First Class E-Session at Dallas Airport: Jerrica + Curtis

Jerrica and Curtis met two years ago while attending a Greek Alumni Step Show in Dallas, TX. Jerrica recalls first noticing Curtis as he strutted through the aisles with his fraternity brothers, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Later that night, Jerrica was standing with one of her sorority sister’s of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. when Curtis approached her to introduce himself, he stated his entire name including his middle! From this introduction they spoke for a while until finally he asked for her number. The following Monday after the step show Curtis called and since that phone call they have been inseparable!

Bride-to-be: Jerrica Lewis
Groom-to-be: Curtis Hoyle Jr.
Engagement shoot locations: Dallas, TX
Wedding date: 10/17/2015
Wedding location: Mediterranean Villa – Arlington, TX

Tell us how he proposed.
Curtis proposed to me at 11:50 pm on January 31, 2015. I can vividly remember the date and time because it was just minutes before my 28th birthday. Curtis had made dinner reservations for he and I to celebrate my birthday. We arrived at the restaurant and before even ordering a drink, Curtis excused himself from the table. A few minutes later he returned with the manager. She told me that we had been seated at the wrong table and to follow her to our “special” table. When I got up and turned the corner, what seemed to be the entire restaurant, screamed SURPRISE! Over 50 of my family and friends were there for what I believed to be just a surprise birthday dinner. Friends had driven to Dallas from Houston and Curtis’ parents and sister were even there from out of town! As the night went on, I was still in complete shock that he was able to catch me completely off guard. Little did I know, the real surprise was still in store. After all of my guests sang happy birthday, I made a wish “I wish to be married in 2015.” Curtis then asked me to come take a picture with him and another couple. I followed him and when I turned around after thanking someone for the birthday wishes, he was down on one knee! I was COMPLETELY shocked! I was hyperventilating through his entire proposal, but heard everything he said. His words were clear, genuine, and confident and of course I said YES!

What elements of culture will you incorporate into your wedding?
The wedding will include a combination of traditions from his fraternity and my sorority. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha and I am a member of Delta Sigma Theta. We will have dances, chants, and songs unique to our organizations.

In addition, I will be incorporating subtle reminders of my late Mother. My Mom passed away 6 years ago. In order to honor her, I am using her favorite color, mauve, as one my wedding colors. In addition, I will drape her picture around my bouquet.

Do you have any advice for other bride-to-be’s?
The best advice that I would give a future bride is to take everything one day at a time. There is a huge stereotype around wedding planning that it has to be this difficult and stressful time. I don’t think that is true. So far, this experience has been amazing for me. I don’t want to waste the best time of my life, stressing out. I try to take everything day by day and pray for the best.