vibed and have seen each other almost everyday since that first phone call. #JC

After a couple of years of dating, we decided to get married. We did not have a lot of money and resources for a wedding. Our marriage counselor at the time suggested that we have a small ceremony in the pastor's office with our parents and two of our closest friends. Little did I know... Clyde and a group of our amazing church members were planning a surprise wedding! I had no clue what I was walking into on my wedding day. Deacon Carter walked me and my mom over to the Community Center and there is a room full of people. To be honest, I didn't even know most of the people who attended my wedding. My mom walks down the aisle first then it was my turn. My friend Ivy was the one who walked me down the aisle. The whole time we're whispering to each other, "Who are all these people?" "What is going on?" I finally make it to the alter and we say our "I do's". I'm still in shock at this point, because there is food and cake prepared and gifts on the table in the back! It was a beautiful ceremony...Did I mention we didn't have to pay for any of it? Yes! A Free Surprise Wedding! If anyone who was at the first wedding or had any part in the preparation is reading this I want to say again.. Thank You! Since it was a surprise to me, my mom, and all my family and friends, a lot of you were not able to make it. I apologize. My dear sweet husband had his heart in the right place, but a few people felt left out. Its okay! Guess what? You get to witness us do it all over again!