Zainab and Cortland met in the quad at Cosumnes River College in Fall of 2014. It was August, and Cortland (CJ) was talking to the African Club leader. Zainab entered the quad from the top of the stage, and that's when she spotted CJ. She saw him from afar and was drawn to him immediately. He was handsome and had beautiful hazel brown eyes, with a calm demeanor that was eloquent when he spoke. Zainab approached him and asked "What are you?". "Very mixed," CJ responded casually, assuming that this beautiful and confident woman who approached him had to be taken. Neither CJ nor Zainab had any idea that this simple interaction in the school quad would lead to the rest of their lives together. 

In the months to follow, CJ and Zainab began spending more time together. They would go to club events together outside of school, as well as other outings one-on-one, where they got to know each other better. It wasn't until November when they made their feelings for each other known. They made things official on November 11th, 2014.

He knew that Zainab was the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. Zainab embodies everything he could ever want in a wife, who he says is stunning inside and out. Besides her beauty, Zainab's fun, open-minded personality and honesty are what won him over. As for CJ, Zainab knew from the beginning that he was "the one". From day one, CJ has cared deeply for Zainab, treating her with respect and loyalty. He understands her better than anyone in the world. She admires his drive to always better himself and provide for his family.

After a year and a half of dating, Cortland planned a surprise birthday party for Zainab and invited her family and close friends. It was here that he took the leap and proposed to the love of his life. Zainab was over the moon with excitement, screaming, "YES!!!!" as tears of happiness streamed down her face. Now that's a birthday she will never forget!

The lovely couple have now been together for nearly 10 years now! They have two beautiful daughters together, Katara and Zaira. CJ says that "Zaira has Zainab's looks, adventurousness, and stubborness. Katara has Zainab's sweetness, energy, and smile." "Katara reminds me a lot of CJ," Zainab says, "The way she talks, her very logical way of thinking, how she walks, and she even looks a lot like him physically. Zaira, on the other hand, is very mischievous and as I have heard stories from CJ's childhood, they are very much so alike."

Cortland and Zainab love spending quality time together as a family, whether that's on a weeknight playing board games and watching TV, or traveling and making new memories. They also make alone time as a couple a priority, with date nights every weekend. They recently crossed a dream destination off their bucket list - Las Vegas! Zainab and Cortland are now anticipating their honeymoon trip to Greece, which they will be taking to celebrate their marriage.

Cortland and Zainab have been dreaming of this day for a long time, and cannot wait to share their special day with all of you! Thank you for all of your support and love.