Leonard's Palazzo

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

So I was living in Charlotte I was single and miserable, fighting cancer and I was lonely. I was not meeting anyone in Charlotte that I was interested in. I was visiting a friend of mine named Sabrina and I was telling her how I wanted to leave Charlotte and the reason why. She asked me if ever tried any of the dating sites. I told her I did but was having no luck. She ask me if I tried Facebook dating. I told her I had never heard of Facebook dating. That morning we sat in her kitchen and she helped me build my Facebook dating profile. She helped me write my profile and told me what pictures to put up on which ones not to use lol. During the next few weeks I was meeting many women online, but did not actually meet any in person during that time. I discovered Alina’s page. I really liked her photo but was on the fence about her profile. I always made sure to read the profiles because sometimes they can tell you a lot about the person. Many women that I was interested in, I never reached out to because their profile told me that it was not a good idea. Alina‘s was not bad. I just kept going back and reading it over and over and over again. The other thing was, she was a lot younger than me, and I was thinking she would not be interested, especially when she found out about my medical conditions. One afternoon while staring at her photo for probably the one millionth time I decided to reach out and to my surprise the next morning she had reached out too. After about a month of texting back-and-forth, she asked for my phone number and we started talking on the phone. She would always tell me about how she was a big girl and I would always tell her I don’t care. I like big girls. One of the things I loved about her was she would not stop talking during our phone calls. It never got to the point where there was an eerie silence and I had to make up something to talk about. Our conversation just flowed like we had known each other forever. After about two months of texting and talking, we finally decided to meet. It was at this point that I told her about the cancer and that I walked with a limp. I wanted her to know these things before we actually met. She told me that she did not care about stuff like that.On the night that we finally met in person I pulled up in my truck and her youngest son Christian came downstairs to eyeball me and inspect me when she finally came outside. I got out of my truck to have her door open and I was a little surprised when I saw her . She always said that she was a big girl, but she was actually a tall girl and with a 4 inch heels she had on she was very tall. I felt like a little kid LOL. We went to a Mexican restaurant and had drinks and dinner. By the time we sat down I could care less about her height. I thought she was beautiful. During the evening she excused herself and went to the ladies room, when she came back she was laughing and she said to me “Really when were you going to tell me that I had my shirt on backwards?” I said to her “You have a shirt on?” I was so captivated by her beauty, had she not said anything I would have never known. I knew from the 1st date that there would be another. I was hooked day 1.

“His Perspective”

I moved to North Carolina in 2023, believing I would focus on my career and overall well-being. Boy, did God have other plans!I would log onto Facebook Dating every once in a while because my experiences with online dating hadn’t been the best. That week, I decided to delete my profile and try to meet people the organic way. That same day, I checked my messages for the last time, and after swiping left what felt like a million times, I saw a message from Evan.I started to swipe left, only because he was a little older than me—but the muscles got me! I responded and thought I’d keep the app for one more day. After sending messages back and forth for a while, I offered my number because I really wanted to delete the app. He called, and of course, I ran my mouth the entire time! It felt natural, like we’d known each other forever.We didn’t meet for a while because our schedules weren’t aligned, but when we finally did, I think we’ve been together since day one. It was fast—it was beautiful. Evan is genuinely the most God-fearing, honest, decent human being I know. He protects me, he guides me, and I can talk to him about anything.Anywhere we go, you never hear a bad story about him. I’ve met some of my greatest friends—and now family—through him, and he loves my children as if they were his own. I find myself wanting to be the best version of me, for him.I prayed for this man. And God answered, in His own time and in His own way. Thank God I decided to swipe right one more time.

"Her Perspective"

Our Story

Photos

Alina and I have been friends for over six years in Virginia. We’re both only girls, and we get along because we understand the “only girl syndrome”—the need to be in the spotlight, to be right, and to fight (lol). I’m the Maid of Honor. Period!

Jessie Daniel 

I’m Alina’s best friend from childhood — we’ve been friends for over 25 years. I’m also the godmother to all her sons. We’ve been through everything together — the ups, the downs, the good, and the bad — and I love her to pieces. ❤️❤️

Shonda Watts

(in my Trini voice 3 lol)
Buddha (aka Evan), we met at a cookout about three or four years ago, and even though we hadn’t known each other long, when you had surgery, I was right there to help you through recovery and get back on your feet. From that moment, our friendship only grew stronger.
You are truly one of the most loving, caring, and respectful people I’ve ever met. Seeing you with your beautiful queen makes me so happy — you’ve found someone who cherishes you the way you deserve, like the king you are.
Love you both dearly, and I wish you a lifetime filled with happiness, laughter, and endless blessings. ❤️

Narriedon Chang

Alina and I first crossed paths in The Queens of Charlotte Facebook group, but our true connection began when I saw her post looking for someone to retwist Jaiden’s hair. I reached out and told her my daughter could help, and that moment led us to finally meet in person. To my surprise, I discovered we share the exact same birthday! It felt like more than a coincidence—it was truly meant to be. A few months later, I met Evan on the 4th of July. We barbecued, shared cocktails, and of course listened to him talk (and talk and talk 😆) about those damn Steelers. That day sealed the deal—this wasn’t just friendship; it was family. 🫶🏾❤️ 

