Cortez and Deirdree first met at Druid Hills High School as teammates on the track and field team, both competing as throwers. Their bond began as a friendship that continued through college—Cortez attended Tuskegee University while Dee studied at Troy University.

In 2013, they both returned home to Atlanta and chose to give back by coaching at their alma mater. Over the years, their friendship deepened. Cortez balanced military life, an internship at DeKalb Medical, and coaching, while Dee raised her son GJ, all while working and coaching herself. Life presented its share of challenges, but they remained each other’s constant source of support.

In 2018, what began as a solid friendship blossomed into a loving relationship—something they had both quietly desired. Their journey led to an engagement in 2021 and the birth of their son, Elias, in 2022.

Having already walked through many of life’s vows together, Cortez and Deirdree are now ready to enter into a sacred covenant with God through holy matrimony.