Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Wedding Ceremony

Ceremony

The Shannon Bungalow

Tropical Backyard Vibes

Our Wedding

Her StoryLisa's Perspective Back in 2007, this guy named DeJuan (who I now affectionately call "DJ") appeared in my Facebook inbox out of nowhere. He was charming, witty, and clearly trying his hardest to impress me. It was kind of adorable how hard he was trying, if I'm being honest. We spent that summer hanging out, and I enjoyed his company, but then college called, and I headed back to campus. Life got busy, you know how it goes. For the next FOURTEEN years, DJ and I had this on-again, off-again friendship where we'd chat for a few days or weeks and then drift apart again. No hard feelings, just two people on different paths. Fast forward to my birthday in 2021. My phone lit up with a message from DJ. Nothing unusual there—he'd occasionally pop up to say happy birthday. But this time, I decided to keep the conversation going. Why? I'm still not sure. Maybe I was curious to see where it might lead, or maybe I was finally ready to admit there had always been something special about him. When DJ visited me in Atlanta a few weeks later, something clicked. It wasn't just the old friendship; there was a deeper connection that neither of us could deny anymore. Before I knew it, Kyler and I were packing up our life in Atlanta and moving to Albany to start a new chapter with DJ. Then came the biggest surprise—I was pregnant! DJ embraced the news with such joy and stepped up in ways that confirmed I'd made the right choice in giving us a real chance. On the day of my baby shower, DJ was acting strange—fidgety, distracted, and unusually quiet. I figured he was just nervous about becoming a dad. But as we were about to leave for the shower, he stopped me at the door, took a deep breath, and got down on one knee. His hands were shaking as he told me he didn't want me to give birth to his child without showing his commitment to our relationship. The moment was so perfectly imperfect—especially when he tried to put the ring on my middle finger instead of my ring finger! I couldn't help but laugh as I corrected him, tears of joy streaming down my face. We walked into that baby shower not just as expectant parents but as fiancés. Six days later, our beautiful son Dash was born, and our family was complete. Sometimes the best love stories don't follow a straight line. Sometimes they take detours, pauses, and years of friendship before finding their way to the destination. And I wouldn't change a single moment of our journey. His StoryDeJuan's Perspective I'll never forget the day in 2007 when I decided to slide into Lisa's Facebook inbox. I thought I was being smooth, but looking back, I was far from it. I was young and had more confidence than experience! That summer was cool. We hung out, laughed, and had fun. But then, as quick as it started, Lisa went back to college, and life pulled us in different directions. For the next 14 years, we kept this on-and-off thing going. We'd talk for a few days, sometimes even weeks, and then... nothing. Radio silence. I'd see her updates on social media and think, "Maybe someday..." but never quite had the guts to make a real move. Then came 2021. I don't know what came over me, but I decided to wish Lisa a happy birthday. Honestly, I expected the same old pattern—a brief chat and then back to our separate lives. But something was different this time. She responded... and kept responding. That's when I knew I was "in." Lisa was a free agent, and I wasn't going to waste this second (or hundredth) chance. A few weeks later, I visited her in Atlanta and it felt like no time had passed. The connection was instant and real. By the following year, she and Kyler were moving to Albany to start our lives together. I was terrified and thrilled all at the same time. Then came Dash. Man, when we found out Lisa was pregnant, I knew this was my forever family. I was the happiest man alive. The day of the baby shower, I was a too nervous, rehearsing what I'd say, fumbling with the ring in my pocket, taking way too many shots. Just before we left for the shower, I stopped her at the door. My heart was pounding so hard I knew she could hear it. "Lisa," I said, trying to keep my voice steady, "I don't want you to give birth my child and be just my babymama." I got down on one knee (shakily, I might add) and presented the ring. Man, I tried to put the ring on her middle finger instead of her ring finger! Lisa corrected me with a laugh. Fourteen years after that first Facebook message, she said yes, and we headed off to the baby shower to share our news with everyone. Six days later, our son Dash was born, completing our family in the most perfect way. Some love stories take fourteen years to get to the good part. Ours was worth every minute of the wait. Our StoryThe Journey Together What do you get when you combine a persistent guy, a patient woman, and fourteen years of "maybe someday"? You get us—Lisa and DJ—proof that timing really is everything. Our story began in 2007 with a Facebook message that led to a summer of hanging out. Then came the long stretch—fourteen years of sporadic conversations, brief connections, and lives moving in parallel but separate directions. Neither of us knew that a simple birthday message in 2021 would change everything. Something was different this time. The conversation didn't fade away after a few days. Instead, it grew deeper, more meaningful. From Facebook friends to fiancés with two beautiful children, our journey has been anything but conventional. It took us fourteen years to get from that first message to "yes," proving that some love stories aren't about love at first sight—they're about recognizing your perfect match when the timing is finally right. As we prepare to say "I do," we're grateful for every twist, turn, and detour in our story. Because without them, we wouldn't be where we are today: happy, in love, and excited for all the chapters yet to be written.

