On the morning of December 12, 2020, A’Ja and Edward woke up early to prepare for a photoshoot they’d finally been able to plan.  Much to A’Ja’s surprise, Edward successfully used this photoshoot to surprise A’Ja with the perfect proposal. Though this day will forever remain in their hearts and minds, this isn’t where this love story began. 

 

Let’s travel back to 2012.  Barack got another term, Blue Ivy was born and A’Ja and Edward began their freshman year at the University of South Carolina. One day, A’Ja’s roommate’s friend stopped by their dorm, and that friend just happened to bring Ed along the way.  Though this marked their first meeting,  these two first truly connected when they were placed in the same resident mentor training. A’Ja was placed with the athletes, and Ed laughed and said, “They gone run all over you,” teasing A’Ja about her height. After this, they remained associates, mostly speaking when their paths crossed with a conversation here and a laugh there.  Unbeknownst to them, but known to all those in love, those small everyday moments are everything. Each of these fleeting interactions was the bricks upon which they built their future relationship.  

 

Ed started to court A’Ja seriously after the two crossed their Greek organizations, A’Ja in 2013 and Ed in 2015. They don’t agree on their first date location. A’Ja said it was Moe's, Edward said it was California Dreaming. Regardless of where the first date took place, they knew they’d found something special in one another. After dating for several months, Edward finally asked A’Ja to make it official in October 2015, with the help of a close friend and now Bridesmaid, Latoya.  

 

After graduating college,  Ed and A’Ja dated long-distance two years.  During this time, they both thrived professionally.  Also, if long-distance will do anything for a couple, it will cultivate one of the keys to a long-lasting relationship - excellent communication. Next, the two both made their way to Charlotte, NC, where they reside now. In Charlotte, they enjoy spending time together and with their fur baby, Gigi.

 

As you can see, this love story is a slow burn, fueled by everyday interactions and intentionally choosing one another day in and day out.  A’Ja and Ed exemplify what it means to not only fall in love, but to grow in love as well. They couldn’t be more excited to begin this next phase of their lives together, and can’t wait to celebrate with you soon.