Dear Friends and Family,

We hope this message finds you well. It is with heavy hearts that we share some important news regarding our wedding. Due to unforeseen circumstances, we have made the difficult decision to postpone our celebration to August 9, 2025.

Our love story is unique, powerful, inspiring, and one of a kind. For many, it’s a wedding ceremony, but for us, it’s an opportunity to embrace our unique life experience. We see love and life through a lens that many in our generation do not. We want to celebrate in a way that represents our love story, a story that our children and family will forever cherish. While we are saddened by the change that was out of our control, we are at peace knowing that what is to come with the new date will be exactly how we envisioned and dreamed.

August 9 is a date that holds deep significance for us, and we are committed to making it a day filled with love, joy, and unforgettable memories. Your support and understanding during this time mean the world to us. We are incredibly grateful for the love and encouragement you have shown us throughout this journey. Rest assured, all the excitement, happiness, and togetherness we planned will be even more special next year.

Please mark your calendars for the new date, and stay tuned for updates as we continue to plan our perfect day. If you have any questions or need further information, don’t hesitate to reach out to us personally.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. We look forward to celebrating with you on August 9, 2025, and creating beautiful memories together.

With Love and Gratitude,

Brian & Monica

August 9, 2008, marked the inception of our love story. On a radiant Saturday afternoon, I made the spontaneous decision to take my daughter (A'moni) and niece (Jasmine) to Palace Pointe in Roxboro, NC. Little did I know that this day would introduce me to the love of my life, the man I had prayed for and truly, the embodiment of my dreams.

I gathered us up, armed with a good book by Eric Jerome Dickey, and set out for a day filled with joy. Palace Pointe unfolded before us with its skating rinks, movie theater, bowling lanes, and arcade delights. The girls were old enough to entertain themselves, so I strolled over to the bar for a glass of wine and to indulge in my book.

As I settled at the bar, a young bartender approached, asking if he could be of assistance. I casually requested a Chardonnay, but it seemed he misunderstood, offering me Landshark. A humorous exchange ensued, revealing that Chardonnay was, indeed, a type of wine. Little did I know, this amusing encounter was the prologue to a magical night that didn't unfold as a typical love-at-first-sight tale but was nevertheless orchestrated by the universe.

Despite it being a Saturday night, the bar was unusually quiet for us that evening, creating an environment conducive to conversation. We delved into discussions about our favorite movies, books, interests, and music. There were no butterflies in my stomach, but an exhilarating feeling emerged—a sense that something profoundly good was happening as we laughed and chatted for hours.

As I bid farewell to this enchanting bartender that night, I had no expectations of seeing him again. Yet, as I drove home, his energy lingered with me. Reflecting on our refreshing conversation, I couldn't shake the thought that life is short, prompting a spontaneous decision to call and express my gratitude. Resistant at first, I eventually dialed his number. After a couple of rings, I hung up, feeling a mix of nerves and disbelief. But that persistent feeling returned, urging me to call again.

On the third attempt, he answered, and the connection was instant. I expressed my gratitude for the delightful conversation, attributing it to the recent loss of a dear friend and a newfound appreciation for acknowledging positive encounters. Brian's response was warm, asserting that the pleasure was his. Then came the unexpected question—would it be alright for us to talk again? My excitement was concealed, but inside, I could have screamed. Of course, I replied, and the love story unfolded there.

Throughout the years, our journey has been one of learning and growth, and our love story has evolved into a narrative that we aspire to ignite inspiration in others, to never give up on LOVE. Brian and I genuinely possess our own unique love story in the realm of reality, and we are thrilled to have you share in the celebration aptly titled "A B.M.W. Celebration of Love."