Our paths first crossed at our beloved alma mater The University of Central Florida, GO KNIGHTS. Fast forward a decade, and by the help of a mutual friend, we reconnected….and the rest, as they say, is now history. We started dating long distance, spending time traveling back and forth, Mel in Washington, D.C. and Bakari in Jacksonville, FL. Our bond grew stronger, and we knew we wanted to spend our lives together.

On July 4th, 2025, we celebrated our anniversary and quietly got engaged, and spent the evening at dinner at Town Hall in Jacksonville before going to see the fireworks. With so many loved ones in our lives, finding a wedding venue large enough to hold everyone felt impossible. Rather than trying to squeeze our world into four walls, we decided to elope — just the two of us.

On Friday, November 7th, 2025 at Bosjes Chapel in South Africa, we were married in a private elopement officiated by Pastor David Cloete. We chose Bosjes Chapel for its symbolism. Its sweeping white curves, inspired by Psalms 36:7, rise from a reflective pool as though lifted by faith itself. For our wedding attire, we added special touches: Bakari with Proverbs 18:22 embroidered on his shirt and Mel with Song of Solomon 3:4 on her scarf. A violinist played special selections that made our ceremony deeply personal, from Bakari’s song, “Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You)” by UGK, to Mel’s walk down the aisle to “So Into You” by Tamia. We shared our processional to “Just 4 You” by Big K.R.I.T. and our first dance to “Matrimony” by Wale ft. Usher.

Though you weren’t physically there, you were present in our thoughts, our hearts, and our gratitude. Thank you for loving us so deeply that we can carry that love wherever we go.