Laid-back Engagement Session in Downtown Memphis: Nykkia + Justin

First date?

Our first date was actually a causal meeting. We decided to meet each other after talking on the phone for a couple of weeks. I meet him when he was getting off work one afternoon. We decided to go see a movie and we ended up going out to eat after. We sat and talked all night. It was great to actually see the man that had been on the other end of the phone for those weeks

Favorite thing to do as a couple?

We love traveling together. We enjoy going out of the country as well as loading the car and taking road trips. We plan vacations and also go on “impulse” trips. We have great times exploring new things and relaxing. We can not wait to see the world together as husband and wife!

E-session details…

For our engagement session, we really did not have a theme. I sort of had a look and a feel that I wanted. I told our photographer, Amanda Eval Writesman with Bel Momento Sudios, and she nailed it. She made our session so easy. We had so much fun during our engagement session. By the end of the night, we almost forgot that she was there. We were just that comfortable.

Our shoot was mainly downtown Memphis. I did not want the tradition trolley and Beale Street shots. One day we were going out of town for a marathon with another couple and they actually pointed out this funky piece downtown in front of the Cannon Center. We told Amanda that we wanted to shoot there for sure. Then, we began walking downtown and snapped a few photos at this beautiful fountain. Justin is a firefighter, so we decided to capture a few moments at the Fire Museum and at a local downtown fire station.

We went back to the place where Justin proposed to end the night. That was our first time back since he proposed and I was so excited. We ordered glasses of sauvignon blanc to mimic the glasses he proposed with. Justin was whispering jokes in my ear and we really were able to unwind at the restaurant. We even took pictures with bartender. We had a great time.

Wedding planning thus far…

The wedding planning was been great so far. We started early and we have been able to enjoy our engagement . We also have a great wedding planner, Andria Lewis of Andria Lewis Events. The planning process has been fun and exciting for us. I think we have picked a lot of great vendors that will make our special day fabulous! I do not have a major focus about the process. I am not like most brides being obsessed with the dress, cake, shoes or anything. I just want a beautiful ceremony in the presence of God and our family. And not to mention a gorgeous and banging reception.

This has really been one of the happiest times of my life. My advice to any newly engaged couple would be to start early and take time to enjoy the engagement and each other.

What you’re looking forward to on the wedding day?

I am most looking forward to walking down the aisle and Justin and I seeing each other for the first time. We both are excited about sharing our day with close family and friends.

Vendors

Photography: Bel Momento Photography