From “prop ring” to the real thing, Tyrone and La Tonya’s sunset photo session in South Carolina turned into a surprise engagement session!
The couple, who first met in April 2014, initially dated for about 6 months before deciding to part ways. Over the years, they stayed in touch and remained friends. Then, on a fateful birthday cruise at the end of August 2022, La Tonya had a revelation with God.
She recalls, “The second night aboard the ship, I was out on one of the decks and I began to pray and thank God for what was on the horizon. In all honesty, I had no idea why… but I just felt in that moment, I needed to thank God.”
When she returned home on September 3, her mother’s birthday was the following day, and then on the 5th Tyrone messaged her that he would be retiring and relocating to South Carolina. La Tonya shares, “We began to communicate throughout that day; and on September 6th, we went to dinner. And as the fable states, “the rest is history”.”
Fast forward to their sunset photo session…
With the help of their photographer, Ariel Enid Photography, and decor and design by Opulence Events + Designs, Tyrone planned an elaborate surprise proposal.
Spanning 3 locations around Downtown Columbia with three different looks, La Tonya was given a sparkling “prop ring” to wear during the first portions of the shoot. Photographer Ariel Enid threw off any suspicions of a proposal by taking the ring back early on in the session.
As they arrived at the third and final location, Ariel instructed the pair to enter with their eyes closed. A special surprise awaited them both… or so La Tonya thought!
I saw floating candles, beautiful florals, a huge standing canopy with “La Tonya, Will You Marry Me” printed in gold lettering and he was down on one knee, asking for my hand in marriage. It took about 3 minutes after he placed the ring on my finger before I realized that Ariel’s “prop ring” had been my engagement ring all along.
– La Tonya (The Bride-to-be)
Ariel Enid Photography shares, “Tyrone and La Tonya’s engagement session reminds us that love, like a timeless story, can be rediscovered and rewritten in the most exquisite ways. Their love, patient and enduring, serves as an inspiration for anyone seeking to believe in the magic of second chances.”
Read more about their journey to “I do” below.
- Couple: Tyrone Lawrence Barbee and La Tonya Chenelle Hines
- Occupations: Tyrone is a Retired Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army (20 years) and La Tonya is a System Support Operations Manager with BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina.
- Wedding date + Location: Planning in Progress
- Location of Engagement shoot: Downtown Columbia, South Carolina
How did you meet?
During an assignment, in April 2014, he was out with a few of his friends grabbing a bite to eat. The same evening, I was trying to cancel on my friends about meeting them for dinner. (They continued to call/text until I finally gave in).
When I arrived at the restaurant, both parties were engaging in conversation with each other and having a great time. I was sort of apprehensive at first; however, him being social, he struck up a conversation and was extremely cordial. We continued speaking throughout the evening, for nearly 3 hours. (It felt as if he was interested in getting to know me).
At the end of the evening before my departure, he asked if would it be possible for us to exchange contact information; to which I agreed. His consideration and ensuring that I made it home safely, was such a tug at my heartstrings.
The next morning, he called and asked if it would be possible to have dinner! I was so struck. I immediately accepted. Our first date was that evening, in Charleston, South Carolina.
We dated for approximately 6 months in 2014; unfortunately, life happened, and we ended our relationship. The funny thing is over the years, we have always remained friends and kept in touch.
At the end of August 2022, I went on a cruise for my birthday. The second night aboard the ship, I was out on one of the decks and I began to pray/cry and thank God for what was on the horizon. (In all honesty, I had no idea why… but I just felt in that moment, I needed to thank God).
I returned home on 09/03. My mother’s birthday was 09/04. I received a message on 09/05 from Tyrone advising of his retirement and relocating to South Carolina. We began to communicate throughout that day; and on 09/06, we went to dinner. And as the fable states, “the rest is history”.
What did you do on your first date?
We went to Charleston South Carolina on a Saturday evening. Our first stop was dinner at a beautiful restaurant named “Coast”. The food was phenomenal and we laughed the entire time there. Afterward, he asked if I wanted to take a walk through downtown. We ended up visiting a dessert spot called “Cupcake Charleston”. Our first date was simply us getting to know one another while enjoying the Charleston vibe and lasted 3 hours, which doesn’t include the drive.
When did you know you found “the one”?
Tyrone: I knew that La Tonya was the one for me when she displayed her unconditional love for me. During our first dinner date, we spoke deeply about exactly what we were looking for in a partner/spouse. Ironically, we BOTH shared the same qualities, so I knew then that this would be a match made in heaven. In time, she has gradually shown me that her feelings were true and I felt every aspect of her love. Being with La Tonya has made me a better man and I’ve seen a MAJOR difference in her as far as her professional career and personal life. Watching this growth is what made me fall and continue to fall deeply in love with her, my true soulmate.
La Tonya: God was preparing me for Tyrone’s return on the deck of that cruise ship. When we went to dinner on 09/06/2022, he told me he made the mistake of us separating once and that would never happen again. He was very intentional with his view of OUR future. One key statement he continuously said was “I’m not meant to be someone’s boyfriend, I am meant to be someone’s husband”. During those 3 months, he spoke of views for OUR future. He showed me consistency, made me feel important, and poured into me. He accepted me, flaws and all, and still professed his love for me. Tyrone taught me what love really looks like and how love truly feels…. That is what secured to me that he was the one.
Tell us your proposal story:
We were scheduled to take pictures with Ariel Enid Photography on 10/07/2023. Weeks leading up to the appointment, he told me to ensure I had 3 different dress looks (black, blue, and white). I made appointments for all my essentials to ensure everything would look great on canvas.
A few hours before the shoot, I started to panic as I didn’t feel my look was turning out quite the way I wanted and was thinking of canceling. He continued reassuring me that everything would be fine and saying how beautiful I looked.
We arrived at the 1st location and Ariel (the photographer) informed me that she had a “prop ring” for me to use during some of the pictures (so that when I did get my ring, I would be able to utilize a few of these as our engagement portraits). I remember saying how beautiful this ring was; but please note: as we took pictures, she would take it back stating not to get too comfortable.
At the 3rd location, Ariel advised we would be guided in with our eyes closed because there was a surprise for us. Once Tasha with Opulence Designs led me to this floral-filled garden at sunset on 10/07/2023, I heard him ask me to turn around and open my eyes.
I saw floating candles, beautiful florals, a huge standing canopy with “La Tonya, Will You Marry Me” printed in gold lettering and he was down on one knee, asking for my hand in marriage. It took about 3 minutes after he placed the ring on my finger before I realized that Ariel’s “prop ring” had been my engagement ring all along.
Describe your engagement session. Did you have a theme?
My surprise engagement session was simply “Sunset within a Rose Garden”. The beautiful colors, the cobblestone pavers, and the vibrant florals set the tone for his intimate proposal. He previously had asked what my view of his proposal would look like and I must say, his vision was more beautiful than I could have ever imagined.
What’s your favorite thing to do as a couple?
If you would believe it, top on the list is to watch HGTV House Hunters and have a debate on which house we would select and try to determine which home the couple will pick. A close second (lol) would be to take a $25-day trip, which is basically picking a location (approximately 1-2 hours away) and only spending $25, no matter what’s on our agenda.
How has wedding planning been so far?
Stressful (lol); however, we are taking it one day at a time. There have been discussions; however, we are still in the early planning stages.
Tell us what you’re looking forward to most on the wedding day.
Sharing our vows with one another and thanking God for granting us this second chance at love.
Looking for more surprise engagement session inspiration?
Click here.
Vendors:
- Venue: Private Residence
- Beauty: TamGee Artistry
- Design & Decor: Opulence Events + Designs
- Photographer: Ariel Enid Photography
Leave a Reply