In the fall of 2009, during a criminology 101 class at SUNY College of Old Westbury, is when Jodie and Claude first laid eyes on each other. Fate had a plan for the two and little did they know, they were laying eyes on the person they would spend forever with. The timing was not right, so for a while they went their separate ways. One year later, during the spring of 2010, the two went on a date at the Broadway Mall and sparks flew. Claude loved Jodie’s outgoing personality, Jodie admired his kindness; and they shared a laugh after Jodie spilled BBQ sauce on her shirt. It was the start of two former classmates becoming much more. Claude would soon be moving away for law school in Michigan while Jodie stayed behind to work on her Master's degree, but they were determined to not leave each other’s lives again. On August 9th, 2010 they made it official as boyfriend and girlfriend. Despite being hundreds of miles away from each other, they let nothing stand in the way. With a love so strong, they worked hard to make it last. Their love for each other simply grew stronger and stronger. The old saying, “Absence makes the heart grow fonder” proved to be true. After law school, Claude moved back to New York and their love soared to new heights, as they were now able to experience new things together. The two have traveled to exotic destinations in foreign countries and explored many new cultures including each others. They also love spending time together enjoying the multitude of activities NYC has to offer. After six amazing years together, Claude asked Jodie for her hand in marriage on November 13th, 2016 during a surprise birthday dinner for her. Among an outpouring of love from surrounding friends and family, without hesitation, Jodie said “yes!”. With a beautiful wedding approaching, they will join together becoming husband and wife as the love story continues…