love favorite A Little About Us

How We Met

Saveon and I met late summer 2015, while working at Merck in Durham. I was assigned a project that required me to work with Saveon's lab; needless to say, I only wanted to work with Saveon LOL. I scheduled a meeting for us and that was how it all started. We had an hour scheduled, and the first 5 mins we realized the computer wasn't working (I think he was nervous ;) ) and the rest of the time, we started to get to know each other. It seems like we've talked every day since then and now here we are!

The Proposal

A few days prior to our Charleston, SC trip for Stephonia’s Birthday, I woke up knowing it would be the right time to propose to Crystal. Around lunch time, I told her I was going to the store for toilet paper etc (this is when toilet paper was hard to get) I went to the jeweler instead and got the ring. That Friday and Saturday I had the ring in my pocket just in case the mood was right, I finally gave it to Crystals mother because it looked too obvious in my pocket. We toured a few different areas but none felt like the right place for me. Once we made it to the Charleston Waterfront Park, overlooking the Charleston Harbor, I knew I found the spot. I proposed to her in front of the famous Pineapple Fountain, I didn’t even realize it was there.





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Stephonia Johnson

Maid of Honor Sooooo how we met was really weird. Definitely not by choice so we had no option but to get along. On the month of July year of 1994 is when I was born and she became my sweet but firecracker big sister. Started off rocky at first because I thought only our parents could tell me what to do, haha. Wouldn’t trade her for the world, the best, hands down big sister ever!

Ashley Greene

Matron of Honor 😭😭😭😭 So Crystal and I met in August 2004 at North Carolina Central University and it’s been a wrap since that day! After tears (because Crystal really wanted to be in ATL… hehehe), she decided to stay in Durham, NC 🙌🏾 After our first party (like 2 days later), we were tight like glue. We are science nerds and cheerleading/dance coaches at our core. 🎉 She’s my Best Friend, godmother to my two babies, business partner, and sister. I could go on for days but no words can truly describe how much I love and appreciate her!

Kelechi Kalu

Gentleman of Honor Crystal is my best friend. And no, I don’t mean that in the lightest of phrasing. She is MY best friend. INSEPARABLE. We met in Mrs. Crosse’s class in the fifth grade almost 2 and a half decades ago, and bonded over inside jokes and icosahedrons. From then on, we’ve been inseparable. We know what each other is thinking. We have our own language. We’ve laughed and cried together. She’s been there for me at my lowest lows. And has ALWAYS been there to help me climb to and celebrate my highest highs. Crystal is my sister, my support system, one of the most important people in this whole world to me, and MY HERO. So there. Now you know how I know Crystal. I know her like I know myself.

Darius "Bear" Godwin

Best Man Saveon aka Suay and I met back in 2008 working together at Mutual Drug Co in Durham. After a while of getting to know each other at work, I remember inviting him out to hang with me on campus, one weekend, while I was a student at NC State. We had a blast! Random weekend great times quickly turned into us kicking it outside of work on a weekly basis. I had no clue that Saveon would quickly turn into more than just a friend, but a best friend, a brother, and family. We have been running over 13 years strong. I am truly blessed that Suay and I connected and I continue to appreciate our friendship and life time bond.

Barry Greene

Groomsman I met Saveon originally in the 7th grade. I was being picked on as the new kid in school which led to a slight scuffle with some kids. While classes were switching out, Saveon walked up to me and just stood with me as I calmed down for support. We had several classes together the following year and I couldn’t have asked for a better friend & role model.

Jerrod Lewis

Groomsman When I first met Saveon ? I think that’s a trick question because I don’t even remember not knowing him, it’s been that long since we was kids running around State Street .

Jermaine Smith

Groomsman My guy! My brother! Where do I even begin? Lol. It seems like forever but in reality it has shortly been over 5 years since we have known each other. We met in 2016 at Verizon, (where I was working at the time) I remember him coming in with a iPhone issue that I assisted him with and we chopped it up briefly during the process. Fast forward, 2 weeks later - Randomly, I ran into this guy again at WOCC for bible study and after finding out we had so many similarities - we instantly connected. God’s plan. Ironic story - he had just closed on his first home, and I had just got under contract a week prior to purchase mine. How ironic, we had some of the same exact furniture and didn’t even know?! Great minds think alike lol Fast forward, we have done business together, traveled across the world, celebrating birthdays etc. cookouts, family gatherings and the list goes on! So many deep conversations about life, business, relationships etc. Even when I moved to Atlanta, he drove the U-haul down to help me move with out hesitation. That will always hold a special place in my heart, and it’s nothing I wouldn’t do for this guy. Saveon is someone I can always count on. A close older brother that I have always prayed for. This is literally my brother from another mother. My brother 4L!

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Crystal & Ashley, Matron of Honor

Saveon & Barry, Groomsman

Crystal & Stephonia, Maid of Honor

Saveon & Jerrod, Groomsman

Saveon & Bear, Best Man
Crystal & Kelechi, Gentleman of Honor

Saveon & Jermaine, Groomsman

Wedding Schedule

Our Ceremony & Reception

Sunday, October 10th | 5 PM

Hope Valley Country Club 3803 Dover Road Durham, NC 27707 Attire: Semi-formal Invite only, RSVP will be confirmed The ceremony and reception will occur outdoors; the reception will be on a covered terrace overlooking the Hope Valley Country Club's golf course. Indoor amenities and accommodations are available, as needed.

Suggested Accommodations

Hyatt Place Durham/Southpoint

Hyatt Place Durham Southpoint offers a great location next to the Streets of Southpoint Mall, with inviting guestrooms to rest and relax. Each space comes outfitted with a plush Hyatt Grand Bed™, bathroom vanities with granite countertops, and free toiletries. Enjoy extra space to spread out and get comfortable thanks to their Cozy Corner with its sofa-sleeper. Check In: 3:00PM Check Out: 12:00PM

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Hilton Garden Inn Durham/Southpoint

The Hilton Garden Inn is located near I-40, next to Southpoint Mall and the Streets at Southpoint. The hotel is within 12 miles of Duke University, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, and downtown Durham. Raleigh-Durham International Airport is 10 minutes from their door. Enjoy their free area shuttle, indoor pool, fitness center, and Ruth's Chris Steak House. Check In: 3:00PM Check Out: 11:00AM

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Things To Do

American Tobacco Campus

What was once a factory is now one of Durham's best social scenes. Be sure to check out all the American Tobacco Campus has to offer during your stay.

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Sarah P Duke Gardens & Chapel

Take a break and stroll the 55 acre public gardens on Duke University's campus. Learn about native plants and those unique to other parts of the world, enjoy a bite to eat at the on-site cafe, or take a guided tour throughout the space.

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21c Museum & Hotel

Standing tall and proud in the center of downtown Durham, 21c Museum Hotel is a multi-venue contemporary art museum offering more than 10,500 square feet of art-filled exhibition and event space, a full-service boutique hotel with luxurious guest rooms, and home to Counting House restaurant. Keep an eye out for the iconic Fuchsia Penguin.

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The Streets at Southpoint Mall

The Streets at Southpoint is a shopping and dining destination in an area that offers a vibrant mix of cultural and entertainment attractions. Make the most of your visit and explore a variety of nearby activities and entertainment.

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