It was the spring of 2010 when Adrianne and Marcus first connected. The wide eyed, 18 year-old, Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU), Freshman crossed paths in their Chemistry lab class and began innocently exchanging “hi’s” and “bye’s” throughout the semester. Following the semesters end, the two matriculated through FAMU occasionally spying each other on campus yet, they continued to keep their conversations at “hi”, “how are you” and “bye”.
In the spring of 2013, Adrianna graduated with her BS in Health Science/Occupation and Wellness (with Summa Cum Laude honors!) and next moved on to the University of Alabama at Birmingham to begin her Masters studies in Occupational Therapy. While Marcus remained at FAMU, entering the university’s College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences to pursue his PharmD. As they separately completed their graduate studies they remained in contact via Facebook, often testing each other Biblical knowledge through the use of Bible verse challenges. These Bible verse challenges lead to multiple conversations which lead to intimate Bible studies – which later turned into courtship in March 2015.
Shortly after the two began courting, Marcus gradated with his PharmD (with Magna Cum Laude honors!), while Adrianna completed her Master’s degree in December 2015. As the pair pursed both careers and each other, they remained committed to honoring Christ within their lives and their relationship. This couple, who beautifully site that they’ve courted in God’s way, began their relationship on March 24, 2015 and on March 20, 2016, almost a year later – the pair were engaged to be married.
To commemorate their December nuptials, this pair shot this posh, black tie engagement session with coterie member, Andre Brown Photography. The couple is also seeking the planning expertise of a fellow coterie member, Raven J. Events! Scroll on for more photos and their divine love story below!
Bride-to-Be: Adrianne Smiley
Groom-to-Be: Marcus Gurley Jr.
Wedding date: 12/03/2016
Wedding location: Atlanta, GA
Engagement session location: The Westin, Atlanta GA
Describe your engagement session! Did you have a theme?
There was no theme, we just wanted to get great photos to commemorate this special time in our lives.
What did you do on your first date?
The first date was April 2015 within the first month of the courtship. Marcus traveled to Birmingham, AL where Adrianne was living for graduate school at The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Marcus met Adrianne as she was leaving the UAB Rec Center, then the two got dressed up for dinner and a movie.
What’s your favorite thing to do as a couple?
Study the Bible, evangelize, and serve the community! Totally on fire for GOD.
How has wedding planning been so far?
So far it’s been great, we have an amazing wedding planner that has extremely helpful and a pleasure to work with so the process has be a dream.
What are you looking forward to most on the wedding day?
We are just thrilled about sharing our union with out closest family and friends.
Vendors
Photographer: Andre Brown, Andre Brown Photography
Wedding Planner: Raven of Raven J. Events
