Stevie-Mari and Adam met as wide-eyed, college freshman at a movie theater in Atlanta’s popular hangout, Atlantic Station. “Two of our friends were dating, so some of the guy’s friends and some of the girl’s friends ended up going to the movies together,” shares Stevie-Mari. While checking out the movie, which happened to be a horror flick, Stevie-Mari screamed, clenched her seat and covered her eyes in fear (she notes that she hates scary movies!) Adam sat beside her affectionately laughing. Needless to say, the pair shared a connection that ultimately led them to creating a friendship that blossomed into love.
The proposal took place on a Sunday during the 2015 SpelHouse Homecoming (Spelman & Morehouse). As Stevie-Mari, Adam and a few friends made their way to the parking garage, after attending church service at the King Chapel (located on the Morehouse Campus) they were greeted by a young women who handed Stevie-Mari a dozen roses and chocolates. Adam then told an elated Stevie-Mari that the gifts were merely a small thank you for everything she had done for him over the years. Little did she know, an even bigger surprise was headed her way!
As they continued their walk, Adam escorted Stevie-Mari to the back of the parking garage. There, they ended up at the front gate of Spelman. Although she was puzzled as to why they took this route, she didn’t ask any questions, she simply followed his lead. And the actions and words that were to follow, swept Stevie-Mari completely off her feet.
When they reached the front gate, Adam turned to her, dropped on one knee and immediately asked Stevie-Mari to marry him. Within seconds, there were pops and screams surrounding them, Stevie-Mari looked up to see all of their friends in the parking garage. And that wasn’t it! To add to her great surprise, out from a sign, came Adam’s parents and a “bus load” of Stevie-Mari’s family – all of whom had been invited by Adam to attend the proposal!
Next commenced Stevie-Mari’s tears of joy; seeing all her loved ones present to witness the beautiful, life-changing moment. With all the excitement going on, Adam’s mother had to remind them about the ring! Stevie-Mari, who had walked away from Adam to greet everyone, walked back to him to answer him with a definite “YES!” as Adam slipped on the beautiful engagement ring.
Take a look at this lovely couple’s Lovely Lilac and Pink Garden Wedding in Maryland, beautifully executed by wedding planner and coterie member, Shawn Gray of TreBella Events and photographed by fellow member, Judah Avenue Photography.
The Couple: Stevie-Mari & Adam Starks
Occupations: Stevie-Mari: Computer Scientist for Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) | Adam: Flight Commander for Signals Intelligence Flight with the 497 Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group in the Distributed Common Ground Station Weapons System.
Wedding date: June 4, 2016
Wedding location: Hollywood, MD
Describe your wedding dress. What was wedding shopping like for you?
My dress was perfect. It was like it was designed just for me. My dad happened to pick it off one of the mannequins that was in the store. As soon as I put it on, I knew it was one, and everyone else agreed! My dress was a strapless,mermaid style dress with the perfect mixture of lace and sequin throughout the entire dress. My favorite part of the dress was the train, which was the perfect length for me. It wasn’t too long or too short.
I loved wedding shopping. Everything I bought allowed me to slowly see my dream wedding come together and it did! I will say that wedding shopping went very smoothly and the majority of the is because of my mother and our awesome wedding planner.
Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding?
Yes, we incorporated some culture into our wedding. Since Adam went to Morehouse, he and his Morehouse brother encircled me and sang the Morehouse hymn. Adam is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Incorporated, so he, his line brothers and his father’s line brothers Sang the Alpha Hymn. Finally, since I went to Spelman, she and her Spelman sister encircled Adam and sang the Spelman hymn.
6 Fun Wedding Facts
For your entertainment: There was a photobooth, candybar, and outside games for entertainment for the guests.
Jenga: The guest books included personalized Jenga blocks and picture frames.
Superhero Takeover: Adam and Stevie-Mari both love superheroes, so the cake was a mixture of elegance and fun.
The Guest List: There was almost 500 people at the wedding.
The Wedding Party: The wedding party consisted of 28 people.
Sunny Skies: It was supposed to rain all weekend, but there wasn’t a cloud in sight the whole day.
Quick Facts
Bridesmaids/Groomsmen gifts: Bridesmaids: Personalized lilac satin robes and jewelry to wear during the wedding | Groomsmen: Personalized flasks and a specific super hero T-shirt for the pictures.
Favorite item on the menu: Stuffed Salmon with crabcake
First dance song: “All of Me” by John Legend
What is your best memory from your wedding?
Our favorite memory is when we finally got to the photobooth and got to have fun taking pictures with our entire wedding party!
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples?
Stevie-Mari: Go to some type of marriage prep classes before you get married. It allowed us to answer the “hard” questions before we got married, so that we knew where each other stood on certain topics. After the marriage prep classes, we felt ready to conquer whatever obstacles were to come our way in our marriage.
Adam: Understand that the wedding is a starting point for the most incredible journey, which is marriage. Since it is the beginning, you want to get off on the right foot and be surrounded by people you love. It should be an event that isn’t for the gifts or for press, but is for making memories with the person you love most in the world; you both should be surrounded by the people who love you just as much.
Vendors
Wedding Planning/Event Designer: TreBella Events
Photography: Judah Avenue Photography
Wedding Dress Salon: Curvaceous Couture
Wedding Dress Designer: Maggie Sottero
Hair & Make Up: J. Bene Salon & Spa
Wedding Cake: Michelle’s Cakes
Caterer: Scrumptious Entrees
Photo Booth: Just Smile Booth
Ceremony Venue: St. Peter Claver Catholic Church
Venue: Rosedale Manor
Videographer: Paul Kwak Productions
Florist: David’s Flowers
Rentals: Top Hat Party Rental
Transportation: Diamond Limo
Stationery: RSVP with Fawne
