It all started at Chowan University! But not how you would expect…we actually never had a conversation while on campus. Not a Hi or Bye! Somehow 6 years later we connected on FaceBook. It started with a DM from Jake saying “Hey! How’ve you been? Long time no see” from there it was the start of a friendship that I never knew I needed. In the beginning we both friend-zoned each other. Like legit friend-zoned! LOL!
I did a photo shoot with him and it was strictly business. He attempted to meet up afterwords, but at that time the zone was HEAVY, lol. We had different views and different perspectives towards things, But somehow we always met in the middle. Respect was always present. The desire to stretch one’s perspective on either side was present in those conversations of us getting to know one another.
One thing that stood out to me that made me shift where I placed him in my life is the moment he told me that he didn’t have a desire to possess me and that even together we should be separate beings encouraged to succeed at the individual goals we set for ourselves.
He sent me messages to motivate me on the days that I just didn’t have it to keep going. He would treat me to lunch or dinner with a surprise CashApp. If I said I needed something, the next day or two there would be an Amazon box on the front door with the very thing I said I needed.
He reassured me that everything I desired to accomplish would happen. He supported the new journey I found myself on and the LOVE grew from there. He knew my love language and everyday strived to make sure I knew he cared. He wasn’t afraid to be vulnerable with me, because daily I made sure to reciprocate the same care and love he gave to me. It was (& is) EASY to love him for simply being him.
We went from messaging each other on Facebook to talking for hours daily. VA to GA is quite a distance. Finally, I allowed him to pay me a visit LOL & from there all of the feels were amplified and we knew we didn’t want to do life without one another.
He was God’s promise fulfilled in my life after the worst season I ever endured. He was everything I prayed for and SO MUCH more. So once we were OFFICIAL, that transition happened and shortly after HE PROPOSED-the most beautiful and unforgettable moment EVER!
He has made me the happiest I have EVER been in my ENTIRE life. If this is what life with him feels like..I can only imagine what a lifetime of love will unfold in this new journey together, as Husband and Wife!
NOVEMBER 27, 2021 is a day we will never forget!
I wish you all could have been there!
Was I surprised? YES!
Did I suspect something was up? YES, but clearly I was wrong & right at the same time! LOL! I thought he was going to propose on Christmas or New Year’s day. Then this party came about and I started to think my family was plotting.
Did I know Jake had the ring? YES! I was asking a million questions. I went ring shopping after he had already purchased the ring (I was unaware at this point.) Told my sister Charm about a ring I had fallen in love with. She freaked out, mom got worried and so did Jake. Finally he told me he already bought the ring(s). He calls me “Madness Roberson” to this day, LOL! Mom and Jake had to do a lot to make sure it was the right ring & by the time the proposal happened it was!
I was told that I would be hosting a surprise party for my stepdad William. I thought it was the craziest thing, because he celebrated his birthday In OCTOBER! But my family gathers just to gather on many occasions, so I let it go. I felt like my mom and Jake were setting up the proposal at this point, but the closer it got to the party the more and more they made it about my stepdad. So much so that they put me in charge of getting him to the party!!! I had no idea how I was going to do that! (If you see a random purple suitcase in the photos…that’s what I used to get him to come inside)
Jake was supposed to be the DJ and I was asked to read accolades…none of which happened!
The day of the proposal Jake was very distant. Awkwardly distant, so of course I was side eyeing him. He left my sisters house early to set up for the party. I didn’t think twice about it. I knew he had equipment and needed to test the room. I got dressed, and was dropped off at my parents house to get William to his “Surprise Party.” I left my suitcase outside in the driveway, so that he could put it in the car to take it out at the clubhouse down the street.
I get a call from my sister Charm that they need more time to set up, so I’m stalling. My stepdad hates being late, and on time is LATE in his book. Finally, I get the text that they are ready. I yell upstairs to William and he comes down immediately. We get to the car and I ask him to put my suitcase in the trunk,lol!
We drive 2 mins up the street and I tell him I need to help mom set up for something and asked if he could help me by bring my suitcase in. I’m greeted by my friend Daonne as I’m looking confused, because I’m not sure which way they want me to come in with William. She guides us in and it’s a completely dark room. I think NOTHNG of it because it’s suppose to be a surprise for him.
The closer I get to the back door I hear my favorite song “Wait” being sung by my brother Kiel. William tells me to go in front of him and at that point I knew that this was the moment that would change my life FOREVER!
I saw Jake standing at the end of the isle of candles and rose petals in a heart and the tears start flowing! Of course as I’m crying I call him out on avoiding me, LOL!
As I get closer I see the tears rolling down his face and I break down even more. In this moment, I believe we both are in a state of being overwhelming grateful that we found one another.
I realize how many people are actually there once I pull myself together. 50, if not more of my close friends and family were there! I broke down again, because their presence made it all the better.
I turned back to Jake and as I looked into his eyes I new his heart was pure and his words were genuine. His nerves definitely got the best of him, because I have a talker on my hands,lol. Although his words were few, what mattered most was the decision he made months ago to ask me to be his wife.
His exact words were “If you will have me, Judy Rochelle Roberson, I would love for you to be my wife. Judy, will you marry me?” I said “YES!” As I excitedly reached my hand towards him while he was on one knee to place this BEAUTIFUL engagement ring on my finger!
The moment that our lives changed forever will be remembered ALWAYS. We are looking forward to becoming Mr. & Mrs. Butts!
THANK YOU to my mommy for all she did to make sure it was a memorable day for us. THANK YOU to Tee Jones for her event services. The decorations were beautiful! Kaiyon Courtney and Clarence Jones THANK YOU for capturing this very special moment through videography and photography.
#nothingButtslove
@fancyschmancydecoreandevents
@_kaiclutch