Jamesa and Cory’s regal glam engagement session in Washington D.C. is full of captivating and striking details!
Inspired by the beauty of Italian Villas, Jamesa and Cory wanted to capture that essence in their e-session. The Perry Belmont House suited the couple’s aesthetic and regal glam theme perfectly. Jamesa incorporated an ethereal custom ruby floral stole into her look, which contrasted beautifully with her show-stopping black dress and the gold accents of The Perry Belmont House.
We wanted a very regal and royal engagement session that was rich in jewel-tone colors. Therefore, I had a custom floral stole created to wear for the shoot.
Jamesa
They originally planned to elope to Italy, however, the pandemic made them change their plans, which gave Cory the chance to plan a romantic and heartfelt proposal.
Learn more about their love story and see the beautiful details below!
- Couple: Jamesa and Cory
- Occupations: Jamesa: Event Planner, Cory: IT Professional
- Wedding date: 10/2/2020
- Wedding location: Washington, DC
- Location of Engagement shoot: Perry Belmont House in Washington, DC
How did you meet?
Cory and I actually attended the same high school. Although we had mutual friends, we never had a single conversation with one another. We actually did not formally meet until we attended the University of Maryland- College Park. Cory was transferring to the University and reached out to me via a private message on Facebook. He sent a message asking me to connect and if I could show him around campus. I agreed to do so and we became friends after spending time together on campus.
What did you do on your first date?
We had dinner at Succotash located at the National Harbor. After dinner, we walked around the harbor holding hands and had drinks at a bar located nearby.
Tell us your proposal story
Oddly enough, Cory and I started planning our Lake Como, Italy wedding before we had officially gotten engaged. Cory always dreamed of marrying in Italy and one day said, babe, let’s get married in Italy! I replied ok, and as a wedding planner, I began planning! Crazy right!?
After three months into planning, the pandemic hit and our dream elopement quickly dissolved. As devastated as we were, it gave Cory the opportunity to plan a fun and formal proposal as the pandemic gave us more time to plan and enjoy the engagement process.
Cory proposed on Juneteenth in DC at the Wharf. We attended dinner at one of our favorite restaurants and it seemed like the typical date night in DC. It was shortly after midnight when he escorted me over to the pier and began to talk about how much he loved me and my son. He made it clear that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with us and he got on one knee and presented me with a custom ring from Lauren B. Jewelry in New York City. I was blown away that he remembered the exact design I had fallen in love with a few years before we even began dating.
The next morning, we headed down to Black Lives Matter Plaza on Juneteenth and took part in some of the marches that were taking place in the city as a newly engaged couple. It was amazing to take part in such a significant time in 2020 to allow our voices to be heard! Black Lives Matter! After the marches, I announced my engagement with a picture of my fist held up at BLM plaza with the caption Black Wives Matter, including me!
When did you know they were the one?
Jamesa: I knew Cory was the one when he was there to support me and comfort me when my father was diagnosed with both prostate and colon cancer. It was a difficult time and he never left my side. He would come to the hospital to visit my dad and bring my mom food on days that she did not want to leave the hospital. He was a blessing sent from God during one of the most challenging times in my life.
Cory: I knew Jamesa was the one after we attended the Migos and Drake concert together. We had such a good time and she danced up on me all night long! I figured this girl knows how to party and isn’t afraid to let lose a little bit!
Describe your engagement session
We wanted to select a venue that embodied an Italian villa and the Perry Belmont House was the closest to it in the Washington, DC area. We wanted a very regal and royal engagement session that was rich in jewel-tone colors. Therefore, I had a custom floral stole created to wear for the shoot. The stole smelled amazing and was tinted a ruby red color which was perfect for the scene of the Perry Belmont House.
What’s your favorite thing to do as a couple?
We love to travel and dine at Michelin star restaurants. We love to cook and spend time together in the kitchen with one another. Cory is an amazing cook and he always impresses me in the kitchen!
How has wedding planning been so far?
Due to the pandemic, wedding planning has been quite interesting. As a professional wedding planner that is also in the process of getting married, it has been an unusual experience trying to pivot and shift, while also servicing my clients. However, the goal is to remain safe and to stay healthy during this time and we have decided to do a mini-ceremony with our closest family and friends at the Carnegie Institution for Science in Washington, DC.
Tell us what your looking forward to most on your wedding day?
We are looking forward to celebrating in an intimate setting with our closest family and friends. We want our loved ones to be safe during this pandemic. Most importantly, we are just looking forward to making it official as Mr. and Mrs. Alexander.
Vendors
- Photographer: Iris Mannings
- Videographer: IMG Artistry
- Make-Up Artist: Lauren Nicely
- Hairstylist: Shannon McDonald
- Custom Floral Stole: House of Redman
- Venue: Perry Belmont House
- Ring Box: The Mrs. Box
- Ring: Lauren B. Jewelry
[…] <!– –> READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE […]