Who knew four years after meeting at an engagement party Ashley and Brittny would be planning their own nuptials. She was not looking for anything romantic when she traveled to Florida for an engagement party, she just wanted to have fun and enjoy the beach. As fate would have it her Mr. Right would be right under her nose. While stopping to meet the groom’s friends at a local store she saw Ashley, but did not think anything of it until he introduced himself when they got to the beach. Soon everyone was jumping into the water; it was then that she started paying attention. The partygoers went to another beach to watch fireworks it was there that he expressed his interest and they have been connected ever since. Last February during a on the last day of their trip to D.C. for Valentine’s Day they visited the National Zoo after much prodding from Ashley. Brittny was a bit annoyed that he had not taken the chance to propose during the special weekend, unaware that he already had a sweet proposal planned. They walked around for a bit, eventually ending up at the sea lions, he prompted her to record them on her phone and when she turned around, he was down on his knee ring in hand. Their wedding planner Nekia came up with a brilliant idea to do a Love & Basketball themed engagement shoot, which happened to be Brittny’s favorite movie. With the help of their photographer, Crystal Stokes, they created a chic, yet, sentimental photo shoot.
How They Met
Ashley and I (Brittny) met in Deerfield Beach, Florida. I traveled with one of my best friends to Florida to attend an engagement party. I wasn’t looking for anything or anyone special. All I wanted to do was have a good time. On July 4, 2008, we made our way to the beach for the party and we made a stop at a store to meet some friends of the groom. I noticed Ashley but like I said, I wasn’t really looking for anything. When we got to the beach, he introduced himself to my friend and I. I got a closer look and was thinking…hmmm he is cute! We all got in the water and the more he talked the more excited I got lol. Finally, we went to another beach to watch the fireworks and while I was standing on the bridge, he came over and asked me the famous question: “So is your man treating you right?” From that point on I was amazed at our connection. It was strange because I didn’t understand why I felt so linked to him. He was so honest with me and I saw such an amazing person in him. He is a dreamer, encourager, and achiever. That’s why I love him.
The Proposal
He proposed to me at the Washington D.C. Zoo on February 17, 2013. We were in D.C. for Valentine’s Day weekend and I just knew I was going to get my proposal! Well on Sunday, we were packing our bags to leave and all I kept thinking was I cannot believe he let this entire special weekend go by and did not propose to me. He kept mentioning that we HAD to go to the zoo. On Sunday when he mentioned the zoo for the millionth time, I was thinking wow he really wants to see those animals! I love the zoo too so I didn’t mind. We made it to there and walked around for a while taking pictures. We ended up by the sea lions and I LOVED THEM! There were two that seemed to be really playful and he said, “Look babe that’s me and you.” I said I wanted to take a picture and he said no you should record them. I started to record and when I turned around he had the ring in his hand. My mouth dropped and I said what is that? He asked me if I wanted the ring and I said YES! Then he said well will you marry me and I said YES!
The Engagement Session
We have an awesome planner, Nekia from Posh Affairs, LLC, who knows us very well, which is crazy because we didn’t know her before she started planning our wedding. We were trying to come up with a theme for our shoot and when I spoke to her on one of our monthly conference calls, she said she had a great idea for a theme…the movie Love Jones. I screamed because that is my absolute favorite movie! I thought it was a great idea so Nekia talked with Crystal and did all the leg work. She found a record store, a club, and everything. Crystal was so easy to work with. At some points, I kind of forgot she was there and just enjoyed myself. We have gotten tons of compliments on our shoot and I can’t wait for our wedding!
Looking Forward to the Wedding
The first dance
Its a beautiful shooting! Very bright and cheerful, what an original solution!:)
Nice photos. This is so unique. Nekia is an awesome planner and has the best ideas. Blessings on your wedding & marriage!
OMG Look at my friends Britt and Ash! This was indeed a beautiful shoot!! Love yall to death! Love, Meeks
It’s so cute! We can see tenderness and love.
Bless U too