Shantel Fambro

I’ve known Alina for quite some time now. We ran in similar circles, though she actually knew my twin first. We connected on Facebook about ten years ago—and as two Libras, our scales just naturally balanced. The rest is history.
Alina is an incredible person—devoted, loyal, and full of light. Having her in my corner means everything to me. Seeing her find the yin to her yang, creating a perfect balance of love, light, and harmony, brings me tremendous joy.
I’m so blessed to be part of this beautiful union.
Thank you, Baby Mama.
Blessings,
Sharice “Reese”

Sharice Brown

Tiffany Arrington

Christian Hickerson

I met the bride and groom through my wife, Shantel, and ever since then, it’s been all laughs, great food, and even better company. We’ve shared plenty of good times—from football Sundays (where the trash talk gets real—Go Lions!) to family dinners that always turn into comedy nights.
They bring amazing energy and good vibes wherever they go. It’s been a blessing to watch their love grow, and honestly, if they can survive football season together, they can handle anything marriage throws their way!
We can’t wait to celebrate your union.

Andre Fambro

I’m Alina’s son — one of her firstborn twins. I met Evan shortly after he and my mom began dating, and from the very start, he welcomed us with open arms. What began as kindness quickly grew into something deeper — love, respect, and family. Evan didn’t just accept us; he chose us.

Isaiah Hickerson

Jaiden Hannah

I’m Alina’s son, and I met Evan a little over a year ago when he flew me and my brother out for my brother’s birthday. From that moment, I could tell how genuine and thoughtful he is. He’s made such a positive impact on our lives, and I’m truly grateful to see how happy he makes my mom.

Joshua Hickerson 

Phildrick Watts

Where to begin. Alina, my sister, is my best friend. We’ve been through thick and thin and ups and downs—celebrated when the other wins and cried together when either loses. People have tried to pit us against each other, but nothing will ever work. She is the longest girlfriend I’ve ever had, and I can’t live without her.

I’m so proud of her growth and tenacity, and I envy the fact that she has never given up on love, regardless of what the people she loved have taken her through. She deserves a real man, and I’m happy she finally found one.

When I first met Evan, I… wasn’t so nice. Alina and I were beefing real bad, and he was collateral damage. I’m ashamed of how I acted toward him, especially after seeing how great of a guy he’s been to my sister—no, the entire family. I already talked to Alina and told her, “This is the one,” and she better make it work! 
LOL.

Corey Reed

Wedding Party

Wedding Planner - Kelly Denise Events 

Florist - My Lovely Stems - https://mylovelystems.com

Wedding Photographer - Trevor Felder

Engagement/Website Photos - Brownstone Signature Events- www.bstonesigevents.com

Engagement MUA (Charlotte, NC) - 

Our Vendors

We’ve reserved a block of rooms for our guests at&nbsp;The Andrew Hotel, located just steps from the&nbsp;Great Neck LIRR Train Station&nbsp;and about 25 minutes from Manhattan.Booking Link:&nbsp;<a href="https://res.andrewhotel.com/ibe/details.aspx?propertyid=15800&amp;nights=3&amp;checkin=7/9/2026&amp;group=MCKIN260709-1612&amp;lang=en-us" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Reserve Your Room Here</a> Please make your reservation by&nbsp;Tuesday, June 9, 2026, to take advantage of our special group rates under&nbsp;“McKinley/Smelley Wedding.” Room Rates (per night):Andrew Suite – $319Signature King – $219Signature Double – $219 Dates:&nbsp;Thursday, July 9 – Sunday, July 12, 2026 Hotel Amenities:Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the hotelFree continental breakfast (Friday–Sunday, 7–10 AM)Valet parking available ($17/night sedans, $19/night SUVs)24/7 front desk and concierge serviceAccess to nearby fitness centerNon-smoking guest rooms with flat-screen HDTV, coffee maker, desk, and plush linensPet-friendly (up to 45 lbs, $150 fee) Location Highlights:The Andrew Hotel is conveniently situated near restaurants, shops, and train access. Guests can enjoy easy transportation to and from Manhattan and nearby attractions.

The Andrew Hotel

Hotel AccommodationsWe have reserved a room block for our wedding weekend at: Hilton Garden Inn Roslyn516-626-3600(Ask for the&nbsp;“MCKSME”&nbsp;room block) Room Block DatesRooms are available for:Thursday, July 9, 2026Friday, July 10, 2026Saturday, July 11, 2026 Group Rate The discounted&nbsp;MCKSME&nbsp;rates are:Standard Guestroom (1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds): $319/night 1 King Bedroom Suite: $389/night&nbsp;(limited availability)Rates are subject to applicable taxes (currently&nbsp;11.625%) in effect at the time of check-in. How to BookGuests may reserve their rooms by:Calling the hotel directly at&nbsp;516-626-3600, and requesting the&nbsp;“MCKSME”&nbsp;rateOR<a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink/?ctyhocn=NYCPWGI&amp;groupCode=MCKSME&amp;arrivaldate=2026-07-08&amp;departuredate=2026-07-12&amp;cid=OM,WW,HILTONLINK,EN,DirectLink&amp;fromId=HILTONLINKDIRECT" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Booking online</a> using the reservation link (to be shared)Reservation Deadline Please book your room by:June 9, 2026 After this date, any unreserved rooms will be released to the public and the group rate may no longer be available. Check-In / Check-OutCheck-in:&nbsp;3:00 PMCheck-out:&nbsp;11:00 AM Late check-out after 11:00 AM may result in an additional night’s charge.

Registry

Registry