A Love Worth Waiting For...

Our Story

Photos

Lakea Daniel

Wilbur Lake

Tammy Boyd

DeVonte Shannon

LaQuana Stowell

Chavius Jackson

Ashley Henry

Brandon Day

Honorary Wedding Party

Event Details Q: What are the wedding colors? Are we required to wear them?A: The wedding colors are all neutral shades - nude, champagne, ivory. You are not required to wear them but encouraged. Q: What time should I arrive at the church?A: Please arrive 15 minutes before the ceremony. The ceremony will be brief, approximately 30 minutes. Q: Where exactly is the ceremony taking place?A: The ceremony will be held in the church foyer, not the main sanctuary. Q: Is there parking available at the church?A: Yes, there is ample parking available in the church parking lot. Q: How do I get from the church to your home for the reception?A: From Mt. Zion Baptist Church, head toward W Oakridge Dr for about 335 ft. Turn right onto W Oakridge Dr and continue for 0.1 miles. Then turn left onto S Westover Blvd and follow it for 2.6 miles. At Gillionville Rd (GA-234), make a left turn and continue for 0.7 miles. Next, turn right onto Whisperwood St and drive for 0.6 miles. Turn right onto Saddleleaf Ave and continue for 492 ft, then make another right onto Devon Dr. Follow Devon Dr for 0.4 miles, and you'll find our home at 1601 Devon Dr on your right. Total travel time is approximately 9 minutes, covering 4.6 miles. We look forward to continuing our celebration with you! Q: Will there parking at your home for the after ceremony event?A: There will be limited neighborhood parking available around our home. We have notified our neighbors about the event, but we kindly ask that you do not block any driveways. If possible, we encourage carpooling to help minimize parking congestion. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation! Q: What time will the reception begin?A: The Caribbean celebration at our home will begin approximately one hour after the conclusion of the ceremony, giving everyone time to travel. Attire &amp; Comfort Q: What should I wear?A: For the church ceremony: Ceremony Elegant attire that is respectful of the setting while remaining comfortable. Please keep in mind that there will be limited seating. Most guests will be expected to stand. For the reception: Resort Casual - think polished yet relaxed, as if you're at an island resort! Q: Will the reception be indoors or outdoors?A: The reception will primarily be outdoors in our backyard. We'll have some covered areas available in case of light rain. Q: Will there be seating for everyone at the reception?A: Yes, we'll have seating for all guests, though we encourage mingling and dancing! Q: What should I do if it rains?A: We have a contingency plan for light rain with covered areas. In case of severe weather, we'll communicate any changes through our wedding website and contact information you provided. Gifts &amp;Registry Q: Do you have a registry?A: Yes! We've created a registry with a few housewares we could use, but we've also included a honeymoon fund if you'd prefer to contribute to our Caribbean getaway. Q: Is it okay to bring gifts to the reception?A: Yes, we will accept gifts at the reception. Q: What do you prefer for gifts?A: Your presence is truly the best gift! However, if you wish to give something, we would especially appreciate contributions to our honeymoon fund to help us create lasting memories as newlyweds. Food &amp; Drink Q: Will there be a full dinner served?A: Yes, we'll be serving a Caribbean-inspired buffet dinner at the reception. Q: Will there be alcohol served?A: Yes, we'll have a selection of beer, wine, and signature tropical cocktails available. Children &amp; Plus Ones Q: Can I bring my children?A: While we adore your little ones, we've decided to have an adults-only celebration to allow all our guests (including parents!) to relax and enjoy the evening. The only exceptions are our children, Kyler and Dash. Thank you for understanding. Q: Can I bring a date/plus one?A: Due to our intimate guest count, we've had to limit plus ones to committed relationships. Your invitation will clearly indicate if a plus one is included. Q: How long will the reception last?A: We plan to celebrate until approximately 9:00 PM. Q: Will there be dancing?A: Absolutely! We'll have Caribbean-inspired music and plenty of space for dancing under the stars. Q: Is the venue accessible for guests with mobility issues?A: Both the church foyer and our home have accessible entrances. Please let us know if you have specific mobility concerns so we can ensure your comfort. Q: What time should I arrive at the after-ceremony event?A: Please arrive at or around 5:30 pm. Photography &amp; Social Media Q: Can I take photos during the ceremony?A: We respectfully ask that you refrain from taking photos during the ceremony so that you can be fully present with us. Our photographer will capture these moments, and we'll be happy to share them. Q: Can I post photos on social media?A: We welcome you to share photos from the reception on social media using our wedding hashtags: #SweetShannonigans #DJLisaLoveStory Q: Will you share professional photos after the wedding?A: Yes! We'll share a digital album of selected photos with all our guests after we receive them from our photographer. Contact Information Q: Who should I contact if I have questions before the wedding?A: Please reach out to Lakea Daniel at [229) 485 - 9512 with any questions. Q: Who should I contact on the day of the wedding if I'm running late or have an issue?A: Please contact Lakea Daniel at (229) 485 - 9512 if you have any issues on the wedding day. Q: How do I RSVP?A: Please RSVP by May 21st through our wedding website at theknot.com/lisaanddejuan.

