Proposal Turned Surprise Engagement Session in London, England: Odinae + Marvin

Odinae and Marvin have come a long way from their first date with no set destination. Since the two began dating, they’ve traveled around the world and plan to see as many countries as they can which they’ll have plenty of time to do after planning and living out their May 2017 wedding. They met while living in the same apartment complex, but it wasn’t until Odinae’s car got stuck in a snowstorm and Marvin came to the rescue that these two warmed up to the first date. 

Odinae’s first visit to London became one of the biggest trips of her life as Marvin led her to a 2 hour photo-shoot that he “won at a work holiday party.” The shoot turned into a proposal and then an engagement session, the beautiful moment captured below!

Tell us about how you met and all about the proposal!

We met crossing paths in the same apartment complex. Marvin lived in the building before I did; I moved in during 2008. Marvin was such a gentleman during our brief passing. One day, he noticed me struggling with a load of groceries and offered to help. Another time, I was lugging a load of laundry out of my car to the elevator and there he was again, ready to help.

One early afternoon in the fall of 2008, Marvin noticed that I was finally walking unrestricted by a random task or adventure. I was walking to my car to head to my local coffee shop. Marvin approached and formally introduced himself, kindly asking if I would like to join him for coffee or dinner one day. Hesitant at first, I agreed and exchange contact information with him.

Months passed of many text messages exchanged, calls and a few botched attempts at setting a date, but we remained friends. It was mid-March of 2009, during a terrible winter snowstorm in Philadelphia when things took a serious turn. I was making my way home from work in the massive snowstorm when my car got stuck on the hill of the apartment complex. I panicked and didn’t really know what to do. Then for some reason, instinct said to call Marvin. In what felt like seconds, Marvin was outside with a huge shovel, earmuffs, and he was in a short-sleeve shirt. I was stunned by his chivalry once more, and charmed by his act of compassion. That evening, we shared gratitude and laughs, which really opened the door to having our first date.

The engagement session…

The engagement was a huge surprise, thanks to Marvin. On my first visit to London, Marvin told me that he won a 2 hour photo-shoot at a work holiday party. I was skeptical at first, but Marvin had answers to all of my questions. An hour into the shoot, right before changing to a new location, I went to reach for my pocketbook and jacket and when I turned around, Marvin was making his way down to one knee. Time stood still.

Marvin got down on one knee and professed his love and his heart’s desires. He followed that by asking me, “Would you be my Queen and do me the honor of being my wife? Will you marry me?” The photos captured every second of this beautiful moment, even though we felt like the only two people on cloud nine. The rest of the photo session was filled with more laughter, happy tears and all smiles. That evening, we strolled the Southbank of the London Bridge, enjoying the Centre Christmas Market, and had dinner at HKK restaurant. When we arrived back to Marvin’s flat, it was decorated with balloons, bouquets of flowers, gold stars, hearts, and confetti everywhere. Marvin had arranged for his best friend to decorate his flat to complete the surprise. This was definitely a day to remember!

What did you do on your first date?

The first date was interesting….the first date was spontaneous. Marvin BBMed me and asked if I would like to meet up. Surprisingly, I agreed quickly, which threw Marvin off. We agreed on a time and within an hour after the message, we were on our way to…nowhere. It started pouring rain as we hustled our way to the car. We drove around for awhile looking for a place to grab a bite to eat. Finally, we settled on a local margarita bar. Marvin was nervous while I was happy that there would be margaritas! Ironically, we were seated at the largest table in the restaurant, as though we were the only couple in the whole place. We got to know each other over the symphony of the rain, chipotle BBQ wings and margaritas.

What’s your favorite thing to do as a couple?

Our favorite thing to do as a couple is travel. Marvin is an explorer by nature and I enjoy new and exciting adventures as well. Both of us like to be active and attempt to try new and unusual things. We collect magnets of all of the places we’ve been and hope to travel to all the countries of the world!

How has wedding planning been so far?

There are no set plans as of yet. We are just starting to discuss official plans. We are trying to enjoy being newly engaged.

Tell us what you’re looking forward to most on the wedding day.

I am most looking forward to seeing his face as I walk down the aisle.

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Photography: K Squared Photography