Gabby and DeWayne’s outdoor museum engagement session is such a beautiful nod to their modern-day love story—equal parts stylish, romantic, and deeply heartfelt.
The soon-to-be newlyweds began an incredible love story all thanks to divine intervention. “A match made in heaven… literally,” Gabby laughs. Back in 2024, she made a decision to date with intention, praying for a partner who aligned with her heart and faith. Little did she know, her sorority sister already had someone in mind, WOW! A God-fearing, family-oriented, successful gentleman who checked all the boxes. It was DeWayne!
Fast-forward to November 27th, 2024, and DeWayne was ready to pop the question.
In true romantic fashion, he planned a surprise proposal during what Gabby thought was going to be a fabulous yet traditional holiday photo shoot. With help from her best friend, he created a three-part shoot: fun casual photos, formal holiday portraits, and one final look for a surprise engagement announcement. Of course, she said yes, and the couple celebrated with their families.
Choosing to take their engagement photos at the Birmingham Museum of Art and Highland Park, the couple’s style and natural chemistry took center stage.
Gabby looked absolutely stunning in a sexy red mini that fit her like a dream—confident, radiant, and every bit the bride-to-be. DeWayne was the perfect complement in a sleek black tuxedo with satin lapels and polished shoes. Together, they struck the perfect balance: bold and classic, full of personality and pure magic.
As the shoot went on, their natural chemistry took center stage with so much love that it seemed to shine right through the camera lens. To see more from this outdoor museum engagement session, scroll down through the gallery below!
- Couple: Gabrielle La’Faye Jackson & DeWayne Christian Bailey
- Occupations: Doctor of Nursing Practice (Gabrielle); Healthcare Administrator (DeWayne)
- Wedding date: 6/19/2025
- Wedding location: The Farrell
How did you meet?
Gabby: A Match Made in Heaven… Literally! God saw fit to use Jasmine McQueen as a vessel for our paths to cross. In 2024, I expressed my interest in intentionally dating with the sole purpose of being wed. What would be the odds that my soror knew an eligible bachelor that checked every box on sis’s list…an educated, driven, financially established, handsome, family-oriented, Christian gentleman that could translate the desires of my heart to the actions that fulfilled God’s promise.
DeWayne: I was in a season of preparation, pursuing God with all my heart. God, in return, prepared me to lead, provide, and protect my future bride. Then along came Gabby…Unexpectedly, Jasmine sent me pictures of a God-fearing, beautiful, successful, smart, young lady who would soon steal my heart forever! I made the call to Gabby the next day, January 21st, and this would be the beginning of the rest of our lives. My heart was wide open to meet the mystery girl that I would soon make my wife. For I knew that the man who finds a wife finds a treasure and receives favor from the Lord (Proverbs 18:22).
What did you do on your first date?
We had a romantic Italian dinner at a local restaurant called Amore. DeWayne made the reservation, and I eagerly accepted. I had spent most of the day shopping for the perfect dress to give modest but mature, and without disappointment, his attire showed class and great taste! After two hours of cocktails, bread service, entrees, and butterflies, we ended the night with a walk to the car and our first embrace…a hug!
When did you know you found “the one”?
DeWayne: A few weeks after we met, I knew I had found “the one.”
Of course, she was beautiful, smart, and successful, BUT what attracted me the most was her sweet spirit and her heart for God. A few days after our first phone conversation, I ended up catching the flu. Although I declined a few times, she graciously sent me groceries via Instacart. We barely knew each other, but early on she showed her big heart, which is something we shared: I have always gone out of my way to help those I care about.
To Gabby, I officially became known as “Flu Boo,” because I was sick the first three weeks of getting to know one another. In the coming weeks, her consistency, open communication, and appreciation of me, as a man of God, captured my heart. One day, she told me she was praying about us constantly and knew God was with us. I received one confirmation after another that she was the one for me.
Gabrielle: During the first four-hour-long phone conversation, he made it known, “I am looking for my wife.”
Within the first three months of dating, there were so many signs we were made for each other! One date night, we had small plates and drinks at two different restaurants, where we each surprised each other by covering the other’s tab. Both checks totaled $44.44; what are the odds? I once left a pouch with $500 at the grocery store and made it home before realizing it. DeWayne assured me God was covering me, and my money would be at the store when I returned. Doubtful, I called the store’s customer service line to learn that the pouch and all of its contents had been turned in. The most significant is probably DeWayne praying with and for me, audibly and unbashful about it. I was like Oh, he’s serious about me, even more serious about his love for God.
Tell us about the proposal.
DeWayne: I had been planning for months how and when to propose to Gabby. I decided to plan a surprise engagement photo shoot the day before Thanksgiving to kick off our first holiday season together. I would also capitalize on the fact that loved ones would be coming into town. For the photo shoot, I simply told Gabby, “We are going to take professional holiday photos because we need some nice photos together.” I tasked her best friend, Tiffany, with preparing her for that special day, but also keeping my big surprise a secret as best as possible. Tiffany ensured Gabby had the perfect outfits for a bride-to-be, and of course, made sure her nails would be done because all eyes and cameras would be on her ring finger from that day forward.
The photo shoot would include three segments: a fun, casual Divine 9 photo with Kappa and Delta paraphernalia, formal holiday attire in which I would propose, and finally a classy 3rd outfit for the surprise engagement announcement. Although the proposal would be an intimate moment between Gabby and me, family is important to both of us, so I planned an engagement dinner directly after the proposal at our favorite restaurant, Bocca, in downtown Birmingham. Gabby’s mom and my mom would coordinate to ensure that both sides of the family would arrive at the dinner, not knowing that a proposal would be happening.
On November 27th, 2024, everything went exactly as planned!
We arrived at the studio to get started with our Greek photos. Of course, I was nervous, but Gabby still had no idea what was about to transpire. During the holiday photo segment, the photographer instructed Gabby to pose with her back to me. I eventually got down on one knee, then Gabby turned around and couldn’t believe what was happening. She was totally surprised. I asked Gabrielle La’Faye Jackson to marry me! She enthusiastically said YES! That moment was like a dream come true for both of us, as we both sought God for a spouse, and the promises of God were revealed right before our eyes. Finally, after the photo shoot and still on cloud 9, we arrived at Bocca, and we were greeted by a room full of family and love. It was the perfect day for a perfect love story.
Tell us about your engagement session; did you have a theme?
The first segment of the engagement session took place at the Birmingham Museum of Art. The aesthetic yielded art, glass, and an effortless class act. As museum guests browsed the gallery, we captured timeless photos in the courtyard, lobby, and outside entrance area. Part two was captured at Highland Park outside one of their historic buildings, where we were surrounded by marble walls, white stairs, and stout
white columns. Located off a main street, we captured the attention of the community. Morgan, Gabrielle’s sister, and Emory, Gabrielle’s niece, were present for touch-ups and family support.
What are you most looking forward to on your wedding day?
DeWayne: I am looking forward to starting forever with my beautiful bride and celebrating with loved ones.
Gabrielle: I am looking forward to exchanging vows and saying I do in front of over 150 people. Finally, I can express my love in the highest regard and know it is being honored and blessed by God.
Love this stylish museum engagement session?
Click here for more unforgettable love stories!
Vendors:
- Photographer: Sam Jasper Photography
- Planning: Steele Unique Weddings & Events
- Makeup: Jorice McCain
- Hair Styling: Erica Lorraine
- Barber: Tommy “TJ” Dudley
Leave a Reply