Tell us how you first met? Who, what, when, where, & why?

Jessica: We first met in August 2010 at our company in Illinois. We did not see much of each other at

first as Toney had just started with the company and was doing a lot of traveling. I am not certain when

we started chatting more frequently – but it could’ve started when we worked on a Chart of Accounts

project together. I was the corporate accountant and Toney was head of Operations for a newly

developed logistics branch of the company. Toney had multiple requests in that meeting to set up

numerous accounts; however, I had several objections to his requests. Perhaps it was the small

rejections of requests that intrigued further interest.

When did you know he/she was the one? Was there something he/she did? Etc.

Jessica: I cannot pinpoint an exact moment Toney was “the one.” However, I quickly realized I really

enjoyed Toney’s company no matter what it was we did together. His kind demeanor, the way he took

care of me, his gentlemen attributes – always opens the door for me, puts me first, etc, his romantic

gestures, the way he takes care of his family no matter the cost, the way he continued to make my heart

flutter after years of being together, his soft touch, and watching him be the most attentive father.

Tell us about the proposal. (Did you see it coming, how long was it in the planning? How did you feel?

Nervous, Excited, Freaking out?)

Jessica: I had a gut feeling it was coming months in advance. Toney made certain comments to lead me

to believe it was coming. Also, we had a family trip planned to Cancun, Mexico which made it the

perfect time for a proposal. Although it crossed my mind from time to time on our trip, it was coming up

towards the end of our vacation and it still had not happened. The last night, I was not thinking about a

proposal at all; I was thinking of how we needed to prepare our bags for leaving the next day. Toney

caught me completely off guard the night of the proposal. It was when we returned to our room after

dinner Thursday night. In the elevator, he had mentioned to our son that we should probably film the

Turn Down Service since we’ll all miss it. I didn’t think anything of it, but as soon as I opened the hotel

room door, my mouth dropped. Our butler had decorated the room full of red rose petals and red heart

balloons. The jacuzzi tub was full of water, bubbles, and rose petals. The two beds were spelled out with

red rose petals: “Will You Marry Me?” Just like in the movies, the moment was so romantic and one I

will never forget!