Shakala and Benaiah met the modern way: through an online dating site in 2020. It was also during the middle of the Covid pandemic. Since most things were shut down they had to get creative with setting up an in-person date. Their first date consisted of sitting in the courtyard of Shakala's apt and talking for hours. Benaiah still talks about getting bit by bugs lol.

A few of Shakala and Benaiah's favorite memories from their time together: Walking along the trail in Calumet Park, trying rolled ice cream (Shakala's very 1st time trying ice cream ever), going on the Anita Dee sunset cruise, going to Las Vegas, watching Marvel movies (they are both huge Marvel fans), and spending time with their kids (there are 6 in total which they call "the Linky bunch")

Benaiah's proposal was very creative and special. Benaiah set up the proposal to happen on his Master's degree graduation day on June 26, 2022. Benaiah secretly communicated with all of their friends and family in advance about sharing his day to propose to the love of his life. Benaiah organized the "Graduation Party" which was actually the Engagement Party at Top Golf in Schaumburg. All of our kids were excited to keep the secret and help set up and organize the secret engagement. Benaiah wanted that day to have more than just one special memory. At Top Golf, Shakala was about to take her next swing at hitting the golfball, Benaiah made his speech thanking everyone for coming to celebrate with him and how much Shakala meant to him, he then grabbed her hand and got down on his knee with the ring hidden under the cloth napkin and proposed. Shakala almost fainted and almost fell forward over the 2nd-floor ledge from excitement if Benaiah had not caught her. LOL!! This was a day to remember!

We look forward to sharing our special day with all of you!