Naturally Romantic Engagement Session in San Diego

Whimsically divine is how we’d describe Shanique and Roy’s engagement session. San Diego’s historic Balboa Park was the backdrop for what would be an unforgettable experience for the couple. Both lovers of the outdoors, they wanted a location indicative of that affinity. The magnificent Morten Bay Fig Tree brought majesty and symbolism to the session representing the strong foundation the two have built as a couple, Shanique shares. The couple, who met in St. Thomas, V.I. where Shanique is originally from, were nothing short of fun and affectionate throughout.

“Shanique and Roy are some of the most beautiful people we have ever had the chance to photograph. We just love their sweet smiles and their AMAZING sense of style,” Whitney of (Once Like a Spark) Photography says. Take a look at their romantic engagement session below.

Bride-to-be: Shanique Bonelli – Global Communications Director
Groom-to-be: Roy Moore – U.S. Marine
Wedding date: 08/06/2016
Wedding location: San Diego, CA

Tell us how you met and all about the proposal!
Roy and I met in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. St. Thomas was where I was born and raised, and also where he was stationed for an assignment with the United States Marine Corps. While home on vacation, my sisters, cousin and I decided on a girl’s night out. Coincidentally, Roy was doing the same with his young Marines. Roy and I bumped in to one another at the bar of a local nightclub and I immediately struck up a conversation with him. Hours later, we exchanged business cards and decided to keep in touch. Since then, our long distance relationship blossomed.

Roy’s proposal was synonymous with his disposition: cool, calm and collected. He was visiting from California (he’s currently stationed on Camp Pendleton). Work for me was extremely busy and I remember taking the 6:20 am train into New York City. That night, Roy picked me up from the train station and I looked forward to a relaxing evening and preparing for our weekend excursion to New York City. Once home, we began chatting about each other’s day. Roy quickly and nonchalantly changed the subject, got on one knee and proposed. And just like that I was engaged. I wasn’t as cool, calm and collected as Roy. Quite the opposite.

What did you do on your first date?
Roy took me zip lining on our first date. We hadn’t done it before so it was great to experience it for the first time together. It was two hours of non-stop fun and was an unexpected surprise. Before the date Roy only revealed that I shouldn’t wear open toe shoes. Everything else was left to the imagination. Immediately following our zip line adventure, Roy took me to XO Bistro for a late lunch.

What’s your favorite thing to do as a couple?
Gosh! It seems as though everything we do together is our favorite thing to do as a couple. If I had to narrow it down, I’d say Roy enjoys when I go running and fishing with him. I enjoy a great night on the town – exploring new restaurants, the theater and dressing up while doing so.

How has wedding planning been so far?
I’m a natural planner so wedding planning has been very exhilarating. I’ve also been a bridesmaid 10 times (including an upcoming wedding in September) so to finally become a bride is an amazing feeling. Planning our wedding comes with some challenges, however. Roy is on active duty in the United States Marine Corps and three months ago we found out that he will be deployed for six to nine months. This was after I said YES to the dress, secured a wedding planner, decided on a wedding location in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, booked the venue, photographer, videographer, MC, DJ and more. Since then, we have made the decision to push the wedding back to a later date in the summer of 2016.

Tell us what you’re looking forward to most on the wedding day.
Roy and I look forward to sharing and celebrating our love with our closest family and friends. We are both blessed to have large, strong, and loving families and this is an opportunity for all of us to come together as one in the name of love.

We’re so happy for this beautiful couple! Thank you so much for sharing your gorgeous engagement session with us.