The summer before their senior year of high school, Katrina and Terray were hooked-up by a mutual friend. And while the skeptical teens weren’t looking for love, they decided to entertain the idea. “Since we did not attend the same school, we looked at each other’s MySpace accounts to gauge attractiveness before agreeing to the idea” shares Katrina. The minute Terray’s page popped up, Katrina clicked on the profile in shock – considering he was the same guy whose page she stumbled on a few weeks prior, and did indeed find attractive. Katrina also scored high on Terray’s “attractiveness gauge” – and next, of course, her friend slipped him Katrina’s number.
The pair began casually chatting by phone and via text message, but within a few days (in typical teenage style) they decided to link-up at the mall. “Terray always says that he knew I was the one when he first laid eyes on me. He also likes to point out that I looked better in person than in my pictures! After that first encounter, I felt like I knew him forever, but I was still skeptical” says Katrina.
But skepticism soon went out the window as the pair began dating a week later and officially became high-school sweethearts. “Although Terray and I attended different colleges, and I moved to another state for graduate school, we kept up an 8-year on and off whirlwind romance” shares Katrina.
And today, the skeptical teens turned high-school sweethearts are now engaged. In preparation of their journey to the altar, the pair have shot this über fabulous “Black Royalty” themed engagement session. The shoot was gorgeously designed by the coterie member, event planner and designer Roxanne Bellamy (who’s also planning the couple’s wedding!). Fellow coterie member, Mia Farah Beautique gorgeously completing the makeup for the shoot.
Scroll on for more visuals shot by Aisha Daley of Love Daley Photography, from their engagement session while reading more excerpts from their love story.
Bride-to-Be: Katrina Colbourne
Groom-to-Be: Terray Rollins
Occupations: Katrina: Certified Nurse Midwife | Terray:Sales Consultant
Wedding date: 11/6/2016
Wedding location: Briza on the Bay in Miami, FL
Engagement shoot location: Greynolds Park in Miami, FL
Tell us about the proposal!
After finishing my graduate degree, I moved back to Miami during the summer of 2015 to finally be in the same city with Terray. From the day I touched down at the airport, Terray and I were inseparable. Before I knew it, I had a key to his place and was spending more time with him. We had talked about getting married, but I thought it would be another year. Thanksgiving morning as we sat outside on our balcony overlooking the pool, we discussed how happy we were with our life together.
It was the perfect day as the sun was shining and the breeze was blowing. Terray asked me if I was ready. Not knowing what he was talking about, I responded, “Yes, I’m ready to eat!” Next thing I know he’s pulling a ring box out of his pocket, and I’m speechless. He asked me to marry him, and of course I said yes. It was the perfect moment, and I loved the fact that he kept it private to give us time to relish in our engagement together.
Describe your engagement session! Did you have a theme!
Terray and I really put a lot of thought into our engagement session. We knew we wanted pictures that would be unique, timeless, and elegant. We both can be over the top so the usual, casual pictures just wouldn’t do. We also wanted something that would capture our love for each other and views on the importance of the Black family. That’s when it struck us that we wanted a theme of Black royalty.
Our black tie attire with thrones against the backdrop of natural beauty created a scene of organic love between a modern day King and Queen. The use of nature helped us to feel connected to all the Black Kings and Queens in the past, present, and future.
What did you do on your first date?
To this day, we still joke about our first date. My parents were not going to let me go out with a boy they did not know, so Terray came over and talked to my family prior to the date. They asked him everything from school, family, religion, and intentions. Once he met their initial approval, they joined us on our first date to the movies. Yes, they sat a few rows behind us in the theater. It was embarrassing back then, but I am so grateful that my parents did that. Terray has shared many times that because of the way my parents treated me, he knew he had a precious jewel that deserved respect.
What’s your favorite thing to do as a couple?
Our absolute favorite thing to do as a couple is to try out new restaurants, lounges, and events. Basically, we love to dress up and go out for a night on the town! However, we’re just as happy laying on the couch binging on Netflix series.
How has wedding planning been so far?
Wedding planning has been a breeze for Terray and I, except for listening to me go back and forth about different things. I found the perfect venue pretty quickly, which eliminated catering concerns. I’m using the same DJ who did my sweet sixteen, which is pretty cool, and my wedding planner suggested a great photographer and is executing all my décor.
I also found my dream wedding gown during my second day of shopping. So, it honestly hasn’t been that stressful except for finding bridesmaid dresses, since I believe that my girls should look good standing next to me and wanted a unique style. Trust me, there’s no way anyone can outshine me on that day.
Tell us what you’re looking forward to most on the wedding day!
I cannot wait to see Terray’s reaction when he sees me walking down the aisle and to stare into his eyes for the first time as husband and wife. Terray is also anxious to see me for the first time on our wedding day and we’re both looking forward to our amazing open bar!
Vendors
Event Design: Roxanne Bellamy Events
Photographer: Love Daley Photography
Makeup: Mia Farah Beautique
Shannan
Very beautiful. Love the idea of the couple paying homage to our ancestors while still being modern and chic. Beauty couple.
Roxanne Bellamy
Thank you for featuring this gorgeous engagement session!