Makeda Crane, the youngest daughter of Paula & Larry Crane, was born in St. Louis, MO, raised in "The Natural State" (Arkansas, duhhh), where attended college at the University of Arkansas - Pine Bluff as a 2nd generation legacy. 

In 2008 Makeda's educational journey brought her back to St. Louis, Missouri. Whilst pursuing masters degree full time, this service centered scholar also maintained a variety of full time and intern positions for companies such as Ameren, AT&T and Anheuser Busch. She also volunteered in a variety of youth organizations as well as with prominent young professional groups before starting her career in finance in the health care sector.

​When asked to describe her in 5 words or less most friends & family would describe her as fun loving, smart, caring, sincere & thoughtful.

One word.... "Socializing"... If there is one thing that all our friends will agree on, its that we can strike up and maintain a good conversation with anyone. In fact, one of our very 1st introduction was at a social event, an urban poetry slam to be exact.  After that encounter we continued to bump into each at various social engagements through out the city. Right off the bat it was clear there was some chemistry there but it wasn't until we found out we both had a passion for fitness did it click.  In fact our 1st date was a daytime rendezvous and the gym. 

We courted (do people still say that?) for quite some time and seeing as women mature faster than men, we all know who knew this was serious first. Girls will be girls and boys will be boys, it is not until they find a reason to grow up that they truly do... Its safe to say we both found that reason. 

the proposal

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (June 12th 2014) - Whilst attending a destination wedding of one of their dear friends in the beautiful city of Punta Cana on the island nation of the Dominican Republic, the young couple, seemingly exhausted from a day of vacation activities headed back to their hotel room. "Let's get freshened up and head out to the out door bar" he said anxiously, as he tried to figure out how he would smuggle this ring and ring box so she wouldn't know what was coming. To his surprise she responded, "Honestly, I could just lay here and watch TV tonight, i'm beat" [insert ironic blank stare here]. After about 30 minutes he says in his coolest non assertive, assertive voice, "Girl come on, we only got a few more days, might as well step out, if only for a minute". She knodded in agreement and the couple gathered their things, her clutch and his ugly souvenir man bag, in which his surprise was securely hidden..

The night was warm, mid 80 degrees w/ not a cloud in sight. The stars seemed to glow, in fact they appeared so close that you could reach up and grab them. They entered the court yard, which was bustling with activity. There was live entertainment, families enjoying cocktails & conversation, the energy was welcoming and relaxing.  After a round of cocktails they decided to take a walk on the beach. 

Without giving it a second thought they were off. They strolled hand in hand through the court yard and onto one of the most beautifully garden paths they'd ever seen. A pair of smooth sandstone paths laid way to an awe inspiring fountain walk way where beams of water shot out from side to side perfectly synchronized as it bounced off center stones and pebbles. At the end of this path the couple continued on through finely manicured a lawn, coconut trees, lush island flowers, the main pool area and on to the sandy entrance to the beach. "This is perfect" he thought, "she hasn't go a clue". A moon lit beach, the sound of waves wrestling with the surf, cool island breezes and conversations about life, work, family and future.  

On the way to the beautiful fountain path he spotted a quaint open air pavilion nestled perfectly at the end of their current path. "This is it" he thought. He discretely slipped the ring box out of his bag and proceeded to check out a hanging flower blossom in the pavilion. As soon as they reached the pavilion, as if it was fate, the fountain suddenly stopped shooting streams of water.  "Look at that, looks like we broke the fountain", as soon as she 

turned her gaze to the fountain he quickly drop to one knee and presented the ring box (yes, he went to Jared).  As she turned back around to find her beau on bended knee she was rendered speechless.  With a quick clearing of his throat he proceeded to say, "Makeda Crane, would you do me the honor of sharing the rest of your life with me? Will you marry me". Her response was to put both hands to her face and ask, "Is this real? is this really happening, oh my God Teddy, are you for real", "Yes, yes, yes i will"..  

She said yes, he slipped the ring on to her finger and the rest is ....... "their-story"

how we met

Her story

Ted Blackett, the youngest three sons of Ms. Theodora James, was born in Brooklyn NY, raised on the beautiful island of St. Lucia, attended High School in Brooklyn, college in the Mid-west and spent his summers traveling abroad.

In 2001 Ted started a career in Telecommunications and settled in St. Louis, Missouri. Whilst working full time in the Telecom sector, this budding entrepreneur started and maintained a variety of businesses including photography, event management, advertising & consulting firms.

​When asked to describe him in 5 words or less most friends & family would describe him as ambitious, intelligent, out going, funny & charismatic.

his story

are getting married - save the date

ted & makeda