Marvalee + Kwesi: Engagement Session in {Antigua}

Marvalee Bascus and Kwesi Leslie met on a ski trip to Vermont as part of a group. While snowboarding with the rest of their group, Marvalee enjoyed watching Kwesi, the “All-Jamaican Muscle Man”, take a few tumbles down the slopes. However, it wasn’t until they struck up some conversation at the house their group was staying in, that they really connected. Their conversation went on for several hours, and they were hooked!

Their engagement session in Antigua was photographed by ArtPhotoSoul Photography. There’s always something beautiful about the juxtaposition of a couple in love, and a rugged environment. :)

Knowing Kwesi Was the One ….. “[On the ski trip,] we all went out to the Pickle Barrel – the town’s hang out spot. Everyone danced and, eventually, Kwesi and I partnered up and had sooo much fun “getting down” to the random songs. I’m not sure how much time passed but we looked up and noticed that the whole dance floor had cleared, save for us! I am usually a fairly self-conscious dancer, but it was effortless to keep going, especially since we were having such a great time. As we left, snow was falling all around. He and I started walking hand-in-hand, and I turned to him and matter-of-factly said, “This would make a cute engagement picture.” Don’t ask what triggered me to utter those words less than 48 hours after meeting him, but I know this for sure: he is my Godsend.

We went on our first (or second) date the very next weekend and have spoken to each other every single day since….ineffable love. I thank God for him!”

How He Proposed ….. “A week prior to our trip to Barcelona and Lisbon, I picked up Marvalee’s engagement ring. My plan was to propose to her abroad, in Barcelona. I even went as far as planning out the details on where I would propose and who would secretly take pictures of the event. On the day I picked up the ring from the jeweler, I knew it represented and embodied my heartfelt sentiments and I was elated with the mere contemplation of the proposal and what it meant. Subsequent to this thought, a fleeting question,”What am I waiting for to propose?” entered my mind. 

At any rate, Marvalee and I made plans to have dinner that night. Dinner was fun but, throughout the night, I took every opportunity available to go to the bathroom to check the ring to make sure it was still intact. After dinner, we caught a taxi home, and I looked at Marvalee and thought to myself, “I love this woman! There is no reason why I should wait to ask for her hand in marriage.” 

Once we made it home, I was ready to propose. It was about 12:30 in the morning. We made our way to move the car in observation of New York City’s alternate side parking rules. We happen to do a lot of things together (something many of our friends make fun of), including moving the car. Unbeknownst to Marvalee, this would be the night I asked her for her hand in marriage. The night was cool and illuminated by the moon as we slowly walked to the car. Really, I was pacing myself for the big moment. As usual I opened her car door, but in a prolonged fashion, looked into her eyes and said “If you think you’re happy now, just wait and you’ll really be happy”. Marvalee confused by the statement, tilted her head in a perplexed manner. Within an instant I got down on one knee, told her how I felt, reached in my pocket for the ring, and gently placed it on her finger. She said, “Yes!” amidst the tears of joy. 

After the proposal, we called our parents to share the great news. The proposal was sweet and simple, and we went on our trip to Europe as an engaged couple.”

The Theme ….. “Our e-session was inspired by the location of our wedding, which is actually where Marvalee was born – Antigua. The theme was fitting to our personalities: free-spirited, fun-loving, God-fearing, beach/culture/travel-loving couple. Kwesi and I both have Caribbean history and were born on Caribbean islands. This was a big way for us to celebrate and reconnect with our culture. “

{You Make Loving You So Easy}