Kristine Nicole Gray(Kris) was born in California, raised by her parents with her brother in Antioch, TN before moving to Lavergne, TN where she graduated from Lavergne High School. She currently lives in Nashville and works for the State of Tennessee where she has been the last 14 years. She loves cooking, being creative with crafts, camping, boating & fishing as well as karaoke (but only in the privacy of her home!) Pernell James Jackson Jr. (James to some and P or Goon to others) was born and raised by his parents in Orlando, FL along with his 3 brothers. He graduated from West Orange High School before going off to Northwood University-where he earned a bachelor's degree in Business Management. He moved to Nashville in 2008 where he eventually found his love for hospitality. He is currently the Purchasing manager with the Omni hotel-located downtown Nashville. He loves fishing, watching sports, shooting pool and exercising. How They Met- March 2018 They met at a local convenience store where they had what felt like 10 minutes of back-and-forth eye contact and smiling. After Kris went in and came out of the store, Pernell was still there...SMILING. He finally approached her and that’s when all of the basic conversation began (what’s your name, how old are you, do you have kids, a job, ETC). He knew she was nervous because she kept looking over her shoulders and scanning the area. After he called her out about it-she quickly regained her composure, they exchanged numbers, went on their first date at Logan's Roadhouse and have been inseparable ever since! They became 1st time homeowners when they purchased their first home together in Nashville in November 2019. The Proposal While Pernell and Kris's daddy were out on one of their many fishing trips, Pernell asked him for his permission to take her hand in marriage. He got an ecstatic GREEN LIGHT and his plans were set in motion! June 21,2020-Father's Day During their visit with her parents on Father’s Day- her entire family (like most) resorted to Zoom calls during the uncertain times of Covid. Well, unknown to Kris (obviously because otherwise she would have taken off the sunglasses and wore a cute outfit!) - but everyone else was in on Pernell's big surprise. At the end of the Zoom call as all the family were wrapping up and saying their goodbyes, Kris's parents ensured any and all attention was diverted to Pernell. It was at that moment when he stood up, took a letter out of his pocket, looked her in her eyes as he called her by her full name. He was quite nervous as his hands and voice appeared to be shaky. He began reading what he wrote from his heart, got down on one knee and asked her hand in marriage. She screamed YES- tears of joy poured down her face (maybe the sunglasses weren't so bad after all!) After 5 amazing, love-filled years together- we are excited to celebrate our big day with our loved ones.