Although Shayla and D'Won met for the first time through a mutual friend at a high school medical symposium in Texas in 2007, they became close friends in 2011 when they were studying at Virginia Commonwealth University. Shayla was finishing her undergraduate social work degree and D'Won was starting his graduate studies.

The pandemic of 2020 was unexpected for everyone and so was our blossoming love. Who would have thought that two long-term best friends would fall for each other? She could not resist his charm and he could not refuse her heart.

On a quiet July afternoon, D'Won, looking as suave as can be, popped the question to his beautiful partner, Shayla, with an intimate proposal between the two of them. The next day, D'Won and Shayla left for an adventurous vacation to Chicago, Illinois, where they celebrated the newness of their engagement. With their return a week later, they excitedly shared the news with their friends and family.

First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes baby in a baby carriage.... Just kidding! We aren't looking that far into the future just yet :'-D We are so thankful to all of our friends and family for their support and for sharing this celebration of unity with us! The joy in combining our worlds cannot be understated! We are looking forward to sharing this moment with you!