It was Fall 2010 when Stephen and Taralyn first set eyes on each other as teens at Rose Hill Baptist Church. Stephen was a music ministry mentee and Taralyn sang in the choir. After rehearsal was over, Stephen walked past Taralyn and she jokingly told her friends, “Chileeee!! That’s my husband!”
It was an ordained, self fulfilling prophecy, as years later Stephen would propose in front of their families at a surprise photo shoot.
To celebrate their engagement they had a photo session that showed their chic-black tie fashion sense and their fun personalities.
Learn more about their love story and see all of their gorgeous photos below.
- Couple: Taralyn Henry and Stephen Williams
- Occupations: Taralyn is a Makeup Artist who is currently a stay-at-home mom and Stephen is a Realtor
- Wedding date: December 12, 2020
- Wedding location: The Renaissance Center Baton Rouge, LA
- Location of Engagement shoot: The Saint Hotel, Autograph Collection in New Orleans, LA
How did you meet?
It was Fall 2010 when Stephen and Taralyn first set eyes on each other as teens at Rose Hill Baptist Church. Stephen was a music ministry mentee and Taralyn sang in the choir. She arrived late to rehearsal that day, and when she walked into an unfamiliar face, her first thought was, “Lord, he is too fine! Who is that?!” But, she acted as if she didn’t notice him at all. After rehearsal was over, Stephen walked past her and she jokingly told her friends, “Chileeee!! That’s my husband!”
Each week, he continued to show his face and they spoke casually but never actually had a conversation. Then, one evening Stephen sent Taralyn a message on Facebook saying, “Go to bed”. At that moment, Taralyn knew she was heavy on his mind because choir rehearsal was days ago and he randomly “slid into her DMs”. She replied. “No, you go to bed!” Eventually, they exchanged numbers and spoke as friends for about a year before dating.
What did you do on your first date?
We went to see a movie, got ice cream at Marble Slab, and walked/talked on the levee in downtown Baton Rouge.
Tell us your proposal story.
Stephen planned a “family photoshoot” because he and Taralyn would soon be moving to West Virginia for a job he was offered. He told her that he “felt they’d need SOMETHING to give them a sense of home since they wouldn’t have any relatives or friends out there. About an hour before the “photoshoot”, he told Taralyn that he absolutely couldn’t get off work but she still needed to go meet the family for the pictures because everyone else was already heading there. “At least one of us would be in the pictures!” He said. Though she was obviously saddened by the news, Taralyn proceeded with the plans they had set.
As the shoot took place, she started to suspect something when some unexpected friends showed up as well. Minutes later, Taralyn’s sister pulled her to the side and told her that there was someone in a wheelchair that couldn’t come up the stairs but they wanted to get in some of the photos as well. Her sister placed a blindfold on her. Taralyn immediately thought it was her grandfather but she also thought, “She would’ve just said it was our grandfather if that’s in fact who it was and why would I need a blindfold for him?… SOMETHING ELSE IS GOING ON HERE!” She was walked down to the bottom of the levee where she was told to stand there and be patient. The longer she stood there, the stronger a familiar body scent became. The suspense built even more at that point because she knew that could only be one person. Stephen took the blindfold off as Taralyn stood there with her mouth wide open. He got on one knee, began telling her all of the reasons he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her and finally asked, “Will you marry me?” After she snapped out of her state of shock, she burst into tears and said YES!
When did you know he/she was “the one”?
Taralyn: I knew Stephen was the one after my father had a heart attack. I would have anxiety and panic attacks often. After he was placed in the hospital, Stephen was the only person that could help me get into a more positive mental state. The way he loved and cared for me during that time, made it clear that he was the one for me!
Stephen: I knew Taralyn was the one for me from the very beginning. Her heart was sooo big and we genuinely connected in so many areas. We both loved having fun but still knew how to be there for one another when it was needed to show love and affection.
Describe your engagement session.
We wanted to go with a modern, high-class look while also capturing moments that truly show who we are as a couple. We hold ourselves to a very high standard. However, we are extremely goofy, joke around/laugh a lot, and are easy people to get along with.
What’s your favorite thing to do as a couple?
We love , love, LOVE to travel. We didn’t grow up in families that had the time to take vacations, so it’s been our mission to explore what the world has to offer.
How has wedding planning been so far?
It started out smooth but as the wedding day gets closer, the little details seem to never be complete. It seems as though nothing is done and there’s always something else being added to the “To-Do” list lol
Tell us what you’re looking forward to most on the wedding day.
Actually getting married. We’ve been through so much as a couple and to finally get to this point, the most important day of our lives is so exciting! We’re overwhelmed with positive emotions! And of course, we’re excited to celebrate with our family and friends.
Vendors
- Photographer: SilverLoop Studios/ Cameron Johnson
- Location: The Saint Hotel, Autograph Collection
- Red Dress: Shop Oyemwen
- White Dress: A Perfect Piece Clothing
- Hair: Bella Amor Hair Studio
- Barber: Nate Da Barber
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