Marisa and Eugene met while serving on the Executive Board for the Urban League Young Professionals of Greater Pittsburgh. Natural leaders, the pair built a bond and a romance that pushed them both to be greater individuals and an even greater pair. Watch their romantic wedding video by Yamean Studios Films and read the rest of their love story below.
Marisa + Eugene | Pittsburgh, PA | Wedding Trailer from Yamean Studios on Vimeo.
Tell us all about the proposal!
I wanted to make the engagement special for Marisa by including our families, because I know how important family is to both of us. Prior to the special day, I called her father to ask for his blessing then I went a step further, and called both of her brothers as well. I have a little sister and I thought that was important to do. On Christmas Eve everyone but Marisa knew what was going to take place. I asked my sister to capture the moment with my iPhone. Before the family sat down to dinner, I made a toast to thank both families for traveling to spend Christmas in snowy Pittsburgh. During the toast I took a moment to thank Marisa for making the past 6 months that we have been living together special. At that point, I took a few moments to explain how you know you’ve met “The One.” “You know you’ve met the one, when everything you have and everything you are, you want to share with that person.” I raised my glass and turned to Marisa and said, “Babe, everything I have and everything I am I want to share with you.” I called her up to the front of the room, to have her stand next to me. I used my remote to turn on the stereo, and while our song “Sweet Lady” played in the background I said, “There’s only one thing left to do.” I reached in my pocket, pulled out the ring, got down on one knee, and asked her to marry me.
What is your best memory from your wedding?
The first look. Eugene jumped a mile high when he turned around and saw me. Both of us had a permanent smile on our faces for the next 7 days. We couldn’t help it.
What is the best advice you can give to engaged couples?
Enjoy the process. Being a fiance is an awesome experience, but if you spend the majority of the time stressing over your wedding day, you will miss the magic of planning an amazing day to celebrate your love. Gene and I planned our day together and it was one of the BEST experiences we had as an engaged couple. It allowed us to work as a team, and allow each other’s strengths to shine through.
Vendors
Photographer: Mecca Gamble Photography
Videography: Yamean Studios Films
Dress: Maggie Sottero
Hair and Makeup: The Emerald Room, Kristen Walker, and Shayla
Calvert Caterer: JCP Catering & Events
Event Planner: Phionix Premier
Events Decor: Events by Andrea Florist
Petals: Ann Conlin
Music/DJ: Band- The Brydge & Gene Stovall, DJ-Teejay
Cake: Sweets by Design
Your wedding video brought tears to my eyes. God bless your union! Congratulations!
God bless your union. What a beautiful story and ceremony!
I smiled through the tears when I experienced the beauty of your love in the video…I can see God, family, fun and friendship all over this union! May God bless your union forever!