- How they met:
- What did you do on the first date?
- Proposal Story:
- When did you know you found “the one”?
- What’s your favorite thing to do as a couple?
- How has wedding planning been so far?
- What are you most looking forward to on your wedding day?
- Looking for more lavish engagement sessions and weddings from Issue 33?
- Vendors:
Jasmine and Kj’s lavish engagement session in Charleston, South Carolina, was a special tribute to their romance— which was love at first date! (Featured in Issue 33).
Working with Muna Coterie photographer SmithaLee, the couple wanted their engagement session to represent their love story and reveal the theme of their upcoming wedding.
“We are both Charlestonians,” Jasmine shared, “so we made sure to use our beloved city as our setting. The photos are carefully curated to tell the story of how we met in passing, fell in love on the first date, and will forever be bonded in Holy Matrimony.”
During the session, the couple changed into several glamorous outfits. The goal, Jasmine explained, was to “not only show off our style but also reveal our wedding theme, ‘The Givens Gala.'”
Just like their engagement shoot, their wedding, set for May 24, 2025, will feature floor-length gowns and suits of various shades complimented with lavish jewelry.
Keep scrolling for more on Jasmine and Kj’s love story and take a sneak peek at their engagement session below!
*Pre-order a copy of Issue 33 on our Muna Shop!
- Couple: Jasmine McCants & Kinard “Kj” Givens Jr.
- Occupations: Jasmine is a Software Engineer & Kj is an Athletic Personal Trainer
- Wedding Date: May 24, 2025
- Wedding Location: Trinity Hall, Charleston, SC
- Location of Engagement shoot: Charleston, SC
How they met:
After years of knowing each other, crossing paths, being in the same circles, and occasionally hanging out in group settings, one of Jasmine’s best friends (who was my roommate at the time) introduced us to each other. At first, she wasn’t feeling me, I came on too strong, I had dreads (she was not a fan), and she looked right through me. Looking back on it I’m actually glad she paid me no mind, because had she gotten together with that version of me we wouldn’t have made it far.
Years later (after a haircut) we reconnected on social media (she swiped up on me after I cut my hair, GOTCHA) I played the long game and waited for her to fall into my trap and now she’s stuck!
What did you do on the first date?
After reconnecting on social media and exchanging numbers, a month later, we decided that it was time to go on our first date. Jasmine was so nervous. This was her first time entering the dating world as an adult, and she was terrified! As we talked on the phone while we got ready to meet for dinner, my calming demeanor soothed her nerves. When we arrived at the restaurant, the jitters were still there, but as soon as we were seated at the table the conversation flowed just like it had previously on our phone calls throughout the month. We were having such a good time that we decided to keep the night going and went to an arcade. We spent the rest of the night talking and challenging each other while playing games. It was perfect.
Proposal Story:
Our birthdays are 4 days apart and since we’ve been together, we’ve celebrated our birthdays together. I (Kj) needed an excuse to get all of our closest friends and family in one place without suspicion, so I waited until our birthday dinner. She originally only invited friends, and I secretly invited our families. I reached out to the restaurant owner to secure the entire building for the proposal and had her mother, my sister, and my mother help decorate. As she walked in, I lined the walkway with her friends and family, who each gave her a rose as she passed them. At the end of the walkway, there I stood waiting to drop to my knee and recite the words…
When did you know you found “the one”?
Kj: I knew she was the one on our first date. After spending the entire night together, neither of us wanted to go home. When he finally got home he couldn’t wait to plan their second date, which was the next day, and then our third was the day after that. When he realized he could spend this much time with her and still be himself without feeling exhausted he knew she was the one.
Jasmine: I also knew he was the one on our first date. The date not only confirmed Kjs character but also confirmed my feelings for him. The feeling was so new and reassuring that I was confident from that day forward that he was the one.
What’s your favorite thing to do as a couple?
Whether it’s a fancy dinner for date night or an exclusive event, we absolutely love getting dressed up and having a good time with each other.
How has wedding planning been so far?
Wedding planning for us has been an incredible journey so far. We’ve been blessed to have resources and family that have stepped in and helped where they can. This has really smoothed the process for us and made it fun for us to plan our wedding together. We’re both very creative individuals, so coming up with different ideas and ways to incorporate them has been something we enjoy.
What are you most looking forward to on your wedding day?
We are both looking forward to seeing our dreams turn into reality. Both of us have dreamed of being married one day with a lavish ceremony surrounded by all of our family and friends. On this day we will look forward to seeing how God shows up and blesses our union.
Looking for more lavish engagement sessions and weddings from Issue 33?
Click here.
Vendors:
- Photographer: Smithalee
- Black, Blue, and White Dress: Fashion Nova
- Pink Dress: Babyboo
- MUA: ShakeriaJae Artistry
- Jazz Shoes: Gianni Bini
- Black Suite: Express
- Grey Suit: H&M
- White and Grey Suits: SHEIN
- Kj Shoes: Aldo
