The Madison

Wedding Day

Reception

Our Wedding

HOW TASHIERA &amp; RAKEEM METEvery story has a beginning. Theirs began with a sermon.Tashiera attended a service to support a friend and Rakeem was the preacher for the occasion. She was drawn not only to the message, but to the sincerity and conviction behind it. It left an impression. So much so that she later invited him to preach at her former church for her youth ministry.At the time, their lives were moving along separate paths. Rakeem was married. Tashiera was devoted to raising three awesome boys, her professional journey, and her calling. Their connection was rooted in ministry, mutual respect, shared faith, and a common desire to make an impact in the lives connected to them.Later, during a season when Tashiera was prayerfully seeking a church home, she visited the church where Rakeem pastors. She found alignment there. Spiritual nourishment. Community. In time, she and her sons joined. Her mother and grandmother followed suit.From the beginning, she and her family were active participants...not just attendees, but contributors. They served faithfully and helped advance the ministry with dedication and excellence.As life unfolded and circumstances changed, Rakeem entered a deeply personal season of transition and reflection. During that time, Tashiera remained steady. She offered encouragement. She listened. She prayed. She reminded him of his strength and purpose when leadership and life felt heavy. What developed between them was not immediate. It was measured. Intentional.Over time, friendship deepened. Respect remained. And in time, what was once simply shared purpose became shared heart.WHAT MAKES TASHIERA &amp; RAKEEM’S RELATIONSHIP SO UNIQUE?Their relationship is marked by elevation. They are not simply companions, they are catalysts for one another’s growth.When Tashiera made the courageous decision to pursue her doctorate, it required commitment and resilience. Rakeem stood beside her with unwavering encouragement. In 2024, she earned her doctorate. This was a milestone that reflected discipline, brilliance, and vision.At the same time, Tashiera challenged Rakeem to see beyond his own limitations. With her steady belief in him, he accomplished something he once thought was out of reach. In 5 years he earned both his Bachelor’s (Honors) and Master’s degrees. Now, inspired by their shared commitment to growth, he prepares to pursue his doctorate this fall.Their love sharpens.It strengthens.It stretches.They are better because they believe in each other.MEMORABLE MOMENTS IN TASHIERA &amp; RAKEEM’S EXPERIENCEThere have been moments that defined them. Tashiera walking across the stage as “Doctor” in 2024.Rakeem celebrating his academic achievements. Late nights balancing ministry, family, studies, and prayer. The quiet realization that their friendship had become something deeper.None of it was rushed. All of it was intentional.HOW RAKEEM PROPOSEDTheir favorite band, WesGotMyOwnSound, was performing in Maryland at the SoBe Lounge. For them, live music is more than entertainment...it’s atmosphere. It’s connection. So they decided to make the trip.Rakeem handled the details quietly. Front-row reservations. The perfect view of the stage. What Tashiera didn’t know was that he had also arranged something else, a photographer waiting in the wings. The night unfolded effortlessly. Good music. Good energy. Shared smiles.Then came intermission.The photographer approached and casually asked if he could take a picture of them. It seemed ordinary enough a simple snapshot to remember the evening.But Rakeem had other plans. Before the camera clicked, he turned to Tashiera and said, “Before we take the picture, there’s something I need to do.” And then, in a room filled with music and anticipation, he got down on one knee.Time slowed. Surprise washed over her face. Then tears. The kind that come when joy catches you off guard. In the middle of a lounge in Maryland, surrounded by music they loved, a new chapter began. And when he asked the question, she didn’t hesitate. She said yes.The photograph that followed wasn’t just a picture. It was the first image of forever.WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR TASHIERA &amp; RAKEEMThe future they envision is grounded in partnership. Together, they will blend their families: five boys and one girl into one home filled with faith, laughter, structure, grace, and joy. They look forward to leading in ministry side by side. Building businesses with purpose. Traveling the world. Creating lasting memories with family and friends.Their story is not about perfection. It is about growth. About timing. About love that matured before it blossomed. And now, they step forward, hand in hand, into a future they are building together.

Our Love Story

Our Story

In Our Love Era! 

Best friend! Her heart sister, her safe place, her constant through every season of life.

Christine Waithe

Cousin by love!  Chosen family, rooted in love, grown through life’s journey together.

Janice Jennett 

First Cousin! Bound by blood, love, and a lifetime of shared memories.

Jasmyne Howard

Sister! Raised together, grew up together, sisters in every way that matters.

Shante Ebron

Zahr Evans

Zahyr Evans

Zavier Evans

Rakeem “RJ” Thomas Jr. 

Savannah Thomas

Brice Thomas

The I Do Crew

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Tashiera & Rakeem

Tashiera & Rakeem

The I Do Crew