2 Becoming 1

We met at the University of Tennessee at Martin in the fall of 2011. While we both noticed each other's smile, it was Paul who reached out first. He asked about a female the first time he approached me, so I friend zoned him. After a number of interactions, Paul made it clear that he was actually interested in me. We started dating and I was swept off my feet! Paul decided that we were moving too fast and needed a break. I was very upset with him, but I moved on. As time past Paul would randomly reach out to me, but I was still upset with him for “breaking up" with me. In the winter of 2017 I was moved to give Paul another opportunity to prove himself. After dating this time he swept me off my feet once again and proved himself to be worthy of my love. He is everything that I desire in a partner and more! Time had matured us, and we both went through things that made us better adults. Now we are ready for love and commitment created by God. He prayed for me and I prayed for him. I CAN’T wait to be Mrs. Perkins! And have a life full of unconditional love with Paul! I knew we were meant to be!

I was attending UT-Martin starting my 3rd year of college. I spotted Tanika in the game room. I thought to myself “I got somethin’ for her.” So I approached her and asked about her friend. The goal was to have her remember me and my face, because I knew she wouldn't forget a guy who approached her asking about another female. Eventually we starting dating which was my plan all along. While dating I pledged Alpha Phi Alpha; she held me down during my journey to become an Alpha. When I crossed I knew I wasn't ready for the commitment she deserved and wanted, so I had to take a break. Honestly it was to protect her and her feelings. But I never forgot about her as time passed because I knew I let a good one get away. I wasn’t going to let that happen twice in one lifetime. We are completely different people from the people we were when we dated in college, but the moment I heard her voice and saw her in person again I knew she was the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with! So here we are getting married! I call her God’s gift to me!