It was during the fall semester of her freshman year when Taevia met Christopher at a relationship forum that his fraternity was hosting. He introduced himself to her and they quickly became acquainted. But the two were in relationships with other people at the time so their interactions never went further than a simple “hello.”
“During the summer of 2011 I went to a pool party with my close friends. After the pool party they invited a mutual friend, Josh, to our home for a game night. Josh came, bringing his uninvited roommates with him, one of which happen to be Chris. Chris was really cool and laid back and we instantly connected as friends. Coincidentally, we were both single by that time and ended up spending the entire summer together,” Taevia shares. By the end of the summer Chris was ready to take their friendship to the next level but Taevia wasn’t as sure. After asking her out several times and getting denied, Chris charmingly said “when you’re serious say no take backs.” While at a friend’s birthday dinner, he asked her out again and she obediently replied with “no take backs.”
The couple had a lighthearted engagement session in Austin, showing off their respective fraternity and sorority as well as an intimacy that they’ve kept out of their relationship thus far. “Chris and I are celibate and honoring God until marriage so the intimacy really came through the photos since normally we are not that intimate,” Taevia shares. Take a look at Taevia and Chris’s loving engagement session below. Photos by Faluyi Olatunji of OJF Photography.
Bride-to-be: Taevia Gray
Groom-to-be: Christopher Norris
Wedding date: September 30, 2016
Engagement session location: San Marcos, TX, Downtown Austin, DoubleTree Hotel
Tell us all about the proposal!
My parents came down for the weekend and we were all going to spend the day together at the movies, lunch, the skating ring, and later that night his mother’s house for dinner. Chris had been acting strange all day making sure I would dress up and being on his phone excessively during the movie. After the movie he told me he had to go home to help his mother and would not be able to join my family and I for lunch and the skating ring. I was really upset with him since my family does not come into town often. Once we pulled up to the skating ring it was empty and I did not think anything of it. My father and I went to handle the bill in the other room and as I came out Chris walked out with our family and friends behind him. There he got on one knee and said the sweetest words to me. Of course I said yes!
What did you do on your first date?
Since we were struggling college students our first date was at the Chinese buffet. He was really charming and respectful and we stayed there for hours talking. They eventually had to turn the lights off on us.
What’s your favorite thing to do as a couple?
Our favorite thing to do is travel! We have been to several cities and countries together. We love getting away and finding new adventures.
How has wedding planning been so far?
The wedding planning started off kind of stressful looking for the right venue. Thank goodness for our wedding planner she always comes in and saves the day!
Tell us what you’re looking forward to most on the wedding day.
I look forward watching Chris’ face once he sees me for the first time walking down the aisle.
Vendors
Photographer – Faluyi Olatunji
Makeup Artist – House of Khar1sma
I love them. So excited for you too. Much love see you all soon. I pray God bless your union til Death due you part..