The fresh scent of notebook paper lingered over the beginning stages of an inseparable couple as it was the 1988 Fall semester at Mississippi Valley State University, Loria’s freshman year. She was integrating into a new circle after joining a campus organization affiliated with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., “Alpha Sweethearts.” Needless to say, Dwight was a member of the “Ice Cold” Fraternity. Connection of the groups brought about the two business administration majors’ inevitable encounter. Coincidentally, their interaction began in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, in Itta Bena. Although going their separate ways after graduating from their beloved university, Dwight and Loria remained friends. Twenty-five-plus years later, the Delta Devils bumped into each other at their alma mater’s Homecoming, picking up where they left off. And the rest is history. The last five years have manifested an excess amount of bonding through camping, RVing, going to the movies, hanging out with family and friends, shopping, and countless social gatherings and outings. “This is just the beginning, or let’s just say we are beyond excited to finally tie the knot!!!”

October 24, 2020, turned into quite the joyous day. The day after Loria’s 50th birthday celebration in the Big Peach better known as Atlanta, Dwight set the scene, including every element necessary to pop the big question at the Chateau Elan Winery and Resort in Braselton, Georgia. Loria’s 50 Shades of Fabulous weekend was supposed to cap off with a wine tasting, a vineyard tour, and fine dining. Little did she know, a different idea was planned, with his friends' help, for more than a month. The perfect music selections and customized masks and signs made the moment indelible. A huge downpour moved the proposal from the vineyard near a beautiful water fountain to all this jittery and weird behavior inside the restaurant. Dwight had secretly scripted a romance movie, casting the entire restaurant, both guests and employees, in the flick. Pre-recorded videos from family and friends and, eventually, a FaceTime of multiple individuals at once led up to the MAGICAL MOMENT. Emotions intensified toward Dwight’s one crucial question, ‘Will you marry me?’ “He most definitely wanted this to be a day to remember,” she thought. And of course, the answer was YES!!