Who doesn’t love amazing pictures? When we saw this engagement session shot by one of our preferred vendors, Raheem of RhPhotoarts, we had to share it. Not only are the pictures awesome, but this couple is stunning! You can just tell there was so much synergy between the photographer and the couple. The Pavillion in downtown Houston, with its colorful and bright decor made for a stunning backdrop.
The couple is Charlene and Charles. It’s always fun to find out how two love birds got linked together. Here’s what Charlene had to say:
“Charles and I met about 6 years ago at a party at my college Texas State University. My best friend Vivian and I were having a good time and every once in a while I would see this guy staring at me with a beautiful smile. I knew he was looking, so my dance moves were more flirtatious in hopes that he would approach me. When he finally came and danced with me I immediately asked what his name was. I was thinking ‘Charles!’ What are the odds that I meet a cute guy with the same name as my Dad, weird?” As we danced the night away, we made small talk and eventually exchanged numbers. The first date was cool, but the second date is when Charles showed me the wonderful man that he is. He cooked me a great dinner, made me feel like a queen, and let me eat all the food off his plate all with a smile on his face. I have never been on a date where it was all about me, my wants and needs in everything he did. That’s when the love bug bit and the rest is love history.”
Charlene had the proposal she always dreamed of. Welldone Charles! Often times, with us Nigerian-American girls, we envision these elaborate proposals, and sometimes get disappointed when the guy goes the traditional route by doing a formal Nigerian Introduction which, in tradition, can suffice as an engagement. Charles managed to accomplish both the traditional aspect, and the proposal Charlene always dreamed of without her knowing a thing. Charlene describes how Charles proposed:
“My proposal was truly a proposal of a lifetime! On the day of the engagement Charles got me away from my parent’s house by having some of my best friends plan a ladies day out. While I was out with the girls, Charles had planned for all of my close family and his family to meet at my parents’ house to do a traditional Nigerian Introduction. He flew in family from Baltimore, Maryland to Houston, Texas that weekend, and I didn’t know a thing! After a very long day ladies day out, one of my best friends Ijeoma made up a story to bring me back to my parents house, and as soon as I walked in I was shocked. All my closest family and friends were at my house and Charles was standing in the middle of the room with the biggest smile ever. I immediately knew and started crying and smiling.Charles walked me to the center of the room and as my friend finished singing my favorite song “Dangerously in Love” , Charles got down on one knee and proposed. It was just like I dreamed of, with my family and friends around and a beautiful ring. I was so overwhelmed my Godmother had to shout out ”Answer him Charlene!” I said Yes twice!”
Ever wonder how a couple lands such an AWESOME photographer? We asked Charlene how she found Rhphotoarts…
“I found Raheem by stumbling on his website one day from a friend’s post on Facebook. From then on I was in love with his work even before I got engaged, and would often joke that if he was not available to shoot at my wedding, I would literally change my wedding date. I was also fortunate to see him in action at weddings which I attended and loved his professionalism and the way he was able to capture natural shots. Looking at his pictures you can literally feel the love, happiness and sometimes sexiness of a couple as if you were taking a peek into their lives. I am so happy with his work on our engagement pictures and and that he was able to capture the true essence of our love.”
What has been the most difficult aspect of planning your wedding thus far?
“The most difficult part of planning our wedding so far for me has been staying true to my vision without going over budget. As a bride you see so many different ideas in every area of wedding planning and sometimes you can get overwhelmed and wonder if you can do better or should you add more. Its very difficult but I think I am doing a great job of sticking to my wedding vision of glamour and romance and still stay within our budget.” -Charlene
What are you looking forward to on your wedding day?
“On our wedding day, Charles and I are most looking forward to seeing all our friends and family really have a good time and enjoy themselves. We feel like our wedding is not only a celebration of our love, but the love and support our friends and family have shown us throughout the years. It will truly be a celebration for everyone!”-Charlene
We wish Charlene and Charles the best in their wedding planning process and just know this wedding will be the talk of the town. Congrats! Make sure you head over to Raheem’s website.…and brides-to-be, book him! You won’t be disappointed.
Click any thumbnail below to see the entire gallery.
[nggallery id=76]
FAB!
Very cute couple, all the best!