Kienia Green and Francis Murindagomo met on the campus of Wiley College in Marshall, Texas back in 1998. The HBCU students were friends and even assisted each other on academic projects, but after Francis left the school in 2000, the two lost contact. Over 10 years later, social media brought them back together after Francis found Kienia on Facebook. They spent time catching up and chatting as friends, then two years later they decided they wanted to pursue a relationship. In Kienia words, “It was the best decision we could have ever made. We are completely in awe of how life works out and as Francis says, ‘life is unscripted’.”
As it became clear that Kienia was the woman he wanted to spend his life with, Francis began planning the proposal. He first took time to plan it around his birthday, but after that surprise didn’t work out, he consulted Kienia’s brother to come up with a plan for her birthday. Francis took Kienia to a lovely B&B in Houston for the weekend called La Maison – known for its beautiful decor and the added plus of a sit down breakfast for all guest every morning.
While out during the day on Saturday, Kienia noticed there was a sense of urgency every time their dinner date at Peli Peli, her favorite restaurant, was mentioned. They were to be there by 6pm and eventually Francis started to hover trying to get her to move faster. The two made it to the restaurant right before 6pm and Kienia was still unaware of what was going on as they ordered food, ate, and talked. As they were finishing up their meal, Francis moved Kienia’a dishes slightly which caused her to look down to see what he was doing. At that moment, the waitress placed a plate with a Helzberg Diamonds ring box in front of Kienia who was in complete shock. “No you didn’t” she said, “yes I did” was Francis’ reply. Still in disbelief, when Kienia looked back at him she saw that he was on one knee.
“In my heart there is nobody that is going to ever be there for me in my life and there is nobody that I would ever be able to sacrifice everything that I own but you and I would be deeply humbled if you’d accept this meager proposal to be my wife and to be in my life as my wife. Will you marry me?”
Barely able to speak, Kienia could only muster a whispered “Yes!” through the ensuing tears. As they hugged and Kienia started to open the ring box, Francis motioned for her to look up and when she did she saw her family standing before them with cameras flashing. As they prepare for their August wedding, the two paired up with Adison J. Weddings for a luxurious and classy Hollywood Glam themed e-session. Get a glimpse at their shoot and learn more about their story filled with love and quirkiness.
Bride-to-be: Kienia – Educational Technologist
Groom-to-be: Francis – System Engineer
Wedding Date: 08/09/2015
Wedding Location: The Gallery, Houston, TX
E-Session Location: Hyatt Market Street, The Woodlands
The E-Session
Our theme was Hollywood Glam. We have a fashionably conscious flare that we wanted to shine through in our e-session. I had visited the Hyatt Market Street , The Woodlands a few times before and had fallen in love with its look and feel. The hotel provided an outstanding backdrop with elegant decor that married perfectly with our theme. The overall color scheme of purples, greens, and natural textures with modern styling are reminiscent of many old hollywood hotels.
Our first look played on my love of elegance with lace, fine tailoring, and a little bit of sparkle. The second look played on the idea of dressy casual which closely matches our everyday style. We also used the colors of the hotel and our second outfit to bring in touches of our main wedding colors which are purple and blue, with accents of jewel tones. The photographer even incorporated some extra purple lighting in some of our shots which we love. We used the hotel’s lounge area, guest suite, and foyer and incorporated simple props to accomplish our concept.
The First Date
Our first date was at the Palm in San Antonio, Texas. We both love great food and had heard that this was a very nice restaurant. We enjoyed the atmosphere and the food. Afterward we wandered around the area and found a place where we could dance a bit. I have to say it was one of the best dates I’d had.
Favorite Thing to Do as a Couple
We love to do a lot of different things that include both indoor and outdoor activities. We can be found spending whole Saturdays on anime, gaming together on online games, working on projects around the house, going to an archery range, or biking around a nature preserve. As long as we’re doing something together we’ are truly at our happiest.
How Wedding Planning Has Been So Far
Wedding planning has been going very well even with our personal quirkiness, because we can never do anything in the exact traditional sense, so we are planning a Steampunk themed wedding that will be very intimate hosting our closest family and friends. We both love science and science fiction and we believe this theme will allow us to be ourselves in every way. I am blessed to have a mother that has her own decorating business and this has made the planning part of our wedding so much easier. I have worked with her on many projects and I believe this has given me a head start that many brides don’t have. We have already decided on the location and the other major vendors and I even have my dress. We have even had the opportunity to host two other events, in Houston and my hometown, which has given us a chance to celebrate with more of the people we care for.
Looking Forward to Most of the Wedding Day
What we’re most looking forward to is the day itself, seeing everything come to fruition. We can’t wait to see our guests’ faces as they take in our theme and the whole experience. And of course we can’t wait to dance the night away!
Vendors
- Photography & Videography: Addison J. Weddings
Beautiful photos, Many blessings in your marriage!
a beautiful story and article written,I love it!