Picture a chilly January night in 2016. That’s when Preston and Nichelle first met at Features Bar and Grill in Naperville, Illinois. Sparks flew from the moment their eyes met, one of those chance encounters that felt like destiny intervening.

Little did they know, fate had more in store for them. On Memorial Day weekend 2016 , Preston’s mother serendipitously bumped into Nichelle at a mutual friend’s party. Recognizing the potential for a beautiful connection, she encouraged Nichelle to get to know her son. From that moment on, not a day went by without them talking, their conversations weaving a tapestry of shared dreams, laughter, and love.

Their early days were filled with simple joys - walks around the city, rounds of board games, and spontaneous weekend getaways. As the seasons changed, so did their bond, deepening with each passing year.

Then, COVID-19 hit, and life as they knew it came to a screeching halt. Locked down in their Oak Park homes, they faced challenges they never imagined. But amidst the chaos, their love became their anchor, keeping them grounded and hopeful for brighter days ahead.

As the light at the end of the tunnel appeared, Preston took a monumental step towards their future together. With unwavering determination and the support of their loved ones, he purchased their first home, a symbol of their commitment to building a life filled with love, laughter, and shared dreams.

And so, on a September day at the Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago, Preston knelt before Nichelle, his heart overflowing with love. With tears of joy and laughter, she said yes, sealing their fate in a moment that will forever be etched in their hearts.

Now, as they embark on this journey together, hand in hand, they look forward to a lifetime of adventure, growth, and endless love.

Photos