Qianna and Deshaune’s Regal Romance-themed engagement session at the luxurious Riggs Hotel was a testament to their love story, beautifully capturing their love and commitment.
In 2008, their love story began online with a simple Facebook message from Deshaune. “From that moment on, we knew our lives would never be the same,” Qianna shares.
While they were connected on social media for years, it wasn’t until 2018 that fate finally brought them together. “We finally met and fell in love,” Qianna adds.
While Qianna admits it was love at first sight, Deshaune knew Qianna was the woman he’d spend forever with after introducing her to his son. He shares, “The way they interacted was just priceless, and that bond between them has only gotten stronger since then.”
On a trip to Cancun in March 2020 to celebrate Qianna’s birthday, Deshaune surprised her with the best gift: a proposal! Overcome with emotion, she said yes without hesitation: “It was a moment that we’d cherish forever.”
Read more about their beach-side proposal and plans for their 2025 wedding below.
- Couple: Qianna Norman (Bride) & Deshaune Green (Groom)
- Occupations: Federal Government Employee (Bride) & Teacher, Student Advocate, Basketball Coach, Basketball Trainer, Nonprofit Founder (Groom)
- Wedding date: March 8, 2025
- Wedding location: The Westin, Annapolis, MD
- Location of Engagement shoot: Riggs Hotel, Washington, D.C.
What did you do on your first date?
Our first date was a blast! We spent the entire day together, starting with breakfast at Bob’s and Edith’s in Alexandria, VA. After that, we spent the afternoon exploring Washington, D.C. To wrap up the day, we enjoyed a nightcap at a hookah lounge in the city.
Tell us your proposal story:
In March 2020, we traveled to Cancun, Mexico to celebrate my 30th birthday. Little did I know that Deshaune had planned the proposal of a lifetime. During an intimate dinner on the beach, surrounded by the sounds of the ocean and a violinist, I followed a trail of candles to discover six-foot-tall letters spelling out “Marry Me”. Overcome with emotion, Deshaune got down on one knee and asked me to be his forever. It was a moment that we’d cherish forever.
When did you know you found “the one”?
Bride: The first time I saw Deshaune, I just knew he was the one. Our vibe was off the charts, and I couldn’t help but feel this amazing connection. It was definitely love at first sight for me.
Groom: I realized Qianna was the one when she met my son, KyShaune, for the first time. The way they interacted was just priceless, and that bond between them has only gotten stronger since then.
Describe your engagement session. Did you have a theme?
Our engagement session was themed around regal romance, aiming to encapsulate an atmosphere of elegance and love. We envisioned our photos to reflect a romantic and sophisticated aesthetic, highlighting the grandeur.
What’s your favorite thing to do as a couple?
We absolutely love going out and having a great time together. Date nights are a highlight for us, especially when we get to explore the vibrant restaurant scene in Washington, D.C. Each outing feels like an adventure as we discover new cuisines and hidden gems around the city. Whether we’re indulging in a cozy bistro, trying out a modern food truck, or enjoying an elegant evening at a rooftop restaurant with stunning views, every experience adds to our collection of cherished memories.
How has wedding planning been so far?
In the beginning, wedding planning was a rollercoaster. What started as a micro wedding quickly evolved, and before we knew it, our guest count had reached 100. The stress was palpable until we were blessed to find our current wedding planner, Howerton+Wooten, six months before our big day. Their exceptional attention to detail and professionalism have been a godsend. We are overjoyed to have a team of seasoned planners dedicated to making our dream day a reality, managing every aspect with such grace and expertise
Tell us what you’re looking forward to most on the wedding day.
After seven years together, we eagerly anticipate exchanging our vows in front of our children on our wedding day. The excitement of finally reaching this moment fills us with joy. We often describe our wedding as our victory lap, celebrating the love and commitment we’ve built over the years.
Looking for more engagement session inspiration at the Riggs Hotel?
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Vendors:
- Photographer: Phillip Moore Jr. of MooreNFocus
- Videographer: Gary Hamilton GH Visuals
- Wedding Planner: Howerton+Wooten Events
- Venue: Hotel Riggs
- Groom’s Suit: Stanlion
- Groom’s Shoes: Gucci
- Groom’s Brooch: YSL
- Bride’s Long Dress: Bridal Babes
- Bride’s Short Dress: Angel Brinks Fashion
My goodness! What a vibe. The setting, the outfits. Absolutely amazing.
We totally agree, this couple brought the HEAT!