Our Story
Her Perspective
I knew JD as one of the popular photographers in Memphis. My sorority had booked him for a photoshoot once, but we had never actually worked with him before. He was cool, and we had plenty of mutual friends. Whenever we saw each other out, he would always say hello—but that was it. He kept it short, and I honestly couldn’t tell if he just wanted to be friendly or if there was something more. Still, I wasn’t pressed. As a woman, I don’t chase—I attract.
Fast forward to February 2024. I slid up on one of his Instagram stories about something funny, and that’s when things shifted. He told me he wanted to get to know me more and hang out. I told him to just let me know, and not long after, he finally asked for my number. The rest is history.
JD asked me out on a date to a Memphis Grizzlies game. The day we ended up choosing happened to be Valentine’s Day—coincidence or maybe not? Either way, he showed up to my apartment with gifts and a whole night planned. It was thoughtful, intentional, and honestly, the sweetest surprise.
What he didn’t know was that I had been intentional too. Knowing he was a sneakerhead, I styled my outfit to impress him. I wore a pair of sneakers I’d never worn before—washed pink Jordan 1s—with a cute pink heart shirt to match the Valentine’s vibe.
Those same sneakers became a full-circle moment, because on February 23, 2025—just one year later—JD was the one wearing them when he asked me to be his wife.
His Perspective
It was September 11, 2021, when I saw Darika for the very first time. I was at my photography studio, shooting the ladies of her sorority for a photoshoot. She wasn’t in front of the camera—she was behind the scenes, guiding the girls, telling them how to pose, and making sure everything came together. She was the most beautiful girl I had ever seen.
At that time, we were both in other situations, so I kept it professional and respected those boundaries.
Fast forward two years to 2023—I started seeing her more often at different photography events I was shooting. And every single time, I made sure to speak to her. I wanted her to notice me. And she did. But still, I wasn’t as forward as I could have been. As I always tell her, when I’m working, I stay professional. I didn’t want my interest in her to come across as a distraction.
Truthfully, I was plotting. Waiting for the perfect time to finally ask for her number or find a way to take the conversation further than just “Hey, Darika.”
And then—it happened. She DM’d me first. I’ll never forget that moment because I knew immediately: this was my chance. The opportunity had finally come, and the ball was in my court.
I asked for her number, and from there, everything fell into place. The rest, as they say, is history.
And the rest is history
Our story began with a simple connection, grew with love, and blossomed into a journey we’re grateful to share. The rest is history—but the future holds countless moments we’re excited to write together.
