Christin Armstrong has been married for 5 years, but never had a “real wedding.” They basically woke up on Sunday morning and decided that it was time, got a marriage license, and have been happily married since then. So when Christin had the opportunity to model in a stylized inspiration shoot, she gladly accepted. Dallas Photographer Jay of Jackson Wedding Studio photographed this gorgeous and intimate inspiration shoot featuring Christin and her beautiful family. It features pretty shades of ivory and pink, but most importantly, a growing family in love. Scroll down to read Christin’s love story and see more images. And be sure to check out more in the gallery here.
This interview was featured as a MunaMommy special feature in the Fall/Winter 2015 issue on newsstands now. Grab a copy here.
How did you meet?
We met in college. For the longest, we lived across the sidewalk from each other and he never acknowledged me. At the end of that year, both of our roommates were graduating, so we both needed a new roommate. I knocked on his door, along with my roommate, and he shot me down cold. He didn’t even give me a reason. That next school year, we were familiar with each other and had an 8am class together on Mondays and Wednesdays. He expressed how hard it was for him to wake up early enough to get to the class on time so I volunteered to be his morning wake up call. He loved the idea and mentioned that he has an 8am class on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Of course, I volunteered to call him on those days too and he replied “I already have someone calling me on those days”. I was heart-broken, but I knew where we stood. We were friends and I had to be ok with that. We came up on Spring Break and Keon called me unexpectedly to ask if he could take me to dinner and a movie. We ate at Bennigan’s and the movie we watched is still up for debate. When he dropped me off, he stopped me before I got out of the car and let me know that he had had some feelings for me recently. That eventually evolved into the love we share today.
Tell us about the proposal.
We are both simple people. We both know not to go overboard with anything in life. I had just returned from a long night of visiting our son in the hospital. The fireplace was lit and the house with squeaky clean. He had laid out a whole picnic in front of the fireplace. He presented an early Christmas gift which was a Build-a-Bear in a tuxedo. When I squeezed his hand I heard Keon’s voice say “sweetheart I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?”. He opened up the ring box with a light illuminating down on the ring and I thought I would faint. It was perfect.
When did you get married and where?
We got married on August 15, 2010 at the tiny AME church I grew up in.
What was your wedding like?
We didn’t have a real “wedding”. We woke up and got a marriage license, and the Sunday of the marriage, we literally decided that day would be the day. It was last minute and nothing special, but it was the sweetest moment of my life.
Why did you decide to do this shoot?
We decided to do this you because we had never had anything like this before. Because there was no wedding, there was no dress. No tux. No flowers. No makeup. Nothing but us and the pastor and a few people that stayed along after church. This shoot made us feel the way that people feel on their actual wedding day. It was amazing to see Keon in that tux.
When it comes to career. What do both of you do and how do you make time for each other?
Keon is a teacher and coach. I am a photographer. Family is what is most important to us so we always make time. We Netflix binge together. We love to eat. We make a last-minute decisions. We are best friends and it’s evident.
As a mompreneur, how do you balance career and family?
My family is a huge part of my career. My Holden and husband are my favorite subjects. I love to dress them all up and make them do what I want them to do. At this point, they all love it. I’m not really sure what I’m going to do when they start turning me down. It’s so easy to spend that extra time with them when they are a part of what I do. People love to see them in photos and I do too!
Your little ones are adorable! What are their personalities like?
My son is The sweetest child I have met in my life. He will give his right arm to a stranger. He is relaxed like his dad and isn’t one for much attention. Is definitely an easy kids. Both of my daughters are firecrackers. The five year old, Riley is extremely bossy yet sweet as pie. So far, the baby is all firecracker. She’s extremely independent and assertive. She absolutely runs this house!
What would you say are the most important elements for a successful marriage?
The best thing I’ve learned to do is GIVE IN! There were so many petty things that I wouldn’t do just because of principle. Once I learned to give in on all the petty things, Keon started to give in on all the major things. I like to think of it as balance. Lol.
What you love most about him?
“I absolutely love how he takes care of this family. He works so hard to make sure that we do not go without anything. It makes me feel so good that anyone would do that for me no matter what I do or don’t do in return.” – Christin
What he loves most about you?
“I love that you are adventurous and willing to explore new places and things. You are not shy at all and have forced me out of my comfort zone and exposed me to new people and places that I would have never known. I know I say that you are dramatic a lot, but without it my life would be quite boring. Most importantly, I love the fact that [your] bold and charismatic personality perfectly compliments my personality.” – Keon
What advice would you give for couples preparing to get married?
The best advice that I can give is to let everyone know it will not be easy. It looks easy on the Internet but it’s not. It may seem like perfection but it’s not. Pushing through tough times together is the most perfect thing that you can do for your marriage. If you are always on the same team, nothing and nobody can defeat you.
Thanks for sharing your family session and story with us Christin!
Creative Team
Rentals (larger furniture) – What’s the Occasion Linens
Headpiece/veil/gown – Courtesy of White Gown Workroom
Daughter’s dress – DIY (made by Christin)
Makeup + Hair – Lyzadora Beauty Consultants
Event Coordination/Planner – Elite Events
Groom’s attire – Al’s Formalwear
Venue – Chateau Cocomar
Flowers – Keisha’s Kreations
Photography – Jackson Wedding Studios
Gorgeous couple, family, and wedding. The little ones are so stunning!