Shantrice and Robert first met at age sixteen when both worked at the local grocery store. The embers of love did not spark at that time but fate certainly laid the path to their future relationship. Fast forward ten years, Shantrice had just landed an IT position at a new company when a familiar voice called her name – once again, she and Robert would be co-workers. This time their feelings would eventually grow from friendship to love, and finally happily ever after…
Read all about Shantrice & Robert’s love story, Las Vegas proposal, and experiences in their classic glam wedding in Augusta – featuring Videography by MunaLuchi Coterie member Eric Blanks Media.
Full names of couple: Shantrice & Robert
Occupations: CEO of Bella Monroe Hair/IT Manager & Warehouse Team Lead
Wedding date: April 21, 2018
Wedding location: Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center; Augusta, GA
How we met? At the age of 16, Rob and I initially met at my first job as a cashier at the grocery store, Bilo. He and I always had a fun time on our shift laughing and talking to pass the time. Our store closed down, and we both parted ways to separate locations. About ten years later, I started working at a manufacturing plant in the IT department. I heard someone calling me by my nickname, “Trice”, so it had to have been someone that knew me. It was Rob! He still looked the same ten years later. It was so nice to see a familiar face at a new company. Rob would frequently stop by my desk and chat whenever he was in my building. About two years into the position, I moved to a new building. I had a long walk to the building. Rob started offering me rides to the building since he drove the golf carts around for his position. So whenever I needed a ride, I would call Rob. He started giving me rides every morning and even was waiting at the gate for me before I had the opportunity to call him he and I started to take our lunch breaks frequently. We became really good friends, and one day decided to hang out outside of work. After joining him for a Christmas brunch with his family and spending New Years together at Church, we decided to take our friendship to the next level, and the rest was history.
How did we get engaged? Rob and I went to Las Vegas to celebrate our three year anniversary. It was our last night in Vegas, and we decided to go out of our normal food selections and dine at a Brazilian steakhouse. Since we are frequent travelers, I asked Rob what was one of his favorite moments during our time together. He selected our trip to California and what a coincidence, I chose California as well. Rob then proceeded to tell me that he’s enjoyed our time together and other sentimental words. I’ll never forget that as he proceeded to bend down on one knee in front of the entire restaurant he said, “With all that being said, I would like to spend the rest of my life growing old with you.” I thought that in this magical moment that I could easily say, “YES.” I cried so much that I couldn’t even blurt out the words, “Yes.” I shook my head, nodding yes since we had an audience. After all the applause, cheers, and tears, I told him YES! It was the best trip to this date, and the most special moment of my life.
What was the wedding shopping experience like for you? I had three looks for the wedding. Each look had its own unique design and special role. For the ceremony gown, I wanted a timeless and classic look. I had a beaded gown with a v-neckline that had a sheer back with a beaded bodice and train along with a cathedral veil. My reception gown was a strapless gown that was beaded along the bust-line and had a long train as well. My third look was worn for the latter part of the reception and sparkler exit. It was a custom jumpsuit designed by Project Runway star, Edmond Newton. My jumpsuit was a lace v-neckline jumpsuit that had a long tulle train. The wedding shopping experience was very smooth. I already knew which ceremony gown that I wanted and Bravura Bridal and Gown was the only store that had my gown and size. I tried it on and it fit perfect. My second gown was suggested by the consultant and it was an instant fit and I loved it at first sight. The making of the custom gown was a very easy process. I sent Edmond a picture for inspiration. He took my image and made it come to life with his own personal touch!
Wedding party gifts: The bridesmaids received a custom glass and trinkets during our Bridesmaid brunch along with jewelry and makeup for the wedding day. Our groomsmen received custom flasks and bottle openers.
Gifts for one another: The groom gifted the bride with a gold watch.
Ceremony entrance song: The bride entered the ceremony to Jennifer Hudson’s “Giving Myself.”
First dance song: The bride and groom incorporated a custom dance into their first dance. The slow dance portion was to Kendric Lamar’s “Love”, and the choreographed special dance was to Plies’ “Rock”. The bridal party joined the couple’s dance with the Shoot Dance
What is your best memory from your wedding? During the unity ceremony, I wanted to include my 9 year old step daughter into the ceremony. Although I am marrying her father, she and I are now family as well. I gifted her with a diamond heart necklace. No one was aware of this moment and it was just a very sentimental moment between us two, with her father watching in awe along with the guests.
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? My best advice is to hire a wedding planner. A planner has the knowledge and expertise to specific details that only a wedding expert would be aware of. My planner was phenemomal and played many roles during the process to ensure the success of our special day.
Vendors:
Wedding dress designer: Sophia Tolli (both dresses)
Custom jumpsuit: Edmond Newton
Wedding dress salon: Bravura Fashion Bridal & Prom Boutique
Bridesmaids dresses: Sorella Vita
Ceremony location and reception location: Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center, Augusta, GA
Photographer: Keith Hammock
Wedding Planner: Color Me Beautiful Weddings
Makeup: Scoobie West, JDenelle
Hair: Tyanna Renee
Videography: Eric Blanks
Florist and Event designer: Edge Design Group
Cake: Jennifer’s Cakes
Stationery: Minted
Groom’s attire: The Modern Gent
Groomsmen attire: Tuxedo-Men’s Warehouse
Photobooth: Jw Impressions
DJ: DJ Tay Productions
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