Shawn was celebrating a friend’s birthday at HUE Chicago when Shanese walked past the window. She was effortlessly beautiful and undeniably fashionable—two things that remain true to this day. Radiating elegance, she entered the lounge and seemed to float right toward him. After a quick introduction and catching up with a mutual friend, Shanese settled into a quiet corner of the venue. Completely captivated and persistent, Shawn followed her lead. Shanese quickly realized he could hold a great conversation and felt a genuine connection, prompting her to share her phone number. One drink turned into hours of talking, keeping them locked in conversation until the lights came up.

That unforgettable night sparked a beautiful romance. On January 13, 2023—over shots of Don Julio 1942 and endless laughter—they officially became a couple, quickly earning a reputation as one of Chicago's favorites.

When they aren't out on the town, they are building a beautiful life at home, complete with plenty of playful compromise. Shawn successfully turned Shanese into an avid football fan, and you can now find her passionately rooting for the Philadelphia Eagles. In return, Shanese transformed Shawn into a certified reality TV guru. He is fully invested in the drama and chaos of Real Housewives of Atlanta, The Traitors, and especially Love Island—to the point where he is actually on the app casting his votes. But behind the closed doors of their love, the real competition happens at the card table, where Shanese routinely and mercilessly waxes the floor with Shawn in intense games of Uno.

Their bond only deepened as they took their love on the road. Their very first getaway together was a charming weekend in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, which sparked a mutual love for exploration and spawned a whirlwind of global adventures. Since then, they have collected passport stamps in Barcelona, Tokyo, Barbados, Tulum, Brazil, and traveled across many cities in the U.S. When they aren't boarding a flight, they are likely heading to a show. Sharing a deep, synchronized love for music, they became instant concert partners, singing and dancing through over 25 concerts together. Their absolute favorites include Don Toliver, Kendrick Lamar, H.E.R., and Beyoncé’s iconic Renaissance and Cowboy Carter runs. In fact, that unforgettable H.E.R. concert is the reason Shanese is still saved in Shawn’s phone to this day as “Rockstar.”

Through every trip, television binge, and late-night lyric, they proved they were each other’s eternal love, partners, and best friends.

Bringing their journey full circle, Shawn planned the ultimate surprise for the three-year anniversary of the day they met— a date they affectionately call their "Meetaversary." Before dinner, Shawn presented Shanese with a stunning red dress and heels. Unsuspecting of what was to come, she arrived at Nisos Prime, believing it was just an intimate anniversary dinner. Instead, Shawn had privately rented out the venue’s lounge to elevate their love. Surrounded by the most beautiful roses in Chicago and a gallery of photos capturing their years together, Shawn dropped to one knee and asked Shanese to be his wife and the leading lady of his life. Shanese happily said yes to becoming the future Mrs. Woodards, completely shocked when all of their closest family and friends walked out to join the celebration. (Story has it, Nisos Prime closed down months later—retired, because no other event could ever top that night).

Now, the ultimate adventure begins. Shanese and Shawn are so excited to welcome you all to their home city of Chicago to witness, celebrate, and toast to their marriage on the first Sunday in May 2027!