It was 6 a.m. when we woke up, the early morning light streaming through the window, casting a soft glow on the room. We didn’t need words; we just stared at each other, knowing that today was the day we’d talked about so many times before.

The morning was calm, warm with a gentle 75-degree breeze that made the air feel just right. I could already feel the excitement building as we got out of bed. Kiayra, always full of energy, was on the phone with her best friend, laughing and chatting away. I smiled at her, listening to her joyful voice as I stepped into the shower.

The cool water refreshed me, but as I dried off, I felt goosebumps rise on my skin, a mix of nerves and anticipation. Across the hall, I heard the soft sounds of Christian music playing, filling the house with a sense of peace. My heart settled as I listened, grateful for the calming presence.

I got dressed and made sure I didn’t catch a glimpse of Kiayra’s dress—she had promised me it would be a surprise. She was busy in the other room, taking out her curls, her energy practically radiating from her as she sang along to the music. The joy in the air was infectious.

By 7:06, we had a moment to talk, and just then, Kiayra’s mom arrived, dressed in our wedding colors. She reminded us of the time, and that’s when we realized there was no way we could get everything done on time. Kiayra still needed to do her makeup, and we had a lot to grab in a short amount of time.

Without saying a word, we both jumped into action, grabbing everything in sight. Earrings, shoes, the rings, makeup bags, clothes—everything we’d used to get ready was tossed into our bags. It was a mad rush, but we knew we couldn’t waste any more time.

We dashed downstairs and jumped into the car, hoping to beat the clock. The drive was only 38 minutes, but with traffic, we knew the later it got, the worse it would be. At 7:24, we pulled out of the driveway, hearts racing. By 7:58, we had made it—but not without a few hiccups along the way.

In our hurry, I realized I’d left my running shoes behind. Then, the worst part—we’d forgotten the rings. Panic set in, but we pushed through, knowing we were almost there. We pulled up to the courthouse and were greeted by the Ariths, their warm smiles a comforting sight.

Inside, the process was slower than expected—there was a training session happening, which meant we had to wait a bit longer than we’d hoped. But even as time ticked away, I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed with emotion. The car ride had been filled with songs of praise, and Kiayra’s voice lifted my spirit. By the time we were at the counter, I was holding back tears.

When the moment finally came, Kiayra went to change, and I waited for her in anticipation. The room was transformed, looking like a beautiful wedding venue. When she walked in, time seemed to stand still. She was breathtaking. My heart skipped a beat as I saw her, more beautiful than I could have ever imagined.


And just like that, we were married.


Now, as we look ahead, we are filled with joy and gratitude for the journey we’ve started. Today marks the beginning of a new chapter—one that we will walk through hand in hand, united as one.