This black excellence-inspired engagement session at The Great Falls National Park in Virginia puts high school sweethearts centerstage with 3 outfit changes, sexy blue-dyed natural hair for the bride-to-be, and gorgeous backdrops.
High school sweethearts, Jennifer & Christopher, first met on a mismatched group date. Realizing they were actually they better match, they went on their first official date in the summer of 2001. Jennifer recalls: “I was on cloud 9. When he dropped me off, I spent the rest of the night blushing to my mom and dad about how amazing this guy was and about all the fun we had.”
Over twenty years later, Christopher is still making her blush! The beautiful couple is set to exchange vows on August 4th, 2023. They can’t wait to finally say “I Do!” and celebrate their love with family and friends.
More sweet details from their sexy black excellence-inspired shoot below!
- Couple: Jennifer Brown & Christopher Carter
- Occupations: Educator & Supervisor at an IP Law Firm
Quick Facts:
- Date of shoot: August 2, 2022
- Location of shoot: Great Falls National Park, VA
- Wedding date: August 4, 2023
- Wedding location: Celebrations at the Bay
How they met…
We met through a “mutual friend” in high school. What initially started as a (mismatched) group date, blossomed into a whirlwind of romance and friendship.
Their first date…
Our first official date was in the summer of 2001. He picked me up for my birthday and we drove out to the Baltimore Harbor. I wore my favorite pair of white pants and a purple top. I remember thinking how romantic he was. It was my first “real” date. We had dinner at Phillips and spent the evening laughing and talking while walking around the Harbor. He was such a gentleman, opening doors and pulling out my chair. I was on cloud 9. When he dropped me off, I spent the rest of the night blushing to my mom and dad about how amazing this guy was and about all the fun we had.
The proposal…
We got engaged on my birthday, July 12, 2020. We had plans to go to dinner. Instead, Christopher completely surprised me with a romantic candlelit dinner for two in our backyard. It was perfect, complete with a private chef, music and a menu that consisted of shrimp cocktail and grilled lobster. Just as the rain began to fall, and we were ready to pack up and move inside, he dropped to one knee and asked me to be his wife.
When they knew they found “the one”…
Jennifer: Over the last 20 years, we have experienced it all. Our growth individually and collectively, as well as our commitment to each other and our family, has lead us to this moment. In this time, I have come to be able to fully understand who he is….deeply. I know what makes him tick, what makes him happy, what makes him sad, and what makes him feel loved and liked. I know his flaws and how to navigate them. …And with knowing all of this, I will choose to say yes to him, every single day. I know he is the one because life only makes sense with us together. He is the epitome of all a man; a husband should be….a protector, provider, lover, confidant.
Christopher: I knew she was the one when I no longer desired the company of other women. We’ve literally grown up with each other; from teenagers to the adults we’ve become today. It’s been a journey to say the least, but through it all our bond has remained solid. To have someone that sticks by your side no matter what is a blessing, and I’ve been blessed..The absolute moment when I knew she was the one for me was during prayer. God spoke to me and told me that she was my responsibility, that he was entrusting me to care for, provide, love and protect her. I understood the assignment, so that’s what I intend to do….forever!
Engagement session & theme…
Our engagement session was everything!!! We were going for “sexy, black excellence”…with a side of edge. We love everything about the water. It is our favorite place to be together so, I knew we needed to have that in our background. I have also found myself to be inspired by the recent trend of photo shoots where couples are formally dressed against a rugged background (like the dessert, a brick wall, alley, etc.). After a phone brainstorming call with our photographer, Nafa, we determined that Great Falls Park might be the perfect location. Not having been before, we were all so pleasantly surprised with just how perfect this location was.
Favorite thing to do as a couple…
We absolutely love to have a great time together. A perfect date might include anything from relaxing at the beach, dinner at a new restaurant, or a mini concert in the house (or car) blasting go-go, southern rap, or 90s r&b.
Wedding planning so far…
Wedding planning has gone well so far. We are just now beginning to feel a sense of urgency with only 11 months to go. I am handling pretty much all of the design and decor, with the help of my sister. It has been exciting brainstorming ideas but now it’s time to step on the gas.
What they’re looking forward to most…
We are most looking forward to saying “I DO!!!!”. It has been years in the making. We anticipate a reception that is pretty litty as well!!
Looking for more engagements inspired by black excellence?
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Vendors:
- Photographer: Judah Avenue Photography
- Make-up Artist: Melanie Jones of Luxury Level Beauty
- Hair Colorist: Lakisha Turner of Lakisha Turner The Brand LLC
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