Nia and Marcus met during undergrad studies at Kennesaw State, where they shared campus jobs as orientation leaders. They had several mutual friends, and would see one another often in passing on campus or other social occasions. Their interactions were friendly and cordial, until one kiss (on the forehead) changed the game. One summer day, as Marcus was hosting a recruiting event for an organization, Nia introduced him to several prospective students that were interested in joining the organization. As the two of them greeted, Marcus gave her a hug, and then a kiss, on her forehead. The motion was so natural he almost didn’t notice, until Nia gave him a perplexed look saying ‘did you just kiss me?’ - to which he replied ‘well, yes… I did’. Like the Sade song, it was that “Kiss of Life”, the moment of coincidental attraction, that made them look at each other differently. Later that summer, they spent an afternoon together for the first time, eating popcorn and watching Ferris Bueller’s Day Off - where Nia subsequently dozed off within the first hour of the film. Needless to say, Marcus was head over heels for her. The two began dating months later and, aside for a brief time away, haven’t looked back. Nia and Marcus love to travel, cook together, garden, and spend time with their favorite (and only) godson Isaiah. They both live and work in the Atlanta area, where they are currently building their first home in Decatur. Most important in their 6+ years of dating has been their devotion to each other and God - who has been their foundation since they were children. Nia and Marcus are extremely excited for this next chapter in life, and can’t wait to celebrate with you - their amazing family and friends!

The proposal for Marcus and Nia was all about the couple’s favorite warm weather activity - picnics in the park. They enjoy this outdoor activity so much that picnics have become a normal date plan, especially in the world of COVID. That was exactly what Marcus had in mind as he thought about the best way to tell his best friend that he would love nothing more than to spend the rest of their lives together. For the proposal, Pendleton King Park in Marcus’ hometown, Augusta, GA had the perfect amount of picnic greenspace, tree shade, and even a beautiful garden. As the two finished their mid-October picnic of sub sandwiches, prosciutto and cheese crackers, homemade jam, and champagne, they went for a walk around the park. While taking a stroll, a nearby event was playing the song ‘Lost Without U’ by Robin Thicke, and Nia thought for a split second, “Is this the moment”? Her thoughts quickly went elsewhere as they walked into the walled Sunken Blue Garden in the park. While in the garden, Marcus spoke from his heart about their life together, looked in her eyes, took two steps back, kneeled, and asked, “Nia Moyer, will you marry me?” From what seemed like another regular picnic date turned into the moment that Nia would say ‘YES!’ to forever with her best friend.