Irani has been smitten with Adanna since he caught a glimpse of her at a high school track meet in 2001. He did not make a move then, but a couple of years later they would connect in college and become sweethearts. Adanna shares, “During our senior year of college, Irani proposed to me at a surprise birthday party (which he put together) for my twin sister and I. I said yes, but we both knew we were too young and not quite ready for the responsibilities of marriage. After graduating, several relocations, a long distance relationship, and the pursuit of individual career goals our love literally stood the test of time.”
Seven years later Irani would officially propose to Adanna on her birthday in front of family and friends. Irani is from Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, so for their wedding the couple is looking forward to bringing Rio to NYC. To celebrate their upcoming union, the couple decided to take a break from wedding planning to team up with Lash to Lens Photography for a fun Autumn NYC e-session! Their excitement and love is practically bursting out of every picture. We wish this lovely couple all of the best.
Bride to be: Adanna Andrews- Human Services Professional Groom to be: Irani DeAraujo Jr.- Direct Support Professional Wedding Date: 07/19/2015 Wedding Location: Poughkeepsie, NYHow They Met
Irani – For me it all started the winter of 2001 at an Indoor track and field event in New York City. To her, I was invisible (lets just say I was a better football player then track runner) and it didn’t help that I couldn’t muster up the courage to say two words to her. So I was just an admirer from a distance, but who knew that our paths would cross again.
In August of 2003, athletics reunited us as members of the University at Albany Football and Track & Field teams. Typically the track team is housed in one dorm and the football team in another but thankfully for some reason she was placed in my dormitory. It wasn’t necessarily love at first sight since she thought I was too much of a ladies man (where she got that idea I do not know lol) but with her residing in the same dorm, it was all the opportunity I needed to steal her heart. From there an unexpected friendship grew into something special.
The Proposal
Fast-forward a few years later (7 to be exact, but who was counting lol) on April 11, 2014 and Irani proposed (again, but for real this time). That night couldn’t have been more special, even though the day didn’t go as planned. Originally, Irani had planned to propose over a candlelit birthday dinner overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge. However numerous unforeseen events and the rain had other plans. It was the morning of my birthday and Irani gifted me with a day at the spa and a hair appointment. Everything was going great and then it started to rain, which seemed to throw everything off track. I was in the salon chair longer then I wanted to be which delayed us from leaving Albany on time. In a rush, we stopped at the mall to get last minute items for my birthday outfit and I left Irani to pay for my shoes while I went to buy mascara to save time. At last, we were on the road and 45 minutes out of Albany when I reached for my shoes and let out the biggest GASP! Irani didn’t realize that the clerk put the shoes that I didn’t want inside the bag. So back we went to get the right pair of shoes in the pouring rain! Needless to say, by that time, my impatience was at an all-time high and I was frustrated and over it. Irani tried his best to keep me calm (as he always does) during the 2.5-hour ride to the city, even though we were going to miss our dinner reservation. Luckily, he had additional plans for us to meet up with family and friends that evening, all the while he was contemplating when and if he should propose that night. Finally, while at a lounge celebrating my birthday amongst family and friends the stress of the long frustrating day was quickly forgotten. It was then that Irani took the opportunity to drop down on one knee and ask for my hand in marriage. I don’t remember anything that he said while he was down there lol, but the moment couldn’t have been more appropriate or us…and of course I said YES!
Wedding Style
My dress will be a custom made design by Andrea Pitter of Pantora Bridal. It is going to have a classic feel to it and feature lace! I am excited and cannot wait to see it come together. My favorite wedding accessory is my engagement ring and wedding band. My fiance designed it with the help of his fraternity brother at Luma Diamonds. It is a rose gold, solitaire, emerald cut diamond ring that is simply beautiful and so very me.
Incorporation of Culture
My Fiance is from Rio De Janeiro, Brazil and we wanted to incorporate some of the traditions and culture from his country into our wedding. We went on vacation to Rio a couple of years back, during Christmas and New Year’s, and I just fell in love with the people, the culture, the art, the music and especially the food! It was such a freeing and spiritual experience to be in a country like Brazil and if I could I’d probably stay there forever. Needless to say, for our wedding we are trying to bring a little bit of Rio to New York!
Wedding Advice
The best advice I can give engaged couples is to not procrastinate, be sure to start researching vendors as soon as possible and to get/accept as much help as you can! Everything seems to be happening so fast and we are glad that we have people who are there for us and are willing to help us out when we need. Also, be realistic with your wedding budget. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment of it all, but when the moment is gone you don’t want to look back and regret spending so much money. Just keep in mind what the end result is, and a “Need/Want” list might not be a bad idea!
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Photography/Videographer/
Iris
Love every bit of this session!!! Gorgeous and creative!!
Sandy
So happy for you guys! UA Love! God Bless
Ebony
What a beautiful handsome couple! I loved the engagement shoot. Congratulations and may your union be blessed.
Robin
The Bride’s (Wife now) Mother shared this with me and I LOVE every photo. A very Beautiful Couple!!