Our Story
The Beginning
How the Couple Met
As many know, Rose and Rochard met during their junior year at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee on January 5, 2019. They first connected at an informal get-together—sharing laughs and feeling an instant connection (though Rose might still deny it!). After a few run-ins, they realized they had more in common than they thought—both called Broward County, Florida home. By Spring Break, the “friends” went out to breakfast at First Watch in Fort Lauderdale, where conversation flowed and their connection deepened. In April, Rose tagged along while Rochard got his first tattoo (sorry, Mom Chantale!) and gifted him with a few red-colored items for his birthday—his favorite color—even if she swore she wasn’t into him. That summer, Rochard left for a Philadelphia internship while Rose stayed in Tallahassee. Despite the distance, they stayed connected. By August, Rochard returned to campus, and their bond grew stronger. They worked out together, went on runs at Cascade Park, attended church, and showed up at FAMU events as a duo.
Becoming Official
Boyfriend & Girlfriend
October 2019 was Homecoming—if you know, you know! It was clear to friends (and probably themselves) that Rose and Rochard were more than friends. They made memories at parties and events (even landing on the big screen at a comedy show!) and took plenty of photos. That same weekend, Rose’s family met Rochard, and he even scored her stepdad a field pass—knowing football was special to him. A few days later, on a beach trip to Panama City, Rochard asked Rose to be his girlfriend (10.12.19). Though they were both busy—Rochard as SGA President and Rose working full-time and active in multiple campus organizations—they made time for each other and embraced the chaos. By Winter Break, they had met each other’s families and blended in seamlessly. COVID soon hit, but they made the most of lockdown: painting, solving puzzles, picnics, cooking, and finishing classes via Zoom—growing closer every day.
Moving to Atlanta
The Start of Something New
In Summer 2020, Rochard graduated and accepted a full-time job in Atlanta. Rose still had a few more weeks in school, figuring out her next steps. After just eight months as a couple, they took a leap of faith and moved in together—making Atlanta their new home. That first year brought growing pains and transformation, but through every challenge, they remained grounded in love, as Ephesians 3:17 says. They explored their new city—enjoying new food spots, museums, hikes, and road trips to nearby cities. In 2021, Rose began graduate school for Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The shift brought financial challenges, but Rochard held it down so Rose could focus on her future. Those years were intense but filled with purpose—weekly CrossFit workouts, new friendships, beach getaways to reset, and lots of shared dreams. They were building not just a relationship, but a foundation.
Today
Fiancé Era
These days, Rose and Rochard continue to grow—individually and together. They prioritize their health, their faith, their finances (shoutout to Rochard for crushing $30K of debt, and Rose for paying off her student loans!), and their love. Rose often used to say, “When we have a house…” and now, they finally do. After getting engaged in November 2024, they reflected on what really mattered. Instead of planning a big wedding, they chose to invest in a life together—starting with a home that will be full of love and purpose. So, here they are: getting married at a courthouse, surrounded by their immediate family, dressed to impress for photos, and celebrating not just a marriage—but a major milestone.