We met in college...

Our mutual friend Whitney introduced us, knowing I would be a great mentor for Kirstin, as we both studied Engineering at the University of Missouri.  I helped Kirstin get acclimated with campus life and helped her get involved with professional engineering organizations. We shared great experiences together like studying abroad and being on the executive board of the National Society of Black Engineers. After a year of friendship, we saw each other in a new light. We fell in love. And we can't wait to spend the rest of our lives together.

In the jungles of Chiang Mai...

On Wednesday, June 15th, 2016, we were in the jungles of Chiang Mai, Thailand. We were halfway through our 10 day vacation on the other side of the world. Shortly after we finished zip lining at Flight of the Gibbon, the longest zip line in Asia, we ate lunch with our group and took a short hike up a waterfall. When we got to the top we took a break in a wooden chapel-like shelter. While taking in the natural beauty of the waterfall and meditating to the sound of the water, Stephen asked me to dance. We jokingly started slow dancing to no music. The next thing I know Stephen got down on one knee and said, "There's something I have been wanting to ask you for a while now." I was frozen, in shock. While fumbling to get the ring out of his pocket, we both started to tear up. I said "Of course!"

What started as a rainy day...

As rain filled the skies the morning of our wedding, my nerves started to kick in. I checked the weather app every 30 minutes hoping for any sight of blue. The outdoor ceremony of our dreams might get rained out.

"I heard it's good luck for it to rain on your wedding day." -Everyone

Game time...

The moment is here and I wouldn't have it any other way...

We rolled the dice and decided to keep the ceremony outdoors!

Good decision! The rain stopped an hour before the wedding. We even got a little sunshine...

There I was... on the tractor with my closest friends and family.

Clear mind, healthy body, and without a doubt...

I'm ready to marry the woman of my dreams! 

Just moments away...

As I rode the tractor to the ceremony site, I just paused.

I listened to the sound of the wind. 

I watched as we passed countless rows of honey crisp apples.

I allowed the butterflies to flutter throughout my entire body.

This was the last moment I had on this day to really take in the moment with the comfort of my dad.

My big moment...

All eyes on me!

Damn, I look good. All I can do is smile...

I think to myself, "Am I walking too fast?", "I wonder what Kirstin's dress looks like", "wow, I don't know half of these people! My family just got really big!"

This is it! I'm greeted at the alter by my Best Man, Drew. No turning back now... 

I take my place up front and impatiently await to finally see my bride!

He turned around...

Once I took my first step off the tractor, it all became real. The nerves started flooding my body.

I could see all of our loved ones standing, waiting patiently for the moment they would lay their eyes on me. As I walked down the aisle, more than 200 people were staring at me, but all I could do was stare at my husband to be.

When he turned around and smiled at me, all my worries went away. His smile was what I needed to know that this wasn't a dream anymore, it was the real thing. 

The Vows...

Kirstin, in the name of God,

I take you to be my wife from this time onward,
to join with you and to share all that is to come,
to give and to receive,
to speak and to listen,
to inspire and to respond,
and in all our life together
to be loyal to you with my whole being,
as long as we both shall live.

The kiss...

I think to myself, "whoa, was that it? The ceremony... It all happened so fast".  

The Pastor invites me to kiss my bride for the first time as a married couple. As I lean in for the kiss, Kirstin pulled away and stuck her forehead out. I knew exactly what that meant. 

I kissed her forehead, then her nose, then I kissed her lips. So sweet! The sweetest they've ever been.

Is this love?...

Introducing ...

"Jumping of the broom is a leap into a new life as husband and wife...

Jumping of the broom is a symbol of sweeping away the old and welcoming the new.

It represents strength, love, togetherness, loyalty and respect, which is essential for a successful marriage.

In the tradition of our fore parents, even before a preacher was present.

In the spirits of the Holy Spirit, we now jump the broom."

Fly High Stephen! 

Fly High Kirstin!