We're Getting Married!

This love story began at Oakwood University before Ebony and Wendel even met. Esté (Ebony's older sister) and Marc (Wendel's eldest brother) knew each other! While to this day, Ebony can't remember the exact moment they met, Wendel recalls the occasion as the annual Back to School Party. The celebration was moved to the skating rink "due to inclement weather." Ebony and Wendel had connected on Twitter during the summer (which she remembers in great detail) and greeted each other with a side hug! The friendship continued to flourish, primarily on social media. Then, Ebony took a Calculus class. For those of you who don't know, Wendel is a math genius. Ebony remembered that he offered his help if she needed it (and she did), so she took him up on that offer! If you know Ebony, you know she couldn't care less about math. She just wanted to pass. She had plenty of friends who'd be willing to help with homework. Numerous websites could aid in the effort. So why did she turn to Wendel? Because he was cute! Ebony began praying for her future husband at the start of that year. She started a prayer journal and asked God to bring him into her life, work on his heart, and ensure he was ready for her -- in mind and spirit. Then Ebony and Wendel became friends. Unfortunately, Ebony had to drop Calculus, and additional factors kept them from developing a deeper friendship. She didn't think much of it then, but God had indeed brought Ebony her husband. It just wasn't the right timing. That part comes later!

Ebony and Wendel were still in the Huntsville area nearly three years later. They even attended the same church. One Saturday evening, Wendel texted Ebony asking to hang out and finally "get to know each other better." They often spoke about doing this but never got around to it. It sounded like a great idea! When Tahlia (Ebony's best friend) heard the news, she began to tease Ebony. What Ebony didn't know was that Wendel was single again! Now that this was brought into perspective, Ebony was excited too. Was this going to be a date? Was she nervous? Wendel and Ebony went on their first date at Pieology in Huntsville. They met at 7 PM, sat and ate until closing at 9 PM, and stood outside talking in the parking lot until 1 AM... in November. Ebony and Wendel have been texting and FaceTiming ever since. They went on fun dates, brought each other food when the other was busy or sick, and watched a lot of Disney+ and Netflix together! On March 5, 2020, Wendel asked Ebony to be his girlfriend after having brunch for dinner. Obviously, she said yes!

In June 2020, Wendel relocated to Melbourne, FL, for a great job opportunity. The long-distance put their relationship to the test. Even the nightly FaceTime calls, creative virtual date nights, and weekend trips once a month weren't enough. The two love birds quickly knew they wanted to be reunited, but they didn't know how. In August 2021, Ebony landed the opportunity of a lifetime and relocated to Melbourne, FL, for the job of her dreams. She would be able to work in marketing AND be reunited with her love! Since then, the two have been living their best lives -- holding true to their motto, "every night is date night," making every moment one to remember.

On April 30, 2022, Ebony and Wendel had plans to have the best weekend ever! They started the day at the gym. Later that afternoon, they went to the nail salon for manicures and pedicures. After having devotion and watching a few YouTube videos, they got ready for a great night on the town. It was time for dinner and a show at Heidi's Jazz Club for an upscale evening of fine dining, live music, and dancing! When they parked at home, Wendel proposed they end the evening by watching a movie. But when he opened the door, the apartment was decorated with rose petals, balloons, pictures of their favorite memories, and a beautiful marquee sign spelling out "Marry Me." Wendel had Tommy (his older brother) and Victoria (his sister-in-law) sneak in to decorate while they were out at dinner. He even made sure all close friends and family were on FaceTime for the big moment. Wendel asked, and Ebony said yes. (Plus, they got great photos and videos.) Nothing could have made the night more perfect. And now we're here... Cheers to forever!