Q + A

Accommodations While we don't have enough out-of-town guests to secure a room block at a host hotel, we want to ensure your stay is convenient and comfortable. Below are several accommodation options located close to both our ceremony and after-ceremony event. We recommend booking early as Albany hotels can fill up quickly. Please feel free to contact us if you need any additional recommendations or assistance with your travel arrangements.

Hampton Inn &amp; Suites Albany at Albany Mall is a 3-star property located in Albany. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi throughout the property. The rooms in the hotel are equipped with a TV and free toiletries. All American Fun Park is 4 miles from Hampton Inn &amp; Suites Albany at Albany Mall. Southwest Georgia Regional Airport is 6.8 miles from the property.

Hampton Inn & Suites Albany At Albany Mall

Holiday Inn Express &amp; Suites Albany provides flawless service and all the necessary facilities for visitors.Stay connected with your associates, as complimentary Wi-Fi is available during your entire visit.When arriving by car, you'll be grateful for the on-site complimentary parking at hotel.The hotel offers reception amenities including luggage storage and safety deposit boxes to ensure a comfortable stay for guests. Whether it's an extended stay or simply needing fresh attire, laundromat, dry cleaning service and laundry service provided by hotel ensures your cherished travel garments stay spotless and accessible.The hotel's daily housekeeping ensures an excellent option for your stay. To ensure the well-being and convenience of all visitors, smoking is strictly prohibited throughout the entire hotel.Smoking is permitted solely in the specified smoking zones allocated by hotel.In order to ensure the utmost level of relaxation, the guestrooms feature an inviting design and are equipped with all basic necessities, creating a delightful stay experience.To ensure your satisfaction, certain rooms in the hotel come fitted with air conditioning for a more pleasant stay.In select rooms, visitors can enjoy a touch of amusement with the availability of daily newspaper, television and cable TV for their entertainment needs.Within specific rooms, a refrigerator and a coffee or tea maker is conveniently available for your use. Understanding the significance of bathroom facilities in enhancing visitor contentment, hotel offers a hair dryer and towels within a few chosen chambers. Each day, arise to a delightful complimentary morning meal at Holiday Inn Express &amp; Suites Albany. How about kicking off each day of your getaway with a delicious cup of coffee? At the hotel, relish in the invigorating taste of a freshly brewed, excellent coffee. Various excellent meal offerings at hotel ensure that enticing and easily accessible options are constantly available. Throughout the day, engage in the entertaining activities available at Holiday Inn Express &amp; Suites Albany.Unwind by the pool at hotel and cherish a leisurely moment.Guests who enjoy maintaining their fitness regimen while on holiday can visit the fitness center provided by hotel.

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Albany by IHG

Fairfield Inn &amp; Suites by Marriott Albany is offering accommodations in Albany. With a fitness center, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The property comes with an outdoor pool and is located 3.7 miles from All American Fun Park. The rooms in the hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV with cable channels. All rooms will provide guests with a desk and a coffee machine. Fairfield Inn &amp; Suites by Marriott Albany offers a buffet or continental breakfast. Free private parking and a business center are available, as well as a 24-hour front desk. Southwest Georgia Regional Airport is 7.5 miles from the property.

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Albany

Courtyard by Marriott Albany features a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, a restaurant and bar in Albany. With free WiFi, this 3-star hotel offers room service and a 24-hour front desk. The property is allergy-free throughout and is located 3.8 miles from All American Fun Park. Southwest Georgia Regional Airport is 7.5 miles away.

Courtyard by Marriott Albany

Located 3.7 miles from All American Fun Park, TownePlace Suites by Marriott Albany offers 3-star accommodations in Albany and features a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center and a shared lounge. The property provides a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi is available throughout the property. The hotel offers a buffet or continental breakfast. Southwest Georgia Regional Airport is 7.5 miles away.

Lisa + DeJuan

Lisa + DeJuan

Honorary Wedding Party