Courtney and Jarrelle’s love story first began in Houston where they initially crossed paths during a photoshoot.
After making a connection they went on a classic first date at the movies. As one date led to another it became clear that their feelings for each other were growing. When it came time for the proposal, Jarrelle discovered the perfect opportunity during a surprise birthday party for Courtney. Jarrelle and Courtney look forward to their first dance as newlyweds when they are married in California. Read all about their love story, surprise proposal and wedding plans in this romantic outdoors engagement session in Vasquez Rocks Los Angeles.
Bride & Groom-to-be: Courtney & Jarrelle
Occupations: TV Host/Producer & Beauty/Fashion Photographer
Wedding Date: 10/4/2020
Wedding Location: Texas
Location of Engagement Shoot: Vasquez Rocks in Los Angeles, California
Tell us how you met and all about the proposal. We first met at a photoshoot back in our hometown in Houston. For the proposal, Jarrelle threw a surprise birthday celebration for Courtney with her closest friends in L.A. involved in December 2018. What she didn’t know was that at the end of dinner Jarrelle would pop the question during dessert at Castaway Restaurant in Burbank, CA and ask her to be his wife. Both surprises were completely unexpected as she doesn’t typically go all out for her birthday. After 5 years together, Jarrelle and Courtney had talked about getting married and looked at rings together years before. Two months before proposing, Jarrelle broke down and said he didn’t think he would be able to ask for Courtney’s hand in marriage as planned by the end of 2018 because money was tight. At that point, he had already bought the engagement ring, talked to her family and asked her dad for her hand in marriage so it was all to throw Courtney off. She had no idea when the proposal was happening but did find it a bit strange that Jarrelle, who normally doesn’t do public speaking, was making a speech in front of everyone at the table. Of course, it ended in Courtney saying yes while in tears giving him the wrong hand to put the ring on.
Describe your engagement session. Did you have a theme we did our engagement session at Vasquez Rocks in Los Angeles, CA because we love the outdoors and it reminded us of Lion King’s Pride Rock, which also happens to be my favorite movie growing up. The engagement session was actually a surprise from Jarrelle after having to cancel plans to do our engagement shoot months before. He surprised me by having me model for a photoshoot the same day so I would get my hair and makeup done. Jarrelle also had his close photography friend come by the shoot before revealing to me that we were actually taking the engagement photos instead of doing a second look at a photoshoot. Our outfits were picked out and the day was magical, to say the least. We felt like a king and queen for the day.
What did you do on your first date? On our first date in 2013, we went on a movie date to ironically see Tyler Perry’s “Why Did I Get Married?” It was the only film that was showing at the time they both were free to get together.
What’s your favorite thing to do as a couple? We enjoy simple things together like watching our favorite shows on Netflix and hikes at Runyon Canyon together to enjoy the outdoors.
How has wedding planning been so far? Wedding planning has been a bit overwhelming with such a large family to consider but we are taking it all one day at a time now. We want a wedding that will be fun, romantic but also won’t break the bank as we become husband and wife. We are getting married in Texas where we met and have an On the Run themed wedding in mind since we are diehard Beyonce and Jay Z fans.
Tell us what you’re looking forward to most on the wedding day. Jarrelle: “I can’t wait to see her walk down the aisle in her beautiful gown that she’s been secretive about. Also, our first dance!”
Courtney: “I’m looking forward to our first dance as newlyweds and partying with our dearest friends and family.”
Vendors:
Photographer: Shaevon Robertson of Elvon Photos
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