We're getting married!

It all began the summer of 2010 on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. We met at NASAP Student Leadership Institute, which is a student leadership conference for HBCU students. We were naturally drawn to one another because we were both Georgia natives and the presidents of our student government associations. At the end of this week long conference, Antonio told Ashlee that if she ever moved to Atlanta, he would marry her. 10 years later and the rest is history.

Antonio wanted to surprise Ashlee and wanted the proposal to include all of Ashlee's favorite things - family, friends, tulips, and their first date location, Tom, Dick and Hank. To pull this off, Antonio convinced Ashlee to attend Atlanta's annual Juneteenth parade which was no easy feat because Ashlee hates parades. Antonio promised Ashlee lunch if she come to the parade. As the parade began, and Ashlee stood in the correct space (very hard, trust me), people began to bring individual tulips to Ashlee. Ashlee was confused at first but appreciative because tulips are Ashlee's favorite flower and Antonio hadn't bought her any in months (She was RED HOT #AntonioVoice). Unbeknownst to Ashlee, the people giving her flowers, were friends or family of Antonio that she had yet to meet. Antonio set up an order that would keep Ashlee from being alarmed but would also incorporate Ashlee's favorite flowers and the importance of HBCU's in their love story. Soon Ashlee began to recognize the people giving her the tulips and noticed the pattern of people wearing HBCU paraphernalia. With tears in her eyes, she finally saw Antonio, approaching on a parade float decorated with their respective HBCU gear holding endless amounts of flowers. Stopping the largest Juneteenth Parade in the world for 5 mins, Antonio popped the question and the crowd of hundreds erupted in cheers when Ashlee said Yes. Antonio, Ashlee, family and friends then rode off on the float to the restaurant that Ashlee and Antonio had their first date, Tom, Dick and Hank. Similar to the parade float, the restaurant was decorated to celebrate the newly engaged couple. The moment was priceless.