Enchanted Florida Engagement Session at Vizcaya Gardens: Benzie + Patrick

There’s a phrase somewhere that says the best way to make God amused is to tell him what your plans are. That is what happened for Benzie Williams. She had assumed her life would consist of finishing nursing school and providing a better life for her one year old son. However, God had other plans for her. One that consisted of something that was the furthest thing from her mind at the time…finding love.

How they met…

Remember how in Gina Prince-Bythewood’s film Love and Basketball (2000), two people came together for the love of basketball? This happened for Benzie Williams and Patrick Porter. The couple met four years ago from their wedding date. The spark was ignited literally because of a common interest in basketball….well in an interesting, unconventional way at least.

Patrick was Benzie’s next door neighbor’s grandson. They would often see each other for at least 3 months before finally breaking the silence. One day Benzie was sporting a Miami Heat jersey as she was leaving her Florida apartment. Patrick then used this opportunity to approach Benzie. As she was getting into her car, she heard someone yell to her “You guys are going to lose!”. Before driving off she, she replied “No we’re not, Miami Heat is the best!”.

And you know what? Benzie proved him wrong! Her team ended up winning the playoffs! “A few hours later I returned home and guess who was still in the same exact spot… Patrick!!!!!!! I don’t know if it was planned but I definitely took it to my advantage! I yelled to him “Guess who won! What do you have to say now?” From that day in July (2011) we exchanged numbers and have not separated since.”

A Twilight Dinner: Life As a Couple.

After their formal meeting Patrick planned a movie and dinner for Benzie. It was from that first date that Benzie knew that their relationship would be in for the long run. “Our first date was a simple dinner and movie date! He took me to dinner first, where we had an amazing conversation and got to know each other more. Right after dinner, he took me to see Twilight Breaking Dawn part 1 at the movie theater. He was a perfect gentlemen and he made me feel very comfortable! This first date has led to our lifetime together!!

To have a successful relationship, couples must enjoy doing things together. Also they should find things that they enjoy doing together as well.  “We do everything together! But most of all we enjoy going on road trips, cooking together, and my favorite shopping! Believe it or not, he actually enjoys coming along and is patient with me while I shop!”

The Best Present for Graduation…The Proposal!

Two years later from that encounter in 2011,  Benzie was now at her pinning ceremony from nursing school. This was the day Benzie had been dreaming about but God had another surprise for her after her ceremony….Patrick proposed!

“What a magical day August 8th 2013 was! After my pinning ceremony we all went out to eat to celebrate my accomplishments. We had a normal lunch so I did not think anything out of the ordinary would happen that day. He dropped down on one knee and popped the question! I couldn’t believe it! He asked me to marry him and of course I said yes! That day was one of the best days of my life and I was so excited to start planning our wedding!”

Benzie could not have wished for anything better that day. The day was August 8, 2013. A day that Benzie will never forget and cherish for the rest of her life.

Their gorgeous Florida engagement session took place at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in Miami, FL. Their pictures were set to picturesque, scenic, enchanting gardens that were framed by gorgeous European style architecture. The photoshoot was lead by photographer Michaela Lemoine of Artistic Vision & Design. “We drove four hours to take our photos their and we don’t regret it one bit! Our Photographer was amazing.” 

The Wedding Preparation…

The wedding planning has been enjoyable for both Benzie and Patrick. They share the importance of planning early to help with the process…. “The wedding planning has been a very fun process for us. We both have done a great job with saving for our special day. One thing I can say that has been an extreme positive during this process is how we started planning early. That has really helped us fine tune the details of our beautiful day! I also teamed up with other brides and we were able to exchanged many ideas!”

We also asked them what they were looking forward to the most on the wedding day…. “Most of all is the Union before God! We also are looking forward to having our families from everywhere there celebrating with us. To be completely honest after all this time we are truly ready for the next chapter of our lives to begin. We both have our careers and goals already set and are ready to begin our married life. We are looking forward to traveling the world together and someday continuing to build our family.”

Benzie and Patrick tied the knot back in April 17th, 2015 at the gorgeous Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club in Lakewood Ranch, FL. Munaluchi Bridal congratulates and wishes them a long life of prosperity and happiness together!

Vendors:  

Make up: Keesha Maitland-Barreau 
Hair: Garri Bratcher, Ahead of the Game Salon (Bradenton, FL)
Engagement Session Location: Vizcaya Museum & Gardens (Miami, FL.)
Photography: Artistic Vision & Design