AKA and Alpha Phi Alpha Engagement Session at Library of Congress: Amani & Leon

Engineers, Amani and Leon, who let their friendship blossom naturally into something more, made their way to the Library of Congress in Washington D.C. for their engagement session. This coming after postponing their engagement session twice, due to the Pope’s visit and a hurricane. The two were finally able to enjoy themselves as they celebrated their upcoming August 2016 nuptials set to take place at the Clarendon Ballroom in Arlington, Virginia. What a steamy session it was!

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

Despite growing up 30 minutes apart outside of Washington, D.C., we did not meet until college in 2007 at North Carolina A&T State University. We met through mutual friends although our interactions were limited until a friendship blossomed after we both joined Greek Letter Organizations. I am an AKA and Leon is an Alpha Phi Alpha man. After two years of a distant relationship (and three years into our whole relationship) while Leon finished his Doctorate, Leon joined me, in Maryland to work for one of the nation’s leading defense contractors.

Our parents had not met yet so we both felt it was time to make that happen. Leon shockingly took total charge of coordinating and planning the “meet and greet” dinner for the parents. Upon arriving at the restaurant, the manager offered to show us the rooftop. The rooftop donned a beautiful view of the White House across the street and the monument. I started to move to the far end of of the roof for a better view only to be greeted by 30 smiling faces including his family, my family, and two sets of my closest girlfriends – many of whom live out of state. I was in total disbelief and shock. Normally very talkative, I was left speechless. Leon completely blew me away. He pulled off the surprise of a lifetime.

The engagement session…

It was originally supposed to be outside in Georgetown on a beautiful day but due to the Pope’s visit to DC, the session was postponed. The following week, we were then greeted by the remnants of a hurricane forcing us to move to an indoor location or postpone the shoot again. Trusting our photographer, we met him at the Library of Congress. Best decision we even made. The venue was beautiful and perfect for our shoot. Our photographer is amazing!

What did you do on your first date?

We started out as friends so our first date most likely consist of me cooking for Leon or enjoying each other company on the couch. If I would have to pick a “real” first date, it was Oliver Garden during spring break. We both didn’t go anywhere that year so we both happened to be home and decided to go out.

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

We can easily be found cuddled up on the couch watching movies together.

How has wedding planning been so far?

Wedding planning has been shockingly stress free. I am naturally easy going so I am trying to stay simple. We have the venue, DJ, Photographer, and my dress selected. I feel I am almost getting bored and running out of things to do.

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

I am looking most forward to finally seeing Leon on that day at the aisle and for our first private moment as husband and wife after the ceremony. As much as I love to have our family and friends there to celebrate, I can’t wait until I can look into his face and quietly say, “You are my husband.”

Vendors:

Photographer: Nojae Forterra
Make-up: Krista Nicole
Event Planning: Jayne Heir Weddings