The Raymond union

In the vibrant August of 2013, amidst the excitement of Penn State's Main Campus, a momentous encounter unfolded. As the campus was bustling with the energy of freshmen settling in, Marcus found himself drawn to the discourse on Twitter, where he stumbled upon Shonda's distinct hashtag, “#PSU17”. Later that day, he mentioned her on Twitter and asked her where she was since he hadn’t seen her on campus yet. Shonda was in the same vicinity in East Halls (freshman dorm rooms)! Shonda and Marcus decided to meet in the Dining Hall at "The Big Onion". Shonda asked Marcus why he ate pizza without her (their very first interaction). In a calm voice, he asked Shonda what she was talking about. They sat and talked for hours. Little did they know, they'd be inseparable after. Shonda and Marcus shared stories and laughter over shared meals and laid the foundation for an unbreakable bond. From that day forward, their lives would intertwine in ways they could never have imagined, their connection growing stronger with each passing moment. Est Fall 2014

At 19 and 20 years old, Shonda and Marcus made the heartfelt decision to commit exclusively to one another. Unbeknownst to them, their prayers to find a soulmate during their college years had been answered in each other. Through the highs and lows, navigating the inevitable challenges and growth accompanying young adulthood, they remained steadfastly by each other's side. Their journey together reached a significant milestone as they took photos in their graduation caps in 2017, marking the completion of their undergraduate careers and the solidification of their unwavering bond. With a shared vision for their future, they chose to return to Philadelphia, united in their determination to support and uplift one another as they embarked on the next chapter of their lives, hand in hand, building their careers and dreams together. In June of 2023, Marcus orchestrated a surprise for Shonda—a romantic proposal set against the backdrop of beautiful Cabo. It was just the two of them leaning into authentic love, and they shared the joyous news with their families via FaceTime. Shonda and Marcus are headed toward matrimony and await the sacred union that will bind their hearts together forevermore, on August 23rd, 2024. Surrounded by cherished family and dear friends, they will embark on the next chapter of their lives, their union a testament to the enduring power of love and commitment.