They say the family that prays together, stays together…Erika’s prayers came true on November 2, 2014 during what was meant to be a normal Sunday church service. The high school sweethearts attended Church that day with their families. Erika originally thought her and Matthew would be attending a family dinner following the service to celebrate their birthdays — Erika and Matthew’s birthdays are one day apart. But instead, Matthew, after getting Erika’s Pastor’s approval, proposed in front of the entire congregation, a pleasant and unique surprise.
Their engagement session is a cute as an engagement session can get — with their Dachshund Taylor included! Enjoy these charming photos in their hometown of Birmingham, Alabama. Thanks Erika and Matthew for sharing your love story with us! We are counting down to the wedding day!
Bride-to-be: Erika Monique Johnson
Groom-to-be: Matthew Shirley Harris
Occupations: Erika: 4th year Medical Student at University of Alabama // Matthew: Mercedes Benz U.S. International
Wedding date: 09/17/16
Wedding location: Wedding: Thurgood Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church Birmingham, AL // Reception: The Carriage House – Park Crest Events Hoover Alabama
Location of Engagement shoot: Our Neighborhood/House – Letson Farms Community in McCalla, Alabama, City of Birmingham, Alabama
The engagement session:
“Our engagement session was tons of fun and we really wanted to incorporate the things that we really cherish and enjoy together. We started out at our new home and took a few pics there. We took majority of our pictures at our community lake and gazebo. We included a few pics of us with our furry friend, our Dachshund Taylor. Since our actual engagement took place at St. Mark Church, we took a few of our pictures there as well. Lastly, since we both were raised in Birmingham, and we love to go to several places in the city, we finished our session in downtown Birmingham, Alabama. Our wonderful photographer definitely helped to make our session feel less stressful and more natural as if we were just spending time together on a regular day.”
What did you do on your first date?
“Our first date was during the summer of 2003. We went to the movies to see “Too Fast, Too Furious””
What’s your favorite thing to do as a couple?
“We love to travel to new places, dine out and spend time together as a couple. Even though we have known each other for many years, there is never a dull moment.”
How has wedding planning been so far?
“Wedding planning has been fun and is keeping us very busy. With Erika being in school, and Matthew busy working in his new position, it’s not always easy to find time to plan. However, we decided to take it one day at a time and enjoy each moment. We are blessed to be in a position in which we can juggle several tasks at once.”
Tell us what you’re looking forward to most on the wedding day.
“On wedding day, we are mostly looking forward to seeing all of our ideas come together and spending time with our family and friends.”
Photography: Elle Danielle
Planner: ellyBevents
Hair stylist/Makeup Artist: Kristin Moreland / Drea Michelle
