Portia & Charles

“Once upon a time in Greenville, North Carolina, our love story unfolded within the now-closed doors of Boli’s 5th Street Pizzeria. It was the spring of 2011 (or December 2010, depending on who you ask), when Portia and Arielle found themselves sharing a delightful meal and engaged in deep conversation. As fate would have it, Portia’s roommate happened to work at the pizzeria, leading her to frequent the establishment. Meanwhile, Charles and his fraternity brother Justin, both proud natives of Pitt County, were back home for the weekend, contemplating their Saturday night plans. In a delightful twist of destiny, they decided to treat themselves to the mouthwatering pizzas of Boli’s. Little did Charles know that this visit would mark his one and only encounter with the now-extinct pizzeria.

Spotting the two gentlemen wearing their Omega Psi Phi shirts, Portia and Arielle couldn’t help but be intrigued. Brimming with curiosity, they mustered the courage to approach them. Introducing themselves as members of Zeta Phi Beta at ECU, the conversation sparked, and the four of them instantly connected. Justin and Charles, both students at UNC Greensboro, revealed that they were home for the weekend. Portia and Charles exchanged contact information on Facebook, and a special bond began to form.

Over the following months, playful banter and lighthearted exchanges filled the air between Portia and Charles. Charles, being in the National Guard, would frequently return to Greenville for monthly drills, providing them with precious opportunities to deepen their connection. However, as the summer of 2011 approached, Portia graduated and embarked on a new chapter in Florida, pursuing her graduate studies. Despite the geographical distance that separated them, their bond only grew stronger. In 2014, fate stepped in again when Charles also found an opportunity that led him to Florida. By 2018, their friendship had withstood the test of time and distance, and they both found themselves back in North Carolina. Love had silently taken root in their hearts. Although they had not yet made the leap into a romantic relationship, they remained intimately connected, nurturing their friendship through constant communication. While life took them on different paths, their hearts remained intertwined. It wasn’t until October 2021 that their relationship blossomed from friendship to a deep and romantic love.

Fast forward from that fateful night at Boli’s through a decade filled with countless cherished memories: celebrating graduations, renovating a home together, exploring new cities, honing their culinary skills, and sharing endless laughter. Their love story was built upon a solid foundation of heartfelt conversations, unforgettable dates, and treasured moments. Their bond grew stronger with each passing year. And then, on Portia’s 34th birthday, in a picturesque moment in Jamaica, Charles decided to seize the perfect opportunity and proposed, surrounded by love and beauty. With overwhelming joy, Portia said yes, embracing the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

Now, as we stand here on the threshold of our wedding day, we look back at the beautiful journey that brought us together. We are filled with gratitude for the people, places, and moments that shaped our love story. We cannot wait to embark on this exciting new chapter together, hand in hand, and create a lifetime of cherished memories filled with love, laughter, and endless adventures.”