The Lucky Lady: Jelani Kwakou Griffin, 30, Medical Technologist
Her Leading Man: Jeffery Allen Parker II, 25, Sales
The Big Day: September 21, 2013
Location: Flowood, MS
Where did you meet your man?
My sister needed help with a vehicle purchase and asked me to meet her at a local car dealership. I hesitated because I was suffering from a sinus infection and sore throat, but drove down to meet her. When I arrived, my sister introduced me to her sales person, Jeffery. I whispered, “Nice to meet you,” because of my throat, which caused Jeffery to look concerned and back away from me. I laughed, apologized for my voice and explained that I wasn’t feeling well.
Were you looking for love at the time?
I was not looking for love at all. I experienced a bad divorce and hadn’t been on a date in a long time. Shortly after my visit to the car dealership, my sister told me that Jeffery was interested in me. She literally called me every day over about a three week period to convince me to share my phone number with Jeffery. She gave me every reason why she felt like he was a great man for me and asked my other siblings to encourage me to give Jeffery a chance too. I eventually agreed to be open to a conversation with him.
Did you play hard to get?
Did I! The poor guy had to wait three weeks just to get my phone number and that was only after I finally gave in to my siblings’ harassment.
Describe your most romantic date ever.
We went to a resort in Jamaica to celebrate my 30th birthday and it was the best birthday and most romantic date that I’ve ever had. We had dinner at a hibachi grill at the resort and we laughed and joked over dinner. We had a photo shoot as we walked along the beach on our way back to our room. Roses, candles, balloons and cheesecake were waiting for me when I opened the door. He gave me the sweetest card, told me that he was happy to share my birthday with me and said he loved me very much..
Weirdest date you’ve ever been on?
Our first date was very awkward. I wasn’t sure if I was ready to begin dating again, so I was a little nervous. I wouldn’t make eye contact and only engaged in conversation if he asked me a question. By the time it was over, I was afraid that I had left him with a horrible impression of me.
What made you fall in love with her?
Her temperament, her heart, her intellect, her carefree spirit and most importantly that she was God fearing.
Did you know she was “The One” right away?
Yes. I could not put a finger on why she was “The One,” but I understood she was it.
At what moment did you know he was “The One”?
During a visit to my house, he asked me what was wrong. At first, I said, “Nothing, I’m fine.” But, he asked me to be honest and to talk to him. It touched me that he could feel that I was troubled. I cried on his shoulder and told him I didn’t want to burden him with emotions that I was carrying around, and he told me that my emotional burdens were now “our burdens,” and that we would sift through it together. It was at that moment that I knew.
How did he pop the question? (Be concise!)
We went to see the movie Temptation and had a deep discussion as he drove me home. Our conversation slowed down, and I thought that I might have upset him. When we arrived at my home, he stopped me and said that he was glad to know that my submission to God trumped my submission to him. I became teary eyed and thanked him. He said he had a gift for me and I gave him a puzzled look. He pulled out a ring box, dropped to one knee and asked me to marry him. I happily said yes and of course the water works started flowing again.
Who would you cast to play your future hubby in a movie?
Lance Gross. He’s young, vibrant and funny.
Second to his heart, what’s the other sexiest part of his body?
His butt. I always tease him about how cute his butt is. To see a dark-skinned man blush is cute and funny.
What are you most looking forward to about marriage?
I look forward to growing old together in love and starting a family.