We started this journey meeting through an introduction by our mutual church friend, Will Murray, who suggested a blind date after me sharing dating discernment prayer requests the umpthteenth time in Men's group. So Will sent me Rebecca’s Instagram via WhatsApp in January 2021. I thought she was amazing, seemed so interesting, and really beautiful. At the same time he had told her about this charming South African guy from Will’s men’s group, and that he had a feeling we’d be a good match.

But she never heard from her mystery man, I wrote down in my weekly planner to reach out to ‘Will’s contact’ (Rebecca) for a few weeks, but that contact didn't happen, as I traveled away, lost focus, and we never connected when I returned.* She’ll say I fumbled it, but I say that God was working on both of us individually for a while longer.

Luckily, after some months, through a dating app we were both reluctantly on at the same time, this Cali Queen with Ghana roots living in New York City, and this Washington DC-born South African/eSwatini King chilling 20 minutes across the water in New Jersey, were faithfully matched together (it had to be a sign! God’s timing is never wrong). However, we didn't know we were each other’s blind date Will tried setting up months before.

We chatted back and forth, sending cute, flirty messages, and once I got her number, I asked her out. That night on September 10, 2021 at BLVD Bistro on 116th in Harlem, NY, we talked and laughed and got to know each other over some good food & drink.. Midway through the conversation, we realized that we both went to the same church and that we both knew a guy named Will ! “Wait, are you the South African guy Will told me about?” She said. “No way, this is your Instagram?” (I pull up Will’s WhatsApp message from 9 months ago)

As we were about to leave, I asked the busboy to take the first picture below, which we sent to Will, who was astonished that we had been brought back together after the blind date in January, which didn't happen!

But there was something special about Rebecca… and how we were brought back together. I made a promise to myself to really give this the best chance to succeed. She’s really sweet, and I’m confident I can be the best boyfriend she’s ever had. Take the risk, no pressure. Hours passed, and it was getting late, as the loud music began to die down, and it was time to go our separate ways.

I made a standard earlier that year to always bring nice flowers to my first dates, but this night, I was running out of time as I nervously drove across the GW bridge and didn't want to be late #FirstImpressions. So, after dinner, I offered to drive her to her apartment, and I promised her that if we had a second date, she’d get her flowers (which she got some days later).

Fast forward four years, it’s been a beautiful, multifaceted journey of: laughter, growth, tears, adventure, passion, care, thoughtful conversations, “I love you’s”, “I’m sorry’s”, vulnerability, giving grace, dancing to Afrobeats, Yebba, 90’s slow jams, rapping to Kendrick & Glorilla, rocking out to Coldplay, worshipping at Maverick City Music concerts, doing devotionals, slow-dancing in random places, having date nights, charcuteries & chicken tenderloins, Chit Chat, Katz Deli, volunteering, prayer, traveling (only with Delta because she won't fly anything else!), affirmations, appreciating our uniqueness, and all the intentionality to get us to today – happily a few moments away from being husband and wife and entering a special new chapter...

This day is as much about us as it is about every person we care about in our lives who played a role in loving on us, maturing us, and guiding us to be great partners to each other. We appreciate you for supporting us in the first leg of this long journey #TheMarathonContinues

It all began on a Friday night in Harlem, as I rushed to BLVD Bistro—a soul food gem with pulsating music and shrimp and grits that could change your life. I was on my way to meet “Kevin T.” for the first time, a guy I knew little about beyond a few engaging chats on a dating app. I’ll admit, I was running late (I had a habit of doing that on first dates, but this time, I pushed it a little). I ran across the street and into BLVD Bistro, where I was greeted by a man with a captivating smile, rocking a Simone Biles T-shirt.

Despite the DJ blasting music across the room, our conversation flowed effortlessly. And I found myself sharing things I’d usually keep close to my chest (or until perhaps, date 2 or 3)—personal details, intimate stories—but somehow, it all felt so natural, like he saw me for who I truly was. Between cocktails and appetizers, we discovered we both went to the same church. Oh, and he was South African. And then, the moment of clarity struck. “Do you know Will?”

Let’s rewind seven months.

A few months before meeting Kevin, my sister mentioned that her friend Will wanted to introduce me to someone. He had a gut feeling, one he’d trusted before when pairing up two other couples who eventually got married. All I knew was that this guy was South African. No other details. Naturally, I brushed it off, and carried on with life—until September 10, 2021. We’d been brought together, not by a random encounter, but through a Hinge date. It was clear to both of us—this moment in Harlem was no accident, and even though Will had tried to set us up months earlier, God had ensured we met when we were meant to.

We talked for hours that night, and when he offered to take me home, we kept chatting. In that moment, I knew he was something special.

I had never met anyone so thoughtful. Whether it was surprising me with balloons on the day I started my new job, or gifting me a custom Lakers shirt when I confessed I didn’t have a favorite sports team (he picked the Lakers for me, lol ), he paid attention to the small things—things I didn’t even realize I’d mentioned.

It’s been over three years since that night, and those years have been filled with growth, learning, laughter, and adventure with my best friend. There are few people in this world with whom I feel like I can truly be myself—my ratchet rap-loving, charcuterie-obsessed, and ridiculously sensitive self. Kevin has embraced every part of me and continues to discover new layers every single day. In turn, I’ve had the privilege of discovering all the incredible things that make him who he is—he’s one of the funniest, kindest, and most fun-loving people I’ve ever known. And let’s not forget, he’s a secret Coldplay fan (even though he’ll never admit just how much), a connoisseur of chicken tenderloins, an early riser who crushes morning workouts, and a passionate advocate for financial empowerment. If you didn’t know about Earn Your Leisure or Investfest before meeting Kevin, you’ll certainly be an expert by the time you leave!

Before Kevin, when I used to talk to my girlfriends about the qualities I looked for in a partner, I’d always say, “someone who is kind.” Now, I feel like I’m marrying the walking embodiment of kindness. I’m so grateful and in awe of what God has done. We’re so excited for this next chapter, and we’re overjoyed to have you all here as a part of this journey with us!