"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." John 15:12
IF YOU ASK HIM
I will never forget September 25, 2023. It was the first day of rehearsal for 44: The Obama Musical, a production I had joined six months prior. Two new performers had been added to the cast for this run we were starting. There she stood in her army fatigue cargo pants, black graphic t-shirt, and blonde braids; short and sweet with a nice physique. My heart raced a little but I had to play it cool. I went around the room greeting everyone I knew, then smoothly introduced myself to the new cast members. When she said her name, “CELESTE,” it was like music to my ears and was fitting for her beauty. I eased my way over to my boy TJ Wilkins (who plays Obama in the show) and said, “Saaaaay jack, WHO is that with the braids?” TJ simply replied, “you’re welcome.” TJ was the one who recommended Celeste for the show. I instantly knew I would “shoot my shot,” it was just a matter of when and how. Shortly thereafter, a castmate invited everyone to a show at the El Portal Theatre. When I learned that Celeste intended to go to the show, I figured I would reach out to Celeste to talk about going to the show together, but, guess what y’all…she texted me first! We decided to meet at the theatre after church. I had performed at that theatre several times and knew the parking situation. So, I arrived early and had a “bro to bro” conversation with the parking attendants about Celeste, ranting and raving about how beautiful she was. I also described the car she would arrive in so there would be no question about whose parking I was paying for. As I stood across the street awaiting her arrival, the parking attendants did not disappoint! I smiled watching their nearly two-minute interaction and how joyful they were telling her the “secret.” When she walked up, Celeste played it cool like the men hadn’t told her how I raved about her beauty, but I knew she took note of what they said. As we walked into the theater, many people commented about how fortunate I was to be with such a beautiful woman. It was an amazing afternoon! That evening, I sat in my apartment reflecting on the day. I thought about how we laughed at the exact same times at the exact same things throughout the play, many of which had nothing to do with the actual performance! We were so in-sync that we were making inside jokes without having to say a word to one another. I had never experienced anything like that before and I knew instantly CELESTE AURIEL BUTLER was my person! I had found my soulmate. We began performing together with 44: The Obama Musical and talked every moment we weren’t on stage (and y’all know we both can TALK). We went to dinner every night for two weeks straight, and spent most days together before heading to the theatre to perform. I was in love! We made our relationship “official” less than two months later, on November 14, 2023 at Osteria La Buca. We were engaged exactly one year later on November 14, 2024 at the same restaurant. I didn’t know it was possible, but my love for her grows more each and every day. Now, exactly two years after officially being “her man,” I am beyond blessed to have the opportunity to call her my wife on November 14, 2025. Y’all, I FOUND MY GOOD THING, and am already experiencing FAVOR with God! Proverbs 18:22
IF YOU ASK HER
I was first looped into the Obama-Musical-Universe in May 2023, when I went to support my friend TJ Wilkins, who plays Obama. I remember thinking “this show is completely absurd, the cast is insanely talented, and my cheeks hurt from laughing.” A few months later, TJ reached out to let me know they were looking to fill a role, and that he recommended me. I sent in a few clips for consideration, and heard within an hour that the role was mine. The entire cast welcomed me with open arms, and I quickly learned that it was quite the exuberant group. Before our first rehearsal started, this TALL…LANKY…LIGHT-SKINNED…FINE brotha, with a gorgeous head of curls stormed into the room like he owned the place. He quickly greeted everyone with hugs and handshakes. When he got to me he gave me a hug and in this deep, confident voice said, “Marqell,” to which I replied, “Celeste.” I had never met this man but somehow felt an instant sense of camaraderie and thought, “I bet he never meets a stranger.” That initial inkling of camaraderie, turned into an effortless friendship - further strengthened by the fact that we had two mutual friends within the cast already…TJ, and Summer Greer. Once the show opened Marqell would offer to carry my bag from the dressing room to my car for me every night. The performance venue had a lot of stairs and was probably a four minute walk from stage level down to where the dressing rooms were. He would carry our friend Summer’s bag and make sure she made it to her car safely too, so I didn’t think much of it. We continued to spend time together at the show, and our post-show group dinner outings started to become something I genuinely looked forward to. It wasn’t until we attended a matinee play at the El Portal theatre that I was smacked in the face (and I guess the heart), with the potential of our relationship becoming something more. Over the next few weeks Marqell’s intentions became more and more clear to me, and we spent as much time together as possible. During the hours we couldn’t be attached at the hip, we would be on Facetime talking for hours (everyone knows we both can talk lol) or texting long dissertations to each other. We went to see the play on November 5th, and within a month we had met each others’ families. I will never forget my dad’s reaction when he asked about "this young man Marqell” and I nonchalantly exclaimed “he’s the one for me,” and that this was “it.” It was a month of intentionality, deep conversations, gut-busting laughter, and peace in the best way. That month was just the tip of the iceberg. Our first year of dating was so amazing that I saved mementos from all 365 days. I didn’t think it could get much better, then, on day 365…HE PROPOSED! I remember a conversation I had with my Matron of Honor, Chloe, about Marqell very early on. Her response was, “THIS GIRL DONE GOT GOT!” Well, I’m shouting from the rooftops, I did. I was. I am. I will. MARQELL EDWARD CLAYTON…“I DO!” Song of Solomon 3:4