It all started in 2015 with a Clash of Clans game and a little bit of online curiosity. Alisha joined a gaming group and spotted Vernon in the chat - little did she know she’d just met her future husband. They started talking regularly, but in the beginning, Alisha was a bit difficult. Vernon tried very hard to get her Facebook and phone number - and after some charming persistence, she finally gave in. Once they swapped details, their conversations quickly became something they both looked forward to every day.

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A few months later, Vernon visited Pretoria under the sweet excuse of seeing his aunt, who happened to live in the same area as Alisha. That visit led to their very first in-person meeting - a pizza date at a restaurant they still frequent to this day. It was awkward, sweet, and unforgettable.

 

Shortly after that, Alisha boarded a long-distance bus from Pretoria to the Northern Cape - a nearly 9-hour trip - to visit Vernon for his 21st birthday. They had only met once, but the connection was undeniable. A few weeks later, Vernon came back to spend Christmas and New Year’s with Alisha and her family.

 

By mid-2016, he made the big move to Pretoria - turning their long-distance love into real life. Over the years, their relationship blossomed into a beautiful partnership. From adopting a lot of kittens (six, to be exact) to raising two lovable Labradors, from cooking together to planning birthdays and events as a true dream team, they’ve built a home filled with warmth, laughter, music, and a shared joy for the little things.

 

Then came August 3, 2024 - a weekend getaway near the Lion & Safari Park, a private jacuzzi, and one very heartfelt proposal. Vernon got down on one knee and asked Alisha to be his forever. Spoiler alert: she said yes (immediately, and with happy tears!).

 

Now, they can’t wait to say “I do” and celebrate the next chapter of their love story - with all the people who’ve cheered them on from the very beginning.