Jaisman and Ernest’s Timelessly Romantic Engagement

Not every woman is nonchalant walking in front of 40,000 people, but for Jaisman that was just a small part of loving Ernest. At his Alumni weekend and recognition ceremony on a football field in front of 40,000 fans, Ernest dropped to one knee and asked Jaisman to marry him. Nonchalant she was no more…the surprise moment was almost too much for her to bare as she struggled to say, “mmmmmmhhh, mmmmhhhhhmmm, yessss,” against the uproar of thousands of adoring fans…

Continue reading all about Jaisman & Ernest’s love story, romantic surprise proposal, and wedding aspirations in their elegant timeless engagement in Atlanta – captured by MunaLuchi Coterie member Jazzymae Photography.

Bride & Groom-to-be: Jaisman & Ernest
Occupations: Assistant Jewelry Business Manager & Retired NFL Player/Extraction Engineer for Cargill
Wedding date: November 18, 2018
Wedding location: Spring Hall Events, Atlanta, GA
Location of Engagement shoot: Atlantic Station

Tell us how you met and all about the proposal. On September 28, 2015, Ernest direct messaged me on my Instagram account. We were complete strangers, no mutual friends or friends of associates. He built enough courage to say something in a respectful manner. After viewing my page a time before he noticed I removed pictures of my past – he knew that was his time to make a move! With his charm, he gave compliments and made jokes. Ernest really captured my attention by his sense of humor but when I viewed his Instagram page, Lordy! He was finnnneeee! I was doing homework for my Masters program and was distracted by Instagram, but wanted to continue to be in contact with Ernest. So I bluntly messaged him, “Instagram is a distraction so text me if you like.” Less than a minute later, “iMessage notified!” We had so much in common from our upbringings, likes, dislikes, food, views, past relationships, and most of all SPORTS! I moved to Atlanta, Georgia a month prior and thought it’d be nice to go on a date plus he was, FINE with a great personality to match!

The Proposal: October 21, 2017. This weekend was like any other trip we have taken. Just pack (don’t overthink outfits!), be supportive and admire Ernest in his element. He wanted to bring this “raggedy” small, black bag. Why?! I offered to carry it several times or better yet condense to eliminate the usage. But NO! He stated he would carry it – FINE! As we walked through the airport pieces would fall off, but he carried that bag with pride. The weekend was going perfect! On the morning of the proposal, as I was getting dressed he kept rushing and I was getting annoyed because everything was out of my control, plus one never rushes a woman while she’s in the process of getting dressed! We arrived at the arena, met more of his former teammates and started drinking at the local BWWs. Ernest’s nerves were shot! He began to act differently, too excited, nervous, which I kept giving him the eye and telling him to relax. Not only was I slightly annoyed from being rushed earlier but now he is “doing too much.” As we prepared to walkthrough the tunnel onto the field, he kept asking me, “are you ready to be in front of 30 to 40,000 fans?” I replied, “all I have to do is make you look good, smile and wave.” Little did I know what was in store! It was HIS alumni weekend and recognition, which he selflessly gave me the platform. After calling all the former players names, Ernest was last, which did not register odd to me due to his last name – Wheelwright. I did as I was told from the director, just smile and wave. As the crowd grew louder I didn’t feel his arm around me, I turned around to see him on ONE KNEE! Heart dropped and I quickly turn back around in disbelief. Everything after became an emotional roller coaster which I have not mastered; expressing emotions and my dislike of surprises! Once I heard a familiar voice sounding just like my daddy, I looked over and dropped straight to my knees! After all that I realized I never gave Ernest an answer, and “mmmmmmhhh, mmmmhhhhhmmm, yessss, mmmmmmhhh” with a lot of head nodding was the answer everyone was waiting for! YES! The crowd cheered and celebrated with us! All of his nerves vanished, he could then finally relax and be his self. He was able to get family members and best friends together including my parents, siblings, Godmother and three of my best friends who all traveled and surprised me while being on the field. In addition, his best friends also traveled and celebrated all weekend together – not one person mentioned anything about the surprise proposal. As for the raggedy bag, it carried my PERFECT engagement ring in a pair a tennis shoes. That speaks volumes!

Describe your engagement session. Initially, we had a theme that we wanted to do, but opportunity allowed us to try something new. God saw different, changed our world (car accident; totaled) on the way to our photo shoot! The day of our re-rescheduled shoot, my fiance and I decided to have just a classic, timeless shoot. It rained and was muggy outside. After we took a few test shots the sun and the skies broke through and were PERFECT! It was beautiful, good energy all around us and a photographer with the perfect eye!

What did you do on your first date? On our first date, we went to Tin Lizzy’s Cantina, talked over tacos, followed by a local sports bar, Tony’s – great food, drinks, music and conversation!

What’s your favorite thing to do as a couple? Our favorite thing to do as a couple is travel! Try new foods, experience new cultures and sporting events.

How has wedding planning been so far? Wedding Planning has been completely stress-free! We are able to utilize all of our resources and are thankful for all the love and support. The only thing that will become-somewhat-stressful is finalizing the head count!

Tell us what you’re looking forward to most on the wedding day. Ernest: “On our wedding day, I’m looking forward to our families and friends integrating and celebrating with us.” Jaisman: “On our wedding day, what I’m looking forward to the most is my father walking me down the aisle to my future husband!”

Vendors:
Photographer: Jazzymae Photography
Makeup Artistry: Cordaryhl Turner