Brandon and I first met in grade school. We both attended Lamar County Primary School and had remained classmates until he moved sometime during the conclusion of our 8th grade year. Years passed and Brandon & I lost touch. Thirteen years went by before I would see Brandon again. We were both quite astonished at how much time had passed since we last seen each other. Unknowingly, this would become a seasoning our lives where we would see each other more frequently. We used this time to catch up and to reminisce. It was during my church anniversary, Min. Dr. Marye Smith spoke into my life and declared, “You know your husband and he knows you.” In this moment, I had no idea who she was referring to, and laughed at the thought of me already knowing my future husband. However, I was becoming more aware that GOD was doing something, and I would need to trust Him. As time passed, my friendship with Brandon was growing each day, and I can recall spending more time with him on the phone. Around this time, I had planned a trip to Israel and surprisingly, Brandon offered to pick me up from the airport upon my return. Although I was surprised at his very generous offer, I happily agreed. Throughout my trip, I frequently used Facebook to video chat with Brandon to let him know I was safe and to share my experience with him. After my trip, I arrived at the airport where Brandon was waiting for me with a huge smile on his face. And I must admit, the smile on my face was just as big. It was during this time that our relationship began to grow exponentially. Brandon became my Prince Charming, and I, his soon to be Queen. -Nadia

From the moment Nadia and I started dating, I can recall saying to myself; “I will marry her one day.” I often marvel at the very idea that, I, Brandon Byrd, would one day be privileged to marry the one and only Nadia Barnes. In 2018 I informed my Bishop and his wife of my intentions to customize a ring for Nadia, and so he took me to one of the most profound jewelers in Georgia; there we created the most exquisite engagement ring that our mind’s eye could imagine. On February 3, 2019 I attended Nadia’s church. At the end of service, I asked Nadia’s mom to go on a short drive with me. Once we entered the car, I became very nervous, but proceeded to ask Nadia’s mom for her blessing to propose to her daughter; Nadia. Without hesitation, she too said yes, and gave me her blessing. As July 3, 2019 approached, Nadia began planning what she believed to be a surprise party for my 30th birthday. Little did she know, I was working behind the scenes with my mom, her mom and an event planner to create an even bigger surprise; an engagement party for her. As time progressed, I sat back and watched as Nadia attempted to secretly prepare the very best birthday ever for me The day of the birthday/engagement surprise, I became very nervous, but reassured to make Nadia my wife. As I entered the beautifully decorated room, filled with all our friends and loved ones and a live band, applause and cheers filled the room. I pretended to be surprised all while waiting for the right moment to unveil the real surprise. Nadia and I advanced to the center of the room as everyone anxiously cheered and took pictures, and videos. While Nadia thought that it was a moment to thank everyone for coming out, at the most unexpected moment, when it was to be all about me, I made it all about us and asked Nadia to marry me; and she said YES! In that moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of completeness. Nadia is a virtuous Queen that God made just for me, and I can’t wait to make her my wife -Brandon