From the Groom:
Sometimes the best gifts you receive are the ones you never asked for or went looking for. For me this is very much the case. I was working and trying to get my life in order. One day Lakea's facebook account came up as people I know. So I ignored it a couple times then one day I said let me check her out and ended up send a friend request. She was looking good and we had common friends so I decided to send her a DM. Yes "started in the DMs." After conversing we exchanged numbers and we decided to go on a date to test the waters. The first date we went on was to Gordon Biersch in Harbor East. It sucks that it closed in 2021 but we are excited because the new Bar One Restaurant will be opening up at the location so we can still have date nights there. After many dates and outings , I decided to surprise Lakea and made her believe we were going out to celebrate my cousin's birthday. On February 16, 2020, I took Lakea to the Ampersea Restaurant and got down on one knee. It was the absolute best day. If you would’ve told me 4 1/2 years ago that we would be getting married, I would think you were joking. But oh how grateful I am that it is true.
I saw Bryan a few times in passing at work over the years and thought he was really attractive but I never actually mustered up any strength to speak (I’m really shy). At some point he began to pop up on my Facebook as people you may know and I even glanced at his page (without requesting lol). I’m like ohhh ok, I like his style lol. A few weeks later he actually sent me a friend request.
He hopped in my DM, sparked a lil convo and we agreed to meet up. The first date was like we had known each other for years, I’ll never forget how I felt after the first date. I can count on one hand how many days that have passed over the years where we haven’t been in each other’s presence. As time went on, my love for him surpassed what I imagined it could ever be. We’ve traveled, wine and dined, challenged each other (for the better), and embarked on the journey of parenthood, with him also taking on the role of being a bonus dad—which I admire the most. I would have never thought I’d be in the position I’m in right now, as I type this —planning the rest of my life and a wedding with my forever person.
I decided to surprise Lakea and made her believe that we were going out to celebrate my cousin's birthday. On February 16, 2020, I took Lakea to the Ampersea Restaurant in Harbor East and got down on one knee in front of some of our closest family and friends. It was the absolute BEST DAY. If you would’ve told us 4 1/2 years ago that we would be getting married, we would have definitely thought you were joking. But oh how grateful we are that it is true!