Teenage Crush to Forever Love! Makayla and Dodson Are Having Their Perfect Fairytale

BNW May 9, 20250 Comments

When love walks into your life, it often leaves a mark you never forget. Makayla and Dodson were just teenagers when they met, and even at that young age, something about their connection stood out.

Makayla made a lasting impression on Dodson, and little did he know that what started as an innocent crush would blossom into a real-life rom-com in the years to come. Through time, life, and growth, love found its way—proving that sometimes, the sweetest stories begin at first sight. As they count down to their big day, they are serving looks and sweet love with their stunning pre-wedding shoot… each frame would leave you in awe! 😍

Enjoy their pre-wedding shoot and love story below:

Their love story as shared by Makayla:

I first met Dodson at his aunt’s baby shower when I was 15. It was brief, just a hello and goodbye. The next time was at his grandparents’ pool party. I hadn’t planned on going, having just straightened my hair, but my sister insisted. I remember walking in, standing near my mom, and sitting down next to her while she played cards. I glanced up, and to my surprise, there was a boy with an Obey hat and army cargo shorts sitting across from me at the table, staring intently. It startled me, and I nervously asked my mom why he was staring. She teasingly suggested, “Maybe because he likes you.” So there he was, not saying a word but just staring. He eventually came over, we talked, and he playfully tossed me into the pool, and ruined my hair.

Later, he asked my sister if I was seeing anyone; she said lots of guys liked me, which briefly deterred him. After clearing things up, Dodson got my number and nervously texted me. Despite a rocky start, we hit it off. Our first date was at Westgate Mall. We talked and texted for a year, as I lived in Brockton and he in Boston. On April 19th, 2013, he came over for my brother’s birthday, broke his skateboard, and then sheepishly asked me to be his girlfriend. Since then, Dodson has been my best friend and an incredible partner. Meeting him at such a young age feels like fate. He’s thoughtful, creative, and loving—a true blessing in my life. I can’t wait to marry him.

Their love story as shared by Dodson:

It’s interesting and quite funny how life takes its course. Funny how you can see a person and be like, “yeah, that’s the one.” Now, I didn’t say that when she denied me buying her a soda at the Westgate Mall… I thought she was too good for me. But back to my grandparents’ house, though, a few hours into that pool party at 65 Tremont Street in Brockton. Swimming in the pool, I just kept glancing at this girl who was shy and quiet amongst the loud atmosphere of the Bennett family. I had seen her before though; she was fly. I was flyer, of course, but I knew she could match it. I invited her to swim because she kept looking at the water and maybe needed to be welcomed in.

To be honest, I don’t remember much after that, but when she and her sister were leaving, I couldn’t find her for some reason. I asked Mariah about her. Mariah said she had guys lined up to even get her number. But that didn’t stop me. I was determined to win her over. That determination led us to you reading this today, and ten years from the year of that party, we are still together and getting married! I swear I wasn’t staring at her. She was good looking… Can you blame me?