What started out as a celebratory day, April 12, 2024, the day of my 25th birthday would be one of the most memorable birthdays ever and certainly one for the record. It would turn out to be the birthday that would bring unspeakable joy, dreams realized and prayers

answered.

While I had planned a total pampering day for myself, which included getting my hair done,

getting a manicure (with two of my best gals joining me); and also having a professional makeup session by a make-up artist. I also knew that Leroy had planned a photo shoot with a professional photographer, but had no clue it would lead to a proposal. For me, I thought this was just another photo shoot as we had done in years past, so nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

As I was preparing at home and getting ready for the photo shoot, I noticed Leroy was pacing because the make-up artist was taking longer than expected and it seemed we were going to be late for the scheduled time to meet the photographer. I observed Leroy looking

at his watch so I knew I had to get moving. I got dressed and also made a quick call to my sister, Monae to FaceTime her to make sure my makeup was on point. At this point, I still had no idea the location of the photo shoot, but as always, if I’m with my boyfriend, it’s all

good regardless.

We finally arrive at the location, Habersham Pier for the photo shoot and was greeted by the photographer. After taking many shots and poses, the photographer informs us that the session was over. She then leads us to a path that would take us back to where we had parked our car. Without a second thought, I noticed scattered roses and flower petals on the boardwalk along with a bouquet of roses toward the middle of the pier. At this point, I am still clueless and actually instruct Leroy to pick up the

scattered roses and remove the plastic from the bouquet of roses. Still clueless! The photographer was still taking

shots as the moment went on. I grabbed the bouquet of roses and was joking with Leroy in a childlike manner just having fun. In my time of joking, I had my back turned towards Leroy but then the photographer asked me to turn around. As I did, I noticed Leroy down on one knee with a ring box in his hand. I was in total disbelief and asked him, “Are you for real?!” Leroy replied, “Yes, will you marry me?” Although I heard him there was a range of emotions and all I heard was “Wamp, Whamp, Wamp, Whamp, but it took no time for me to answer him with a resonating “Yes”.

As this birthday celebration continues, which is now also an engagement celebration, Leroy informs me he wanted to stop by a restaurant near by. As we drive there, I’m sitting in the passenger side of the car, mesmerized by this beautiful engagement ring that sparkles on my finger. I’m still admiring this new found ring and a thought strikes me and I ask Leroy, “Wait, did you ask my Dad?” and he replied “Uh, no”, but that turned out to be a false statement as he had already asked my parents for my hand in marriage.

We arrive at the restaurant, greeted by a happy birthday song for me from Leroy’s family. Leroy planned a surprise celebration! As I looked around the room again, I turned around and saw my parents, siblings, my aunt and grandmother. I was overcome by tears and emotions when I saw my 94 year old great-grandmother, Nana. It was at that moment, it finally hit me that this was real, LEGIT!

We all sat and began to eat our dinner as a family and I opened a few birthday gifts. I was then handed an envelope and once opened there was a Jamaican flag inside along with flight details and tickets for a trip to Montego Bay the next day. I thought I would be spending the weekend in Myrtle Beach with Leroy's Mom, Sister and niece for a girls trip but clearly that was not the case anymore! I was truly taken by surprise!

What a wonderful end to the most beautiful day. As Leroy and I paused for a moment of reflection, we both were so thankful for our family and this amazing day and series of events.

We celebrated a little longer with our family but not too long, we realized we needed to get home to pack for our trip to Jamaica and sooner than later start planning for our next big event, our wedding day.

Timeline