The happy couple met a on a social media website called IMVU. It is a 3D virtual reality game/social media where users from around the world communicate. Joell reached out first. Zal, questioned his motives and then happily accepted friendship. J and Z both been great friends since. At the time, they never met in person, but spent countless hours conversing through Skype, text messages and phone calls.

Due to an unfortunate death of an uncle, Joell was on his way from North Carolina to Arkansas. In his mind, it would have been the perfect time to meet Zal in person for the first time. Once his 20hr trip concluded, Zal was there to greet him at his father’s family home. The two grew significantly closer in the past few months in their friendship, but nothing prepared them for what God had in mind. As Joell came to visit Zal one day, they had an in depth conversation: J: While I been visiting you, I been asking God who you were to me. Z: Did you get answer? J: My Wife...? Z’s Mind: (So you hear God now!?) [crickets!] J and Z remained friends after the visit, intentionally putting God first and taking it one step at a time.

Months have passed since their first meeting and Joell and Zal have danced several times around the notion of being official. Joell and Zal were in a deep conversration the day Joell asked Zal to be his lady. Z: I trust you with my life J: I think you are ready to take it to the next level Z: Do what?!

Joell and Zal decided to carve out time in the summer pandemic to meet up with family in Arkansas. Zal flew in from Texas, Joell drove from North Carolina and hung out with Zal's mom, met Zal's friends and family. Joell insisted on driving Zal back to Texas. On the route of his departure he asked Zal to come out side in her job's parking lot. There Joell stood, with two boxes: J: I just want to let you know that I'm not playing any games, and I would like for you to be my misses. Z: (shakes head in a 'yes' motion uncontrollably) Did Zal cry? ... is the sky blue?!