When Antonio met Ashlee at a student leadership conference in college, he made a bold proclamation.
At the end of their week-long conference, he told Ashlee that if she ever moved to Atlanta, he would marry her. 10 years later, he is doing just that.
After pulling off an amazing proposal on a float during the Atlanta, GA Juneteenth parade (you must read about it below), they jumped into wedding planning. Ashlee shares, “We’re getting married in Savannah, GA, my hometown, so we knew we wanted an engagement shoot that would be quintessential Savannah. Think Spanish moss and oak trees. The theme was Southern Elegance. We also wanted a casual shot in our HBCU gear because we both are proud HBCU alums and met at an HBCU conference.”
MunaCoterie members Destiny’s Creation Photography beautifully captured their love. See their gorgeous engagement photos and read more about their show-stopping proposal and wedding plans below.
- Couple: Ashlee Fogle and Antonio Lewis
- Occupations: Ashlee is an attorney and Antonio is Southern Regional Communications Coordinator for ASFCME, a labor union and is also the president and founder of Organize to Mobilize, Inc
- Wedding Date: May 1, 2021
- Wedding Location: Savannah, GA
- Engagement Shoot Location: Wormsloe Historic Site and River Street in Savannah, GA
How did you met?
It all began the summer of 2010 on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. We met at NASAP Student Leadership Institute, which is a student leadership conference for HBCU students. We were naturally drawn to one another because we were both Georgia natives and the presidents of our student government associations. At the end of this week-long conference, Antonio told Ashlee that if she ever moved to Atlanta, he would marry her. 10 years later and the rest is history.
Where did you go on your first date?
We went to Tom, Dick, and Hank which is now our favorite restaurant and also was the location of our engagement party.
How did he propose?
Antonio wanted to surprise Ashlee and wanted the proposal to include all of Ashlee’s favorite things – family, friends, tulips, and their first date location, Tom, Dick, and Hank. To pull this off, Antonio convinced Ashlee to attend Atlanta’s annual Juneteenth parade which was no easy feat because Ashlee hates parades. Antonio promised Ashlee lunch if she came to the parade.
As the parade began, and Ashlee stood in the correct space (very hard, trust me), people began to bring individual tulips to Ashlee. Ashlee was confused at first but appreciative because tulips are Ashlee’s favorite flower and Antonio hadn’t bought her any in months (She was RED HOT #AntonioVoice).
Unbeknownst to Ashlee, the people giving her flowers, were friends or family of Antonio that she had yet to meet. Antonio set up an order that would keep Ashlee from being alarmed but would also incorporate Ashlee’s favorite flowers and the importance of HBCU’s in their love story. Soon Ashlee began to recognize the people giving her the tulips and noticed the pattern of people wearing HBCU paraphernalia. With tears in her eyes, she finally saw Antonio, approaching on a parade float decorated with their respective HBCU gear holding endless amounts of flowers. Stopping the largest Juneteenth Parade in the world for 5 mins, Antonio popped the question and the crowd of hundreds erupted in cheers when Ashlee said Yes.
Antonio, Ashlee, family and friends then rode off on the float to the restaurant that Ashlee and Antonio had their first date, Tom, Dick and Hank. Similar to the parade float, the restaurant was decorated to celebrate the newly engaged couple.
The moment was priceless.
What was theme of your engagement shoot?
We’re getting married in Savannah, GA, Ashlee’s hometown, so we knew we wanted an engagement shoot that would be quintessential Savannah. Think Spanish moss and oak trees. The theme was Southern Elegance. We also wanted a casual shot in our HBCU gear because we both are proud HBCU alums and met at an HBCU conference.
What is your favorite thing to do as a couple?
Our favorite to do is try new restaurants in the city and find new hiking trails with waterfalls to discover.
How is wedding planning going?
Wedding planning has been somewhat crazy with the pandemic. Our original wedding date was December 12, 2020, but we decided to push it back as the numbers begin to rise in Georgia. Thankfully, we have a really good team with our bridal party and they have been so helpful with the entire process.
What are you looking forward to for your wedding?
Ashlee: I am looking forward to seeing Antonio’s expression when I walk down the aisle. Antonio: I’m looking forward to seeing Ashlee smile. Nothing makes me happier.
Vendors
- Photography: Destiny’s Creation Photography
- Stylist: Charisse Bruin of Charisse Styles
- Makeup Artist: Verando Marshall
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