You know the saying, “third time’s a charm”? Well for Chartina and Justin, second time was a charm. They originally met in 2010 during movie night with mutual friends, but had no chemistry whatsoever. A year later Chartina attended Justin’s birthday party, which she was NOT invited to by the way, and the love connection began. They ended up ironically both obtaining jobs at the same Johnson and Johnson location, and have been inseparable ever since.
Today, we’re thrilled to be sharing their beachside engagement session with you. We love the laid back vibe and the light airy photos. Thanks Chartina and Justin for sharing your love story with us!
Couple: Chartina Martindale & Justin Bagley
Occupations: Justin – Information Technology Lead, Johnson & Johnson, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. // Chartina – Senior Financial Analyst, Johnson & Johnson, Janssen Biotech, Inc.
Wedding date: Friday October 21, 2016
Wedding location: Hyatt Regency Coconut Point, Bonita Springs, Florida
Location of Engagement shoot: Bonita Beach
How did he ask?
In early June 2015, Justin and I had a big trip to Florida planned, unfortunately we had a family emergency and had to cancel our entire trip. Once returning home to New Jersey, Justin convinced me that we had been through a lot the past few weeks and should at least take a trip for 4th of July weekend to get away and relax. We decided to go to Baltimore, Maryland for the holiday weekend to have some fun. Our first day of the trip Justin said he wanted to take me to Federal Hill Park to watch the sunset as a few of his friends told him it was a great spot to see the view of the Baltimore Inner Harbor. Once at the park, which is on a VERY steep hill, Justin and I started taking pictures and enjoying the view. About 10 minutes in, Justin told me to hold his phone because he had to tie his shoe…I know what you’re thinking the infamous “shoe tie trick” but really the hill was STEEP so I thought nothing of it, as had he not backed up to tie his shoe, he would have been rolling d own the hill!! He gently tapped my elbow and I turned around to see him down on his knee, proposing!! I immediately burst into tears and can barely remember a thing he said! An added bonus was he had one of our good friends hiding in the park, taking pictures of the entire thing! To continue the celebration about a month later in August 2015, we finally took our trip to Florida and Justin surprised me with a 5 hour boat ride around Miami!
Why did you decide on a destination wedding?
Justin and I currently live in New Jersey but I am originally from Seattle, Washington and he is from Orlando, Florida. We knew we didn’t want to get married in NJ as all of our family would have to travel. So when picking between Seattle and Florida….you pick Florida! Also my family loves to travel and loved the idea of coming across the country to the sunshine state! Since we knew we had to have a lot of people travel for the wedding, we wanted to have it in a place people could not only enjoy our wedding but make it a vacation and treat for themselves as well.
Why did you decide on the location that you chose?
Justin and I both have always loved water and knew we wanted to get married on one of the Florida coasts. Originally, we thought of a beach wedding but knew for our family that may not work out. We have family in the Naples area and went to visit them and found the perfect place to get married at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point in Bonita Springs, Florida. It gave the perfect mix of the resort feel along with allowing us to have the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception all in one place!
What have you enjoyed most about your engagement and wedding planning so far?
ALL THE DETAILS. Finding the perfect bar signage, an unbelievable color combination, and fun treats to include at the wedding is so much. Looking at every aspect of the day and finding the perfect item to make your personality shine through is such an awesome feeling. The planning process has been so much fun as just taking it step-by-step and item by item keeps it from being overwhelming and has continued to be so much fun! Envisioning myself walking down the aisle and seeing the smile on Justin’s face and expressing our love in front of our family and friends has made planning so much fun!
What are the biggest surprises you’ve had during your engagement and planning so far?
TIME FLIES. By the time we get married, Justin and I will have had about a 16 month engagement. Those 16 months fly by so quickly! I have been surprised by how fast things move. We have tried our best to truly enjoy the planning process and make sure every detail is reflective of who we are!
Any advice for newly engaged couples planning destination weddings?
Hire a Planner in the area and visit your location! I know planners can be a huge debate for couples and sometimes not fit into the budget but I highly recommend hiring a planner who is in the location of your wedding. Even if you are a very organized person, there are just so many little details and nuances that your planner will know about the industry and the area! They will definitely help you build your vendor dream team!! Second, Visit! Visit! Visit! Pictures can only show you so much of a place and we found that actually some places were even BETTER in person than in the pictures. Visiting allows you to really envision your special day and help you know if a place is right for you!
What is your favorite thing to do as a couple?
Working out, going to the movies, and binge watching TV shows!
What part of the wedding are you MOST looking forward to?
We are most looking forward to the reception and dancing the night away with family and friends!
Vendors:
Photography: Set Free Photography
Design & Coordination: Kelly McWilliams Celebrations, Weddings & Parties
Hair: Cassy Styles
Makeup: DareShawn Henry, Eye Dare U Makeup
Everything turned out so beautiful.We love you both Justin and Chartina may God bless you all with many years of love and happiness.Always put God first everything else will fall in place.I love the journey you all took to get to final day it was awesome.You all did an awesome job with all planning all your wedding coordinators were great down to the final detail. Beautiful bride you were and handsome groom Justin was entire wedding party looked stunning.And all the guess and staff was on point.Thumbs up fantastic job by all.