Andrea and Nick, both Jamaican natives, shared their love for each other and their vibrant Jamaican culture in a stylish Caribbean elegance-themed engagement session at the Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens in Baltimore, Maryland.
Their love story began when they met at the Baltimore Natural Hair Care Expo where they both happened to be vendors. “It felt like fate,” Andrea shares. “Like two souls being drawn together by something greater than ourselves.”
From that day on, their lives slowly became one, gradually blossoming from friendship into enduring love. Their partnership, fortified by their love of family, a shared entrepreneurial spirit, travel, and culture led to Nick’s romantic proposal in the ballroom of the Marriott Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.
Andrea recalls, “When the doors opened, I was met with a breathtaking sight – our family and friends gathered in a room filled with love, lush red roses, and candles that lined the path to a giant illuminated red heart reading ‘Will You Mary Me’.”
To the tunes of a saxophonist playing Major’s “Why I Love You,” Andrea ecstatically said yes to her future husband!
Keep scrolling below for more details on their love story. We can’t wait to see photos from their wedding day in Punta Cana.
- Couple: Andrea King & Nicholas Wallace
- Occupations: Entrepreneurs
- Wedding date: January 12, 2025
- Wedding location: Finest – Punta Cana
- Location of Engagement shoot: Rawlings Conservatory, Baltimore, MD
How did you meet?
Nicholas and I met in March 2014 at the Baltimore Natural Hair Care Expo, where we both happened to be vendors. Amid the hustle and bustle, our paths crossed, and there was an instant connection. It felt like fate; like two souls being drawn together by something greater than ourselves. From that day, our lives slowly became intertwined, as if the universe knew we were meant to find each other at that moment.
What did you do on your first date?
For our first date, we went to Game Sports Bar in downtown Baltimore. We laughed, played pool, shared stories, and lost track of time. It felt so natural like we had known each other for years. That night, we became each other’s safe space, creating memories that we still laugh about to this day.
Tell us your proposal story.
On February 24, 2024, Nicholas orchestrated the most romantic proposal, one that felt like a page out of a fairy tale. With the help of my brother and daughter, he crafted a surprise I’ll cherish forever.
We checked into the Marriott Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, for what I thought was just a weekend getaway. That evening, Nicholas told me to get ready for dinner. Instead of a restaurant, we walked toward the ballroom, and I felt a mix of curiosity and excitement.
When the doors opened, I was met with a breathtaking sight – our family and friends gathered in a room filled with love, lush red roses, and candles that lined the path to a giant illuminated red heart reading “Will You Mary Me”. To top the night off, a saxophonist serenaded us with Major’s “Why I Love You”, making the moment feel like a romantic dream.
Nicholas knelt before me, his eyes filled with love, and asked me to marry him. Surrounded by everyone we love, I knew this was the beginning of our beautiful future. The entire setting was magical, perfectly capturing the essence of our love and the excitement for what’s to come.
When did you know they were “the one”?
It wasn’t just one moment; it was the consistency of his love and kindness, especially in times when I needed it most. Nicholas has a way of not only loving me but embracing everyone I hold dear.
He was there for my mom during her five-year battle with cancer, visiting her in the hospital, bringing her favorite foods, and just being present. His compassion for her showed me the depth of his heart, and his support during that time showed me the strength of his love. He is family-oriented, and thoughtful, and prays for me and our future together.
Through his constant support, he became not only my partner but also my confidant, my rock, and my best friend. I realized he was my soulmate; the person I was meant to spend my life with.
Describe your “Caribbean Elegance” themed engagement session.
Our engagement session took place on June 8, 2024, at the beautiful Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens of Baltimore. The setting was perfect, bringing to life the lush, tropical atmosphere we had envisioned.
Since we’re getting married in Punta Cana and share roots in Jamaica, we wanted our engagement session to reflect that vibrant, tropical spirit. We chose a tropical theme that not only brought a piece of the islands to Baltimore but also symbolized the life and energy we bring to each other.
The conservatory’s greenery, exotic plants, and bright blooms provided the ideal backdrop, transporting us back to our island heritage.
It was a joyful, meaningful experience that captured our love story, blending our past, our cultural roots, and the future we’ll share. Our engagement session truly embodied the warmth, joy, and deep connection we share. We couldn’t have imagined a more meaningful setting for this special moment.
What’s your favorite thing to do as a couple?
We love to travel together. There’s something about experiencing new places, cultures, and adventures side by side that brings us closer. Each journey is a new chapter in our love story, adding memories and strengthening the bond we share.
How has wedding planning been so far?
Wedding planning has been a truly exciting journey for us. We’re beyond grateful to have a wonderful wedding planner by our side, helping us shape our vision and turn our dreams into reality. With each decision we make—whether it’s choosing flowers, picking out decor, or selecting the perfect music—it feels like we’re bringing our love story to life in a way that’s unique to us. We’re thrilled with each detail, knowing they all represent little pieces of who we are and the life we’re building together.
The anticipation keeps growing as we see all of our ideas come together. We can’t wait to step into that magical moment on our wedding day, surrounded by our loved ones. The thought of watching everything we’ve planned and envisioned unfold, from the vows to the celebration, fills us with so much joy. This journey has been filled with excitement, love, and connection, and we can’t wait to experience it all come to life.
What are you looking forward to most on the wedding day?
I’m looking forward to that moment when I look into Nicholas’s eyes and say, “I do.” Standing before him, promising to love, honor, and cherish him for a lifetime, and knowing that I am making a forever promise in front of the people who love us the most. It’s a day we’ll remember forever, and I can’t wait to start this new chapter with him by my side.
Looking for more Caribbean Elegance-themed engagement sessions?
Click here.
Vendors:
- Planning & Design: Black Orchid Events
- Photography: Potomac Photography
Leave a Reply