We're getting married!

It was May 2022, and I had just completed my first season of coaching basketball. I get a call from my cousin (CJ Reed) asking if I want to come to Orlando for our cousin Van Ivey’s birthday celebration. This was a big deal, because it was like being invited to the Oscars for me. I was finally old enough to hang with the big dogs. Over the course of the weekend, I would think it is safe to say I made my presence felt throughout the group of family and friends. The biggest takeaway from this trip were the three moments in which I interacted with my bride to be. Our first interaction was the introduction. It was brief but memorable. It is representative of us today. I was quietly sitting on my computer doing my homework as I was finishing my second masters and she and Van decided to disturb my academic abode and talk about Delta organization details… VERY LOUDLY. I take the chance to introduce myself and make some small talk before I return to knocking out all of my assignments. We hardly speak or interact again except for during one of the birthday outings in which Jina shows her fiery side. She’s barking orders to people left and right, and I was amazed because everyone was listening to her! I recognize the signs of a leader and a boss. Our last interaction was the ‘sign of things to come’ in my mind. It was time to say good bye, and as I got ready to leave and drive back home, Jina proceeded to give me a hug that was a little bit tighter and a little bit longer than how you would hug a “new friend”. (Both arms around my neck… the fellas understand). Fast forward to my first time visiting Miami later that year. It’s time for me to show up and show out again!! This time, the same group had rented a yacht. My little mermaid was black with braids and had on a bathing suit with too much hot pink. I saw her and for some reason, I wanted a picture with her to remember my first time in the water like this. The day ends and when I wake up the next morning, we had went viral! I hadn’t even seen the pictures, but my entire family group chat had. Jina and I hadn’t even exchanged numbers or favorite colors at this point. I saw her again at a party later that same weekend. I poured her drinks and could not stop being absorbed with her beauty and energy. If the party was 4 hours long, we were inseparable for 5. From then on, we continued to talk and see each other up until we knew we needed each other and wanted each other, everyday, all day. #FATD #BARK #CLB #GoCougars

I knew Karl's family before I knew him! I met Van Ivey (Maid of Honor) my freshman year of college at FAMU. May 2022, it was Van's birthday weekend in Orlando, FL. She rented a house and a large group of us stayed together. I never met Karl because he's Van's "baby cousin," but always heard about Cousin Trent (KT's dad). Van and I were planning our sorority line anniversary trip one night and urgently needed to send out a few emails. Karl was doing something on his computer at the table and sparked up conversation with me. I remember talking small talk, but desperately wanted to get this email sent so I could enjoy the rest of my night. The weekend ended and I remember him leaving and gave him a big hug because Van's cousins are my cousins too! September 2022, me, Van and some friends go to Miami for the Orange Blossom Classic (FAMU v. Jackson State). We rented a boat and some of the same faces from Orlando attended- one being Karl. We sailed for a bit, then Karl asked me to take a picture. I asked for HIS phone and said “Sure! Give me your phone” Karl responds "no, a picture with me, come here." We take a series of pictures and continue on about our day. Looking back, Karl definitely plotted to get my attention. The weekend continues and the next day we go to a day party at a lounge. I enter our section and Karl immediately pours me a drink. I love VIP treatment. Next thing you know, he pours me another drink and then we’re dancing. All of a sudden no one else exists in the party. We’re face to face singing to each other until the very last song. Karl post a video on snapchat and then ask me for my phone so he could give me his number . It was so cute, he adds a heart emoji (❣️) I add (💕). I was giddy with excitement and just knew I had to see him again. We leave and are immediately texting each other "where are you going next?" "I want to see you." Karl meets us at a restaurant, Kiki on the River. He texted me when he was outside and says he can't get in because he had on shorts. Me being me, I knew I could get him in. I go to the security guard and tell him my boyfriend is outside with a smile. He gets in (of course!) Karl overheard me, gives me a look and says "so I'm your boyfriend." I smiled. He and I kept the night going and went to another bar with some of the boat crew. I didn't want the night to end. I kissed him goodbye and we parted ways. The next day is the football game at the Dolphins stadium. I texted Karl and he didn't respond. After such a great night, I'm thinking "please don't be THAT guy." Van's family joined us and we all rented a suite at the stadium. I definitely knew I was going to see him, but he didn't text me back. Van comes over and says "your boo is here." I look behind me and he's sitting at a high top table. I'm pissed and trying to figure out why this man is playing games. I make my way to his vicinity and inquire what he's doing. He was doing schoolwork for his second masters. He finishes up and the crew decides to go to the bar outside the suite- I invite him to join. He and I enter back into the suite together and his aunts had joined by then. They let us know they saw pictures of us and how I'm going to be their neice. It was hilarious. This was our first time seeing the pictures and they were SO cute. We looked like a couple. Once again, we stayed by each other's side the entire game ( I have no idea who won). The next day while getting dressed back in the hotel room I asked Van and her sister Bernia about Karl and they gave the stamp of approval. Who gets that intel?! That was all I needed. I knew I liked this man. We met up again later that night and Karl was so inquisitive. He asked me every question under the sun and wanted to really get to know me. He was so intelligent and a great listener. We stayed out until 5am that night.Karl sent me a "Good Morning" text every single day and we facetimed every night. Miami was truly the start of our relationship.

Our love story began in Miami on Labor Day weekend September 2022. It’s also Jina’s favorite domestic city since she was in middle school. We also love Spanish culture. We want to share how special the city is to us with you for our wedding.