Anthony and Cheresse have been loyal fans of the show and active contributors to the Soul Food message boards. Anthony has been an active member of the message boards since Season 1 and Cheresse since Season 2.

Through regular discussions addressing issues raised about the series and life, Anthony and Cheresse, as well as their fellow message board members, started forming a strong connection. In fact, realizing the connection they had forged far surpassed the anonymity of the message boards, they made plans to finally meet in Atlanta. Halloween weekend 2002, everyone flew in from all parts of the country to finally meet face to face. Anthony trekked from Tennessee, while Cheresse traveled from Detroit.

Everyone greeted one another like family. The familiarity and affection was immediate. Cheresse states, "it was as if we had known each other our entire lives." Although Anthony had to leave the weekend's festivities early, Cheresse made quite an impression. Anthony surprised Cheresse for her birthday the following week with a dozen roses, 11 red and 1 white. The white rose symbolized their relationship as a diamond in the rough. Not only was Cheresse surprised by Anthony's loving gesture, she was smitten as well. Cheresse shares, "because there were so many beautiful women who joined us in Atlanta, I was surprised he took an interest in me." Soon after they started speaking regularly and began to establish a strong bond.

Distance was an obvious challenge, but Anthony and Cheresse compensated with constant phone conversations, emails and visits. As the relationship developed, so did their discussions about a possible future together. On the last day of Anthony's Christmas visit, he proposed. Ever since then they have been preparing for their future, which seems almost predestined. Anthony states, "things just started falling into place."

By the end of January, Anthony relocated to be closer to Cheresse. Coincidentally, Anthony already had a solid network of friends and family in Detroit. He spent many childhood summers there, so moving to the Motor City was an easy transition. Moreover, his job in Tennessee was changing, presenting him with the perfect opportunity to explore other employment prospects. Since Detroit serves as the world headquarters for many major American automotive companies and Anthony is an automotive accountant, job possibilities are also bright. Cheresse on the other hand is in school studying to complete a business degree in Human Resources. She graduates in August, giving the couple even greater flexibility if they decide to establish their family in another city.

Like any couple, their relationship is still growing. They are exploring cultural differences as Anthony is from the South and Cheresse is from the North. They are learning each other's pet peeves and habits. However, they see these challenges as opportunities. As Cheresse states, "we are learning from each other and growing stronger."

Anthony and Cheresse celebrate their love and Soul Food. Anthony states, "Soul Food is such an inspiring series. Naturally it brings people together, because everyone is represented on Soul Food. There is not a show on the air that relates to every facet of life like Soul Food." The message boards are just an extension of the show. As Anthony says, "it is an opportunity to share and learn from other rational and objective people. Discussions are educational for those who lack exposure. If a topic addressed is something you have not yet experienced, you know you probably will. You just start to see things in a new light. The message boards present a unique chance to think instead of react."

Just as Soul Food deserves to be celebrated, so do its dedicated fans. Let's celebrate loyal fans who continue to participate on the message boards, log on for chats, speak on a regular basis, organize trips, develop lasting friendships, and for a special few, find love. May a long life full of love and happiness be ahead for Anthony and Cheresse!