This is a story of a boy and a girl whose love was clearly set up from the beginning: a coincidental meeting born of a mix-up led to an abiding friendship and then, a not-so abiding relationship. Going their separate ways and thinking they were through, they would be set up once again – and this time, it would stick!!! It would end in proposals and “I do’s” and the journey to forever. Sonia and Joshua’s engagement session was captured in brilliance by Petronella of by Petronella Photography.
Bride: Sonia Nkashama
Groom: Joshua Jefferies
Occupations: Bride – Dentist; Groom – Senior Trainer at a scholarship foundation
E-Session: 07.30.2011
Location: Birmingham, AL
The Meeting ….. Joshua and Sonia met as freshmen students at Rhodes College in Memphis, TN. Sonia was supposed to be tutoring Josh’s roommate, but there was a mixup in the time/place. After Sonia was stood up, Josh offered to walk her back to her dorm room. Josh and Sonia ended up spending hours talking to each other underneath the stars of a warm Memphis evening. After that time, Josh and Sonia developed a strong friendship that led to them dating off/on throughout college. But Josh and Sonia went their separate ways after graduation. Josh participated in the Coro Public Policy Fellowship in St. Louis, while Sonia moved to Birmingham to attend dental school. Josh and Sonia reconnected when Josh moved to Atlanta to work. And their relationship was reborn!
The Proposal ….. Josh proposed to Sonia with a surprise trip to Savannah, GA. During a trip to the beach on Tybee Island, Josh was adamant about bringing his guitar to the beach. Josh is a musician and always has some type of instrument around. Sonia thought that this was strange, but didn’t really think too much about it. While the sun was setting on July 6, 2010, Josh began to perform an original song that he had written for Sonia. As Josh finished the song, he asked Sonia to close her eyes. Sonia, still COMPLETELY oblivious to what was going on, closed her eyes & sarcastically asked if he needed help with percussion for the rest of the song. When Josh asked her to open her eyes, Josh was on one knee in the sand with a custom-made sapphire & diamond ring in his hand. He asked Sonia to marry him. And immediately, Sonia began to cry….that ugly-faced, snot-running, blubbering type of sob. She said yes!
The Theme & Inspiration ….. “The theme and inspiration of the e-session was, “how do we make Birmingham, AL seem like more than the stereotypical Southern city?” I wanted something that involved the outdoors but wasn’t the usual botanical gardens look. I wanted to capture the look of Birmingham without really making the shots seem like they were filmed in one particular location. I really left it to my photographer. She was great at capturing our love, our likes, and our personalities. She understood our energies.
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{You Make Loving You So Easy}
He loves ….. “My smile. We laugh a lot. A lot. He loves that I am supportive of his goals and dreams.”
She loves ….. “the fact that he makes me laugh. Even when I try hard not to laugh, Josh keeps me smiling & laughing. He really understands me & works hard to make sure that I feel special.”
Congratulations, Sonia and Joshua. May all your dreams be fulfilled and may you always find your way back to each other for the rest of your lives. May your home always be filled with mutual support and deep laughter!
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