When Porsha and Isreal first met in college they were immediately drawn to one another. They shared a dance, exchanged numbers, and eventually began dating. It was clear to both of them they had found the person they were meant to spend the rest of their life with.
Read all about Porsha and Isreal’s relationship as well as their glamorously grand wedding in Georgia.
Bride & Groom: Porsha & Isreal
Occupations: Social Worker & Corporate Environmental Engineer
Wedding date: July 7th, 2017
Wedding location: Sacred Heart Cultural Center; Augusta, Georgia
Tell us how you met and all about the proposal. Isreal is a brother of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and before I became a sister of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. I went to the Sigmas’ Founder’s Day celebration in January 2010. As he was going around thanking people for coming out, we met and danced with each other for a few songs. There was a social event the next night hosted by another organization and we happened to run into each other again. We exchanged phone numbers and went out on our first date about 3 weeks later. The rest is history!
Isreal proposed to me in Charleston, SC along the Battery near downtown. He had a powerlifting meet in James Island and had been acting suspicious all day. I definitely thought he was behaving strangely when his parents wanted to have dinner with us and he told them no, even though we were going to get food later. Also, I know how much food Isreal can put away and how much he enjoys laughing at his father’s jokes. We ended up going out to eat anyway, and afterwards he said he wanted to take me to the Battery to see the water. I’m thinking, “We’ve been stuck in a gym all day. I want to go home,” but I didn’t want to hurt his feelings so I agreed. When we got to the middle of the park and he said “There’s a legend that says you have to find the oldest tree near the Battery and make a wish.” At this point I’m tired and ready to go but if this will speed us up I’ll do it! So I closed my eyes and made a wish, and when I opened my eyes he said, “Porsha, I don’t want you to be my girlfriend anymore…” It seemed like the longest pause in history! I was suddenly angry and wondered why he brought me all the way out here to break up with me! As soon as I’m about to yell at him he dropped to one knee and said, “Baby, I love you and I love how you make me into a better man I thought I could never be. Will you spend the rest of your life with me?” He pulled out a GORGEOUS ring, and I was so overcome with emotions, but I immediately said YES!
How did you know they were “the one?” Even after being together for many years we still get “butterflies” when we see each other. We help prioritize each other’s dreams, and we want the very best for each other. Even through tough situations we always find a way to overcome them together. We fit together like puzzle pieces and where one of us is weak the other is strong. With all the fun times and spontaneous adventures we have together our love is definitely a journey we want to last forever.
What was wedding shopping like for you? Wedding shopping was very interesting. We already had a vision for our wedding day but it took more effort than we initially realized to make those dreams into a reality. The bridesmaids wore these custom champagne dresses which allowed each of them to wear it in their own unique way while still matching. The groomsmen wore black tuxedos with wine bow ties and gold watches. The groom wore a wine tuxedo jacket with a black lapel along with black slacks. My dress was created by Maggie Sottero. It was a mermaid style dress with a beaded bodice.
Wedding party gifts: The bridesmaids received blush earrings to match their gowns and the groomsmen received gold watches.
Favorite item on the menu: We loved the EVERYTHING! Café 209 went the extra mile to make sure the entire meal was exquisite.
First dance song: “Happily Ever After” by Case
What is your best memory from your wedding?nOur best memory from the wedding was when we were introduced to our guests for the first time as husband & wife. We performed a dance routine to “24K Magic” by Bruno Mars. It was so exciting, and it gave our guests so much energy!
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? Do what makes you happy regarding both wedding planning and your marriage. You will become miserable trying to please others and there will always be someone that is not happy with a certain aspect of the wedding.
Vendors:
Photography – Milanes Photography
Videography – Focal Blu Videography
Wedding & Reception Venue – Sacred Heart Cultural Center
Catering – Café 209/Unique Events
Florist – Dewayne Hannah Designs & Florals
Stationary – Papered Wonders, Inc.
Seating – Please Be Seated, LLC
Lighting & Photo Booth – At Last Productions, LLC
Cake – Gardenia’s Custom Cakes & Catering, LLC
Wedding Dress & Bridesmaids’ Dresses – Dimitra’s Designs
Social Media Filters – Haphazard Designs
Wedding Coordinator – Ms. Tempest Shaw
Makeup – Beauty by Rakeem Chiles
Hair Stylist – Smack Hair
I was the makeup artist for all the entire wedding party. I must say, this family was an absolute pleasure. The venue was terribly gorgeous decorated like something out of a Disney movie. Most vendors and paid help were black owned and operated. It was one of the most exciting and well planned out event I’ve have been apart of. I wish they would marry again