Love In Full Bloom…
Some of you may have received this invitation and been completely surprised, asking yourselves, "What? They're together?" While others might have thought, "Finally!"
Our story began with a simple exchange over a request for gum in a high school ACT class, initiated by Aziz. Raven mentioned “this is my last piece, but you can have it”. With that, Aziz saw an opportunity to ask Raven on a date. While we both enjoyed our hangouts and time together, life had plans greater for us, with additional lessons to be learned, before a true commitment blossomed.
We lost contact during college years, even though Aziz would periodically wonder about Raven, and try to find her online…however, if you know Raven, she is the least active person online you may find. At the time, no Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn…anything! But hope was still alive
Fast forward 10 years, and we reconnected at the Outpost on East Capitol in Milwaukee. She was in the aisle grabbing ingredients for a salve she was making for her Mom. Aziz excitedly shared, he had been looking for her for a while, and she said “well I will take your number”. From there, a first date, second date…and the rest is our present, and history. Since then, we've embarked on a journey of life together. Launching a business with our co-founder Emani, purchasing a home, and laying the foundations of our relationship on friendship, love, trust, and collaboration.
To many of our colleagues and friends, we've maintained the confidentiality of our relationship. Our aim has always been to ensure that our commitment to serving the community remained uninterrupted and undistracted by our personal lives. Yet, after 6 years of commitment to each other, we find ourselves in a new season of growth, fully embracing our commitment to one another, to those we serve, and to our extended community, which includes you.
We are thrilled to celebrate the next chapter of our lives together and the continuation of our love story. We thank you for letting us know if you can join us. Regardless, we are grateful for your presence in our lives, as your support has helped shape us both individually and as a couple.
Looking ahead, we're eager to embrace the future together, hoping to start a family and build upon our ancestors' legacy. This journey is about more than just us; it's an opportunity to make meaningful changes and honor the work of those who came before us. As we step into this next chapter, your support continues to inspire us, and we look forward to sharing these moments with you, our extended family and village.
With love and gratitude,