It started at Benjamin Banneker Academy in Brooklyn, New York where Shakeel and Nia met becoming great friends. "With each new experience, our bond grew stronger and I wouldn't change it for the world" - Shakeel Luke. God continued their journey at Howard University where they both attended college in Washington, D.C. "At Howard, Shakeel gave me the comfort of home, family, safety and security" - Nia Henry. It was not until the end of their college career that they began dating in August of 2013.
On December 31, 2018, Shakeel took Nia to dinner in Manhattan before they headed over the bridge to Dumbo House attending a New Year’s Eve party with friends. 20 minutes before the ball dropped Shakeel mentioned to Nia that her friend Glynn had been looking for her. Glynn directed Nia to entertainment on the rooftop. Shakeel and Nia took the elevator upstairs and when they stepped outside of the doors to the far left there were candles. They walked to the tent where the candles and flowers were set up facing the Brooklyn Bridge alongside the beautiful view of the Manhattan skyline. Shakeel gave her a heartfelt speech before he got down on one knee and asked Nia to be his wife. Of course she said yes! The rest is history.
Nia and Shakeel enjoy traveling together. They have traveled to many beautiful and fun destinations such as Rome & Capri - Italy, Tanzania - African, Curacao, Turks and Caicos, The Dominican Republic, Mexico, Utah Canada, Texas, Boston, The Hamptons, California, Miami and many others. At home they enjoy cooking together, working out, watching docu-series, laughing at/with each other and spending quality time with their dog Maxwell. The couple finds tranquility with walks along trails and in the winter skiing/ice skating. You will often find them in New York/Florida spending time with family & friends.
On May 8, 2021, the couple 'Tied The Knot' amongst friends and family at Morais Vineyard. Loved echoed throughout the day, from Nia walking down the aisle to Shakeel serenaded by a live band singing 'At Last' by Etta James, to everyone participating on the dance floor at the end of the night. "It was like a dream come true, not just because of the celebration. We were able to sit amongst family and friends for the first time since the pandemic" - Nia Henry - Luke. The couple not only had to postpone their wedding, but had to shorten their guest count due to Virginia COVID rules and restrictions. Having a more intimate in person and virtual wedding was not in the cards, but the couple felt very blessed to have a wedding at all. Featured in Essence Magazine, the alteration of plans and hard work was well worth the wedding of their dreams. Check it out below!
During the beginning of May, just days before Mother's Day and celebrating their 3rd wedding anniversary, Shakeel and Nia found out that they were expecting. They were overjoyed and excited.
On Father's Day, the couple shared the amazing news with their family. "June was an amazing month. I found out I was going to be a father, I was able to share that news with our parents and by the end of the month, I heard my son's heartbeat for the first time. The best first Father's Day gift". - Shakeel Luke
Intimately, the couple found out the gender of the baby with a cake cutting celebration in their home. "It's a boy, we were so excited but also surprised. We sat down for about 15 minutes in shock processing what was revealed".
Baby Luke is gift from God. He was manifested and prayed for. After traveling the world together and the couple patiently awaits their new bundle of joy and travel buddy to join them on their journeys.