Blake and I met at the beginning of first semester freshman year of college in 2003 @ West Virginia State University (aka State). One of his friends introduced us. I remember seeing him for the first time and thinking "he looks weird" lol. We walked around campus for some time talking. It was really an effortless conversation, almost like we had known each other. After that night we met up maybe once or twice, but eventually lost contact with each other. Blake attended our rival school, the University of Charleston (aka UC). I think it was the end of first semester freshman year, we ran into each other at a club downtown on Capitol Street. It's so funny looking back, cause it was one of those HEYYYY, How are you type conversations, it's like we forgot each other exsisted until we seen each other that night. We exchanged phone numbers, but realistically because it was the end of the first semester, he was getting ready to go home for break in New Jersey. So, I knew I probably wouldn't talk to him for awhile. However, I did call him over the break just to say what's up so he wouldn't forget about me.

      I really don' remember how we got in contact again after that, but we did. We hung out all the time. I was at his school so much people thought I was a student...lol. We do not have a perfect love story by any means. I truly and honestly believe Blake and I have survived so long because we really developed a great friendship before a relationship. I can't remember exactly when we officially started our relationship, however, I do remember it was homecoming weekend for both of our schools and he really wanted me to come to his school so I could meet his mother and brother. And, I think I told him I was going to come over, but never did because I was wrapped up in activities at my school. He was sooooo mad at me and during a conversation we had on the phone and he said "You're my girl aren't you?," I was so confused by this question. I'm sure that during this time anyone who knew Blake could see he was not a relationship man. I never imagined that he would declare me his girlfriend! Don't get me wrong I was happy about it, just slightly thrown off that he had given me that title. I think I responded to him, by saying "Yea I guess!" When we got off the phone I remember looking at my bestfriend, Nikera, and saying, "I think I have a boyfriend!" Blake has been such a support to me throughout the years, he has always been my friend and has been in my life for 12 years. I cannot imagine a life without him! By far we have not rushed into our marriage and at the end of the day, I know this man is meant to be in my life! I love him more than any words can explain. He has seen me at my absolute worse and at my best. He loves me no different than he ever has and for that I know he will always be there for me. He is and will always be my bestfriend!

~~Karen

      I met the love of my life my freshman year in college. We were very much the opposite of each other, but you know what they say, "opposites attract ". I was introduced to Karen through one of my good friends from my childhood, Lauren. We spent almost a whole day walking around West Virginia State University conversating like we already knew each other. I was in the middle of training camp for football at UC, and she just moved into her dorm at WV State a University (our rivals). After that day we really didn't talk for a couple of months. We ran into each other at a club right before winter break. She called me over the break and we made plans to get together when I got back to WV. I came back and it seems like we were kicking it everyday. 

      Over the summer break I could tell our relationship was building because while I was working I was always on the phone with Karen; I missed her. Going into my sophomore year it was different we literally were together everyday! She always came to my home football games as well as some away games. I remember she always made signs to support me even though she wasn't a fan of the game. She even cheered for me during her schools homecoming game against us; we won of course..haha. Through it all we have been through many real life situations that has only made our bond stronger. And, I am more than proud for her to be my wife. 

~~Blake