Our Story...

His Story

How We Met:

Gabbi and I first met in 2007 when I was playing football for Averett University. We both lived in Main Hall and I was introduced to her by my friends Dre, John, Ron Mack and Jim Jones. They would always go to Gabbi’s to see if she would give them snacks because she usually had them. For those who have lived on campus, snacks are a main food source for most college students. She kept to herself and was always polite to me. We would chat every now and then but nothing serious at this point.    

How We Fell In Love:

We began dating in spring 2010 she was still in Richmond attending VCU at the time so our relationship consistent mainly of text and phone conversations. Once summer came she stayed with her cousins for the summer and we hung out almost every day until it was time for me to go to practice. Then usually we’d link back up after practice LOL. When fall came she went back to Richmond for VCU but still made every Hough Varsity game. That really made me feel special because it let me know she was supportive. It let me know she was different and special.

To this day she has only missed 1 of 59 Hough Football games. Her simplicity is right up my alley she is not high maintenance by any standards. It’s the things that people take for granted that are her simple joys.  This is a trait we both share.
Early in our relationship we both had a lot of adversities and I think it was that the brought us closer together each year because it let me know she had my back no matter what and I wouldn’t trade that feeling for anything. Never once did she falter believing in our relationship and always stayed positive with me and tried to help fixed whatever problems and adversities we had over the years.
How I Knew I Wanted to Marry Her:

Well after all the time we have been together is was a pretty easy decision because I really got to see who she really was; the good, bad and ugly and even after seeing all of that it never once changed my mind about her. It’s the feeling of knowing she has my back 100% of the time and I can always count on her. Also, when I started to put her feelings and needs before mine more and more over time it let me know that I wanted to marry her. It is not hard at all to want to marry someone who you know supports you as much as she does me.

 

To quote J. Cole in “No Role Modelz”

“I want a real love, dark skinned Aunt Viv love

That Jada and that Will love

And you aint gotta wonder if that’s your kid love”

 

I know it’s silly but the content of the message I agree with 100% you want to marry someone when there is no doubt in your mind about anything especially whether they really love you unconditionally 100% of the time. I honestly think I’ve found that with Gabbi.  I always feel like with her I’m closer to God. That is something I have worked on over the years and she definitely helps me do that. She always reminds me to pray and give praise when I should, because God has brought us a long way. Each year he continues to increase things in our lives and our relationship and it’s a wonderful thing.  I’m not sure what my life would be like without Gabbi at this point, but I DO NOT want to find out.

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Her Story

​How We Met:

I met Byrd in 2007 at Averett University. I remember being instantly drawn to him…his confidence, the way he talked, how he handled himself…Yeah, I definitely had a tiny crush. But we were just friends and it was nothing more than that. He was always really sweet to me. I was the only girl he allowed to sit at he and his teammates table in the Caf’, lol. He looked out for me.

How We Fell In Love:

Fast forward to 2010…I was living in Richmond, VA at the time. Byrd and I had kept in touch over the years a little but ended up reconnecting on Facebook. One day we were chatting and we both confessed that we’d had crushes on each other back at Averett. I was really happy, lol. One night he ended up calling me and we talked literally all night. I’ve been blessed to have gotten to talk/be with him every night since then.

Falling in love with Byrd was really easy. I love that we share the same sense of humor. I love the way he likes all my favorite shows that no one else we know likes (The Office, King of Queens, etc.). I love his passion for coaching and how he’s basically a walking encyclopedia for football. I love the way he can explain anything perfectly to anyone. I love that he’s perfectly content being at home with me. I love that he realizes the important things in life. I love that he’s secure enough to lead and not follow.

In 2013, my Daddy passed away. This was literally the worst moment of my life. Byrd was there every step of the way with me. He just knew what to do. Him being there made all the difference during that time and made me love him even more. My Daddy loved Byrd. He used to always say he would be my husband. So I know that he’s smiling right now J

How I Knew I Wanted Him Forever:

My relationship with God is the central part of my life. I usually listen to Joel Osteen at least once a day. I never tried to force this on Byrd but I started noticing that when certain things would happen or I’d be down about something, he would quote scriptures or lines from the sermons that I’ve played around the house while I cooked, got ready, etc. He always loved God but I’ve witnessed his relationship with God grow so much over the past few years. He prays with me and I feel that putting God first in our relationship has brought us even closer.

Each time I’d pray about my relationship with Byrd, my answer was always clear and swift. Every single time. I have no doubt that Byrd is the man that God made for me. He’s truly my other half and best friend and the best gift that God has ever given me.

I don’t know if many women can truly say in their hearts that they get to marry the man of their dreams. But I can.

PS-

Byrd would have you believe that I’ve been to all of his games besides one. But technically, we rode there together and left together. See (what had happened was), Concord Mills was literally around the corner from this school and it was a makeup game on Saturday. Byrd had to be there a little early to do whatever coaches do before games and I just went to make a return which took longer than I expected because I went to so many different stores after making the retuen. L But in my defense, that was the quickest game in the history of Hough High School and I had planned to be back by half time. Then he called and asked where I was when I thought there would be at least an hour and a half left in the game! So yeah, I kind of missed that one. But I was at the school at the start and end…I just didn’t see and quarters… Anyways I’d like to maintain that I’ve never missed a game (all the way, lol).

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