University of Alabama at Birmingham Love Story: Kara + Darryl

Darryl visited the Rec Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham more frequently than most.  It wasn’t because he needed to use the Rec Center, but because a certain someone that worked at the juice bar had captured his heart.  Kara recalls how her and Darryl would sit and talk about any and everything during her shift, making time fly by.  He would say, “You know you’re going to be my girlfriend one day” and she would reply each time with “No, I doubt it.” Yet each day, he’d return to keep her company.  After a year of those juice bar visits, Kara still did not express interest in Darryl, and finally he let go.  He stopped frequenting the juice bar, and instantly Kara missed those visit.  So much so that she asked around for his number and reconnected with him.  That was the beginning of their fun, loving relationship that would eventually lead to a huge surprise proposal, and tomorrow, September 17th, will be the start of life as newlyweds!  Read on to learn more about their love story. 

Couple: Kara and Darryl
Occupations: Financial Analyst/ Computer Programmer
Wedding Date: September 17, 2016
Ceremony and reception location: BJCC East Ballroom in Birmingham, AL Engagement photo location(s): Gabrella Manor, Railroad Park, UAB

The proposal:  “He made me mad that entire day because he came to visit me and I never saw him. I’m like how did you come for me when you’ve been with everyone else. What I didn’t know was he had planned a surprise engagement party and he was busy doing that. So finally at the end of the day, we were in the kitchen and he said it’s something I need to tell you and I said I didn’t want to know anything he had to say. When I turned around, he was on one knee asking me to marry him. Afterwards, he said he wanted to take me to dinner to celebrate but I had to close my eyes because it was a place we had never been and he wanted it to be a surprise. So after we got there, he walked me inside while my eyes were closed and then everyone said Surprise!! It was a night I’ll never forget.”

Describe your engagement session: Engagement session took place over a course of 3 days with several outfits. My planner, Joanna Sheppard, assisted with styling, location selection etc. The water front and night scenes were right in the back yard of her home. We were so appreciative of her!

What did you do on your first date? Our first date was at the Movies with his best friend and his girlfriend. It was the day he asked me to be his girlfriend.

What is your favorite thing to do as a couple? Ride around in the car and talk/look at houses.

How has wedding planning been so far? Stressful!!!! Would never do it again. But it’s much better now since I hired my planner! Joanna got everything under control and its been smooth sailing from here on out : )

What are you looking forward to the most on your wedding day? DJ looking at me as I walk down the aisle.

Thanks Kara and Darryl for sharing your love story with us! We wish you the best of marriage and a lifetime of happiness.

Vendors:

Planner: ValiaRose Event Design
Photography: DJerome Smedley
Make-up: Precious Harris
Hairstylist: Genile Ingram