Their Love Story Jerime & Jazz’s journey began on the 1st day of freshmen orientation at NC A&T. He spotted her walking across the yard in front of Holland Hall, just leaving the café & heading toward the student union. He was walking down the hill from 405, the house Jamison let him stay in, when he saw her: a stunning, sun-kissed caramel beauty (he later found she spent summers lifeguarding). Jerime rushed to meet her path & introduced himself. Naturally, they exchanged the classic question: “What’s your major?” To their surprise, they were both Marketing majors. A bond sparked instantly. Dear Ayantee... Over time they became best friends connected by a bond that only strengthened as the years passed. Many often questioned the depth of their connection, but they stood firm in their commitment to each other as best friends & unwavering supporters. As life unfolded, he began to realize that his connection with Jazz was far more than friendship. She wasn’t just a best friend, she was the one. The one God had placed right in front of him all along. As Jerime would later say, “The Lord will let you fall on your face until you're put on the right path.” He chose her. His true caramel apple of his eye. The Proposal With the intent to propose for a while, but with a major home project underway, he told himself he’d wait until it was complete before proposing. That project ended on 8/24/23 & suddenly everything became real. By Oct. he knew IT WAS TIME. The perfect moment came when Jazz, her father Mr. Larry, & his girlfriend Dawn, along with other colleagues, traveled to Ohio for a trade show. He seized the opportunity to drive nearly 9 hrs in snow from Atl to Ohio to surprise them. Known affectionately as “Mr. Pull-Up,” it didn’t seem out of character for him to pop up. But his real mission? To ask Mr. Larry for his daughter’s hand in marriage. On 10/30 after dinner, he found the perfect moment. With Jazz & Dawn away, he approached Mr. Larry. When he asked the life-changing question, Mr. Larry was stunned in the best way. He had to sit down to take it all in. Ecstatic & emotional, he welcomed the idea of gaining a son. They had a trip planned to Vegas to see Usher’s residency, & it felt like the perfect opportunity to propose. Ironically, she had picked the concert date herself, 11/11/23. A date often seen as a symbol of synchronicity & divine timing: 11/11. Even more symbolic, Jazz was born on 6/23; her fav # is 23. Everything was aligning. With less than a week’s notice, he let both of their families & closest friends in on the plan. The Big Day – 11/11/23 He told Jazz they had an “excursion” planned before the concert, something they often did while traveling, so she didn’t think much of it. The “excursion” was actually a surprise rooftop proposal at the Legacy Club atop the Circa Casino, with stunning views of the Vegas skyline. He had planned every detail: sparklers, a red carpet, a “Marry Me” sign, & their loved ones ready to cheer them on. His plan was to have the special moment at sunset. They arrived at Circa & took in the lights & sounds of Old Vegas. Before they stepped into the elevator, he turned to her & asked, “Do you trust me?” She smiled & said, “Yes.” He gently blindfolded her & led her to the rooftop. With everything in place, he gave the signal. Sparklers lit up & as he removed her blindfold, Jazz’s senses were overwhelmed. He led her across the rooftop, passing friends & even the “Marry Me” sign, which she didn’t notice at 1st in her daze. When they reached the perfect spot, he turned Jazz to face the sign. Her mouth dropped in awe. He took both of her hands & asked the most important question of his life. “Will you marry me?” She said “Yes.” At 8:45 PM on 11/11/23, surrounded by love & city lights, Jerime & Jazz became engaged. To top it off, they danced the night away to Usher. This was the beginning of their legacy. Where best friends became lovers… or, as Usher might say: “Lovers & Friends.”