You never know who you’ll meet in the financial aid office. When Houston laid eyes on Larissa, he knew there was something special about her and he pursued her right then and there. Now, eleven years later, the couple is set to wed on July 29, 2016 in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Tell us about how you met and all about the proposal!
We met the summer before my freshman year in college in the financial aid office at Fayetteville State University. Houston and two of his friends were waiting to be seen and he kept looking at me as I sat across from them. Houston asked if I was a freshman and I responded, “Yes” and rolled my eyes. I tried my hardest to ignore him because I was not interested in having small talk. I just wanted to get my aid for school and leave. After I had been seen, Houston and his friends were waiting outside for me. Houston’s friend Tim asked me to give Houston my number and that if I didn’t I would miss out. Supposedly they were supposed to be the hottest thing on campus. All the while Houston is still standing there smiling. I gave in and gave him my number and he we are 11 years later.
It was the fourth of July weekend and we were at Wrightsville Beach, NC with family and friends. On the last day of the trip, Houston took me to a beautiful and relaxing waterfront restaurant. After dinner, he drove me to the beach and we began walking and talking. On the walk down to the beach, I was complaining because it was dark and shells were getting caught in between my toes. I kept saying, “Are we gonna park it or what?!” He asked me in a firm tone, “Are you gonna let me lead or what?! ” I immediately shut my mouth. When we arrived at his desired spot, I stood still and listened to the waves and soaked in all the peace I felt at that moment. When I looked to Houston, he was on one knee giving a speech. I didn’t realize what was actually happening at first…he began to express that I always had his heart, he always knew that I was something special from the first time we met and how he appreciated how I loved him and he asked me to marry him. I cried hysterically and I was speechless because I had no idea he would propose. It was so beautiful and more than I imagined it would be.
The engagement session…
Our engagement session was nothing short of amazing! We wanted to take it back to where it all began in college, Fayetteville State University. It definitely brought back fond memories and experiences we had during our college years. We took our formal Gatsby photos in the Seabrook Auditorium, we wanted to capture a vintage movie poster feel for our save the dates. We took photos at the Alumni House on campus in our vintage letterman sweater and letterman jacket. Our last shot was more modern day and we took those on railroad tracks behind one of our oldest buildings on campus as well at the Gazebo which is located at the center of Fayetteville State University. Our wedding theme will be a mix of Vintage Hollywood Glam/Gatsby era.
What did you do on your first date?
Our first date, was at a small mom and pop restaurant called Rainbow’s in Fayetteville. It was a typical yet a special date because I fell head over heels for this guy.
What’s your favorite thing to do as a couple?
Houston and I currently live 2 hours away so when we are together, our favorite thing to do is cook together, exercise, go to church and catch up on all of our favorite TV shows/movies.
How has wedding planning been so far?
The wedding planning has been surprisingly unstressful. I have an awesome support system and a wonderful planner Nishaka Proctor, Events by Nishaka. God has definitely been granting me favor and peace during this process.
Tell us what you’re looking forward to most on the wedding day.
I am looking forward to marrying my best friend, it has been a long time coming! We are looking forward to sharing our love and celebrating with our closest friends and family. Our prayer is that our union will bless others and God’s love shines through us. We want everyone to have a great time and be a birthing place for new love and rekindling of old love.
Vendors:
Planner: Nishaka Proctor, Events By Nishaka
Photography: Ezekiel Best, Best Perspectives
Videographer: Larry Shaw, EiPic Studio Productions
Maid of Honor Team/Shoot Stylists: Keesha Sinclair and Regina Locust
Beautiful love story. So happy to share this great memory with you all. Love you Larissa and Houston.
Thanks Donna!!! We love you and we are honored that you will be apart of our special day! We wouldn’t have it any other way;)
Congratulations & beautiful photos! May God shower love on your union!!!
Thank you so much Jewel! We receive all the love and blessings upon our marriage;)
Awesome awesome story…,
Thank you so much! It means a lot!
How beautiful! I am so incredibly happy for you Larissa. Wishing you and Houston many blessings and loads of continued happiness. The countdown to the big day has begun! #elephantHUGS
Thanks Sis! I love you dearly and we receive all the love and blessings you send our way!
Love you Larissa. We are excited to celebrate with you and your husband to be.
I love you guys right back! The party continues from your wonderful day to ours! W can’t wait to celebrate!
LOOK AT GOD!!!! What a beautiful love story. Thank you so much for sharing. Larissa, I am so, so EXCITED for you both. Houston, I am sorry I haven’t meant you YET, but from the pics (&& I do beleive pics say A LOT!! :) ) I can see that you are one lucky fella. Ha! I pray that God will continue to BLESS the both of you as you go through these special moments up to your WEDDING DAY. And I give God the glory for bringing you two together and keeping the love between you two STRONGER than ever. Larissa you have ALWAYS been one special individual, You look so happy, my friend!! Continue to love and cherish one another and keep God in the center. Love you girlie!!! Nikki (from Insoul)
Mrs. Nikki…THANK YOU SO MUCH! You are a constant supporter of me and I appreciate you more than you know. You are always uplifting and encouraging. You and Mr. Chris are great examples of love!!! I admire it! We receive all Gods love and blessings you are sending us. Love you!
This is nothing short of AMAZING. Wishing great blessing on your union and the many years that will follow..LOVE you and Congrats!!!
Thank you so much! So appreciative of the love and blessings. LOVE YOU!!!
This is absolutely beautiful and awesome!!! I am so happy for you Larissa and I am anxious to get to know this wonderful young man!! He is certainly getting a precious jewel!! Congratulations to you both!
Mama T!!!! You always melt my heart! Thank you so much! He is a great guy! I can’t wait for you to meet him! I love you dearly!
I love it. Bronco love. Your journey is beautiful as you both are. Charles ’83 and I ’86 wish you guys all the best!
What a beautiful story! I pray that the feelings you have for each other right now will only grow stronger in the years to come. God bless you both!!!
I am so happy for you two. Houston you better take care of my WeWe…lol. The big day is almost here. I’m excited!!! Love you, DeDe
Ours prayers are and will always be consistent for the both of you, for a beautiful wedding celebration with family and friends ,as well as a long healthy happy successful fulfilling life. May you always consider each other opinions in good times as well as challenging times when it comes to matters of the heart and don’t allow emotions to take priority…. but choose Godly wisdom… and I promise you that your love for each other will always conquer all!! LARISSA u here me… and you too Houston. love you!!!!!