Danielle knows the power of prayer and positive thinking. She shares, “From adolescence, I developed the practice of praying and asking God specifically for what I want and need.” So, when she was emotional and spiritually ready to seriously think about a romantic relationship, she wrote down all of the things she wanted in a husband. At the top of her list was a man who loves God.
Brandon was also a praying man. When he met Denielle at their church in 2002, they hit it off, and became great friends. Now let’s talk about the virtue of patience, because Denielle and Brandon were friends for 16 years. But, God knew what he was doing, and Brandon realized one day that Denielle was the woman of his prayers. Denielle was pleasantly surprised when Brandon confessed his love, but she confident he was the man she prayed for.
Brandon is usually an introvert, so Denielle was shocked when he proposed to her at her 30th Birthday celebration in front of almost 90 friends and family members!
For their engagement session, they wanted to highlight their talents and loves. Denielle shares, “I’m a singer and actress, and Brandon is a huge movie and music buff. We wanted our engagement shoot to reflect our passions and hobbies, so we decided to go with an ‘Old Hollywood’ theme. Sequoyah took our vision, married it with her creativity, and delivered an experience and photos we’ll treasure forever.” We think they nailed it. See the glamourous photos taken by MunaLuchi Coterie member Sequoyah Daniel Photography and read more of their heartwarming love story below.
- Names: Denielle & Brandon
- Wedding Date: April 3, 2021
Tell us how you met.
Brandon and I met in 2002 at our church ‘s Christian Cultural Center. We were introduced by a mutual friend and hit it off immediately, which led to the start of a great friendship. In 2017, Brandon and I reconnected. After having not spoken in over a year or so, it was as though we never stopped. We genuinely enjoyed hanging out, sharing in each other’s company, and reminiscing about memories shared over the past 16 years. Let me just say, neither one of us was looking for anything romantic. On several occasions, we both jokingly confessed that we were content being single and pursuing our careers. So in April of 2018, when he took me to dinner and professed his feelings, I was in complete shock, but also completely at peace, and I knew this was it!
How did he propose?
Our proposal also came as a shock to me. Not because we hadn’t been discussing marriage. But because my introverted, non-social butterfly boyfriend, at the time, asked me to be his wife at my 30th Birthday celebration in front of about 90 friends and family who gathered to celebrate with me! Quite naturally I was a hysterical mess and through sobs, bellowed out a resounding YES!
What did you do on your first date?
On our first date we went to this delicious Italian restaurant in Williamsburg, Brooklyn called Scriptum. We were seated outside, adjacent to the water and the weather was beautiful. Afterward, we walked to one of our, now, favorite ice cream parlors Odd Fellows, sat outside and talked.
Favorite thing(s) to do as a couple?
We love cooking together and traveling together. I’m always looking for a new recipe that I think he’d not only enjoy eating but preparing as well. And we hop on a flight any chance we get!
Describe your engagement session.
Our engagement shoot was beyond what we expected. Sequoyah took our vision, married it with her creativity and delivered an experience and photos we’ll treasure forever.
I’m a singer and actress, and Brandon is a huge movie and music buff. We wanted our engagement shoot to reflect our passions and hobbies so we decided to go with an “Old Hollywood” theme. We chose to shoot at a rehearsal studio in the heart of Times Square equipped with a rustic baby grand piano, that, accompanied with our vintage microphone and Brandon’s collector’s edition Life magazine featuring The Rat Pack, made for the perfect scene. And, of course, we took advantage of our proximity to the Broadway marquees and the infamous Red Steps which completed the shoot!
How did you know they were “the one”?
From adolescence, I developed the practice of praying and asking God specifically for what I want and need. I recall writing down all the things I wanted in a husband, being specific as possible without being superficial. At the top of my list was a man who loves God and would seek Him to get to me. When Brandon confessed to me that he’d been praying specifically about me and for me, I knew he was who God intended for me. He is literally the man of my prayers.
How has wedding planning been so far?
Wedding planning has been great so far. We’ve locked in our destination wedding resort and venues and it’s gorgeous! We’ve been blessed with an amazing Wedding Coordinator who’s helped navigate all the logistics so far which is a huge help. To top it off, we have an incredible Wedding Squad and family who have been so supportive.
What are you looking forward to most on the wedding day?
I ‘m looking forward to meeting My Love at the end of the aisle, declaring our love for one another in front of families and friends in paradise, and knowing that the end of the aisle is the beginning of our new journey!
Vendors
- Photography: IG- @SequoyahDaniel
- Studio: IG- @Openjarstudios
This is a lovely captivating piece. The pictures were absolutely stunning bI’m looking forward to witnessing my cousin and her future hubby confess their love and exchange vows before God, family and friends. I’m so excited and happy for Denielle and Brandon to have found the perfect love. May God continue to bless and enrich this Union 💕