Beaonica and Brandon always lived nearby but their love story didn’t begin until the two were adults and Brandon came back home to Birmingham during the 4th of July weekend. If you love the movie, Serendipity, this love story detailed below will tug at your heart. Brandon, a Software Engineer proposed to Beaonica, a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, on September 27th, 2014, Beaonica’s 26th birthday. The two have saved the date to set off more fireworks in Birmingham on July 2, 2016… the same day they met 5 years ago.
Tell us about how you met and all about the proposal!
Beaonica and Brandon have always lived in close proximity of each other, but they never dated and were never close friends. As teenagers they rode the same school bus, went to the same summer camp, attended the same high school and grew up in neighboring communities. But fate would wait until Brandon moved to Arizona to begin a career as a software engineer. Fate would maneuver Beaonica to start her career as a neonatal nurse in Alabama. Fate would enjoy the irony of moving two people so far away only to bring them closer than they had ever been in life.
Their love story began on July 2, 2011. Brandon was back home in Birmingham visiting family and friends during the 4th of July holiday weekend. The future couple found themselves in a similar situation at a holiday party. But this time it was different. Fate would not allow them to keep missing each other.
They exchanged numbers that night. Brandon was very persistent with pursuing Beaonica and the next morning, he invited her to brunch. They went out on a date every day during Brandon’s short trip home. Brandon returned to Arizona, they kept in touch, and became friends first which played a vital role in the success of building their relationship. After a year, Brandon moved back to Alabama to be closer to the love of his life and to continue the fairy tale that fate had started before they ever knew.
Brandon proposed to Beaonica on September 27th, 2014 which happened to be her 26th birthday. Unbeknownst to her, Brandon was secretly planning the perfect proposal for an entire year. Brandon understood how important and close Beaonica’s family and friends were in her life and he wanted to make sure that they were in attendance to share in this special occasion. So he decided to plan a surprise birthday party which would lead to an engagement party by the end of the night.
In the months leading up to the proposal Brandon bought Beaonica a sequence of small gifts to build up the suspense, including a birthday dress, jewelry, and even planned a professional make up session. The groom-to-be had already asked her parents for her hand in marriage and received their blessing. The day of her birthday, Brandon told her they had reservations to have dinner and tour a local winery near Ruffner Mountain.
As they arrived, Beaonica first noticed a photographer snapping pictures of the couple and knew something strange was going on. She began to get extremely nervous and was hesitant to walk into the venue. As she walked in the doors of the building, she was greeted by a host of family and friends screaming, “Surprise…Happy Birthday!” Beaonica was stunned to see so many friends and family from near and far away. She was speechless. During the birthday celebration, Brandon arranged for some of her closest friends to explain what they loved about Beaonica. The final speech was given by Brandon. In front of their closest family and friends, he wished her a Happy Birthday, told her how much he loved and adored her, and ended the speech, dropping on his knee and proposing.
The engagement session…
Our engagement session was a modern elegant theme focused around the city and the places we like to visit. We had three different locations around the Birmingham area which included the Uptown District, The Garden at the Summit and Overlooking the City View. At our last location we incorporated sparklers in the e-session since we will be getting married on the Fourth of July weekend.
What did you do on your first date?
On our first date we met for brunch and later that evening we went out to dinner.
What’s your favorite thing to do as a couple?
We both enjoy traveling, especially finding new places to visit on the weekend and finding new restaurants.
How has wedding planning been so far?
Wedding planning has been wonderful and stress free thus far. I have been able to plan and make decisions and not become overwhelmed with the process since we have had a long engagement. We both also have a great support system that has been willing to help us with the planning.
Tell us what you’re looking forward to most on the wedding day.
I am most looking forward to walking down the aisle and becoming one with my future husband and marrying my best friend. We are both excited about sharing and celebrating our union with our close family and friends.
Vendors:
Photography: Elle Danielle Photography
Locations: Uptown District + Garden at the Summit in Birmingham, Alabama
Barbara Dudley Snead
Congratulations Beaonica and Brandon!
You are such a sweet and beautiful couple.
May God continue to bless you!
To God Be The Glory!
Herman and Judy Mannings
A match like this was only made in heaven. My you both enjoy a wonderful blessed eternity together.