On her left hand right above the wrist, Koereyelle has a tattoo that reads, patience, persistence, and positivity. And the saying is perfectly fitting for the proposal story we’re sharing today.
Koereyelle, a transformational educator and multimedia personality, was engaged back in 2009. It was a relationship that changed the trajectory of her life…in a good way. The relationship wasn’t blissful, but abusive, forcing Koereyelle to call off the engagement and spent the next five years finding herself, investing in self-care, and preparing herself for marriage. In 2017, she met Kendrick at a party. As chance would have it, Kendrick was also engaged back in 2009, but that marriage ended in divorce. The two had experienced similar situations and had so much in common. They were a perfect match. Patience, persistence, and positivity paid off. This love match was totally worth the wait.
COVID-19 put a wrench in Kendrick’s original proposal plans, but could not stop him from asking his soul mate to be his wife. On April 4th, 2020, he tricked Koereyelle into thinking she was going to a drive-in movie and instead, planned an elaborate and luxurious proposal and staycation followed by a rooftop brunch the next day.
Not enough words in the entire dictionary to describe this love.🖤 I waited soooo long but it was so worth the wait. This one was created just for me 🥰
Koereyelle
The proposal (get the details and see Koereyelle’s gorgeous #munabling below!)
Koereyelle, how long were you and your now fiancé dating?
We met May 25, 2017 and “officially” committed to each other on January 1, 2018
How did the two of you meet?
We actually met in a section together at a party! I was ready to leave and made my way to the door. When I got there, this guy from the section was there at the door asking if he could stay in touch with me. :)
What are some of your favorite things to do as a couple?
Traveling is our absolute fav! We also love spa days, brunch and bike riding!
Last place you both traveled to together?
Cancun, Mexico in Feb 2020
You mentioned about the #singlewivesclub. Can you tell us more about what you’ve been through leading up to getting into your relationship with your fiance?
In 2012, I founded The Single Wives Club – a global organization that encouraged single ladies to become better women before becoming wives. I created this group after experiencing an abusive relationship, being engaged to marry, and realizing I was focused on the wedding but wasn’t prepared to be a wife. (I was previously engaged in 2010 after manifesting a mess of a man) After it ended, I knew I still wanted to be a wife but I needed to get myself together first. The Single Wives Club preached a message of ‘making the list and becoming the list’ because so many women make the mistake of setting high standards for men but none for themselves. So, I spent 5 years practicing self-care, investing in personal development, and preparing for marriage. And in 2017, I met Kendrick and was blown away after realizing he too was engaged to be married at the same time 7 years prior, but the relationship resulted in divorce! We had instant chemistry, formed a friendship, and have been inseparable ever since. We hope to be an inspiration to singles who feel like settling that true love exists and can last! The crazy thing is, I manifested him too! I knew having a travel partner was super important to me so I went out and bought a set of travel pillows – one for me and one for the man I wanted to manifest… when I met Kendrick and he went to Costa Rica the next week – I knew something was different about him. To find out his passport makes mine look pitiful was totally mind-blowing! He’s been the best travel partner and the only person who doesn’t complain about not being able to “keep up” with me.. I definitely met my match!
Who was or were the first people you notified?
I FaceTimed my mom first and she screamed lol. Then I started telling my friends only to realize that they already knew because they had plans to come to Vegas!
How are you feeling right now with regards to being a fiance in the age of COVID?
Honestly, I already had the plans in my head before even having the ring… we wanted an NYE wedding but had to move the date back. I was bummed at first, but I’m actually excited about having more time to plan! Plus, we are planning our send-off celebration for NYE so we’ll still be able to celebrate our favorite holiday with our favorite people! I’m planning to have my bridal brunch on 1.1 which is super special to me since it’s our anniversary! My planner and I are excitedly planning and I’m looking at this as the “pause” we needed to plan properly.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I would love to add a word of encouragement to the single ladies who may stumble across this post. I want to tell them that regardless of how hard it gets, and no matter how many times they feel like they’re forgotten about – the right one will make it all worthwhile. The one for you will make you forget about that wait. He will make you realize why everything else and everyone else weren’t right. And that feeling is worth waiting for.
Also – Kendrick didn’t mention it – but he also had my makeup artist come over the next day for the brunch party (I looked a MESS during the quarantine, ok?! lol) but he made sure I looked good. He also had a photobooth set up because he knew I needed to take all the pics! He even packed up our vitamins for the staycation so we wouldn’t get sick… He literally thought of everything!
Lovenote from Koereyelle …
I still really can’t believe I get to spend forever with my best friend. Every day is a new, fun, and exciting adventure and I’ve never been more excited or more sure about anything before. You’re more than I could’ve ever prayed for and you were soooooo worth the wait! I’m looking forward to making so many memories as Mrs. Mallard!
Koereyelle
Interview with Kendrick:
When did you decide you wanted to spend the rest of your life with Koereyelle?
I don’t remember the exact moment but I knew she was special after our first date because I wasn’t ready for the date to end. However, When I asked her to be my girlfriend there was no doubt she would be my wife.
When did you buy the ring?
I initially picked the ring out in early March but went back about a week later and decided to build a custom ring based on what I knew she liked.
How did you know what type of ring to get your fiance?
I took her ring shopping on New Year’s Day to get an idea of what she liked and disliked
Tell us about your proposal plans.
Since we had several trips coming up I contemplated between Miami Vegas and Jamaica but ultimately went with Vegas since it fell on a unique date of 4/4/20 (which equals 4/4/4) and it was a couples trip with two of her close friends. The plan was to have a private proposal followed by a surprise dinner/night out in Vegas with several of her closest friends. We had flights and hotels booked but that trip was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Once that was canceled I decided to keep the date and have a weekend staycation in Atlanta. Long story short I found a loft that had a beautiful view of the city that I decorated with the help of one of her friends, my cousin and his girlfriend. I ordered take out from our favorite restaurant, flew in her favorite cake from Portillo’s in Chicago, and surprised her with a late-night picnic on the roof. Right after midnight, I asked her to marry me. The next morning I surprised her with a private chef (who’s cooking class we attended on our very first Valentine’s day date) prepared brunch and invited a couple of friends over for a small brunch party to celebrate.
Lovenote from Kendrick…
This journey has been the most amazing time of my adult life and There’s no doubt in my mind God has blessed me with my best friend and life partner. I’m just looking forward to making even more memories as your husband.
Kendrick
Vendor Credits
- Photography: Ashley Nicole Photography
- Makeup: Arielle Antoinette Makeup
They seem like an ideal compliment for each other. The photo’s are beautiful. They are an attractive couple.
May all the women who seek a complimentary friend, partner, spouse, lover find one. Yet, we are clear that no matter how lucky, saved, accomplished or just decent & ordinary an African American female is many will never find a loving, worthy partner nor marriage. But, in this case, congrats!