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Home • Love & Sex

Just Engaged: Shekinah and Thaddeus

Just Engaged: Shekinah and Thaddeus
By Essence · Updated October 28, 2020
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01
Meant For Me

Shekinah Beckett, 23, and Philadelphia 76ers small forward Thaddeus Young were high school sweethearts, and now they’re ready to jump the broom this summer. Share their love.

Just Engaged: Shekinah and Thaddeus
Amy Dale Photography
02
The Sweetest Thing

Thaddeus says he knew Shekinah was going to be his wife when they were just 16. She worked at Little Caesars Pizza and came to visit him after work with flour all over her. She had told her mom she had to work late and snuck out to see her love. She didn’t have a chance to change clothes and he thought it was the sweetest thing.

Just Engaged: Shekinah and Thaddeus
Amy Dale Photography
03
A Symbol of My Love

Shekinah’s engagement ring is a real stunner.

Just Engaged: Shekinah and Thaddeus
Amy Dale Photography
04
Fun Times

“We love to go to comedy shows and movies,” says Shekinah.” Date night is a must — especially during the season. We like to go bowling with the family and to play Phase 10 at his mom’s house.”

Just Engaged: Shekinah and Thaddeus
Amy Dale Photography
05
So Much to Love

“I love her personality, her smile, her laugh,” says Thaddeus.

Just Engaged: Shekinah and Thaddeus
Amy Dale Photography
06
So Much In Common

Shekinah and Thaddeus have lots in common, but perhaps, one of their more unique shared attributes is that they’re both left-handed.

Just Engaged: Shekinah and Thaddeus
Amy Dale Photography
07
My Sweet Love

“The best memory thus far for us would be the birth of our son TJ in 2010,” says Shekinah. “Another favorite is the night we got engaged.”

Just Engaged: Shekinah and Thaddeus
Amy Dale Photography
08
Shopping Around

“Looking at dresses is fun,” says Shekinah, who has enlisted help from a wedding planner to make her dream wedding come true. “Cake tastings are, too. When we go places, some people already call me Mrs. Young or refer to me as his wife. I love that.”

Just Engaged: Shekinah and Thaddeus
Amy Dale Photography
09
A Family Affair

“We’ve been around each others’ families for seven years,” says Shekinah. “With us marrying, we will have a very big blended family. I’m looking forward to it.”

Just Engaged: Shekinah and Thaddeus
Amy Dale Photography
10
Take it To the Hoop

Shekinah has always stood by Thaddeus — even before he was a notable player in the league. For him, nothing tops a woman who love so truly.

Just Engaged: Shekinah and Thaddeus
Amy Dale Photography
11
A Match Made to Last

Join us in congratulating Shekinah and Thaddeus! Leave your well wishes below. Want to see your engagement photos featured on Just Engaged? Email us now!

Just Engaged: Shekinah and Thaddeus
Amy Dale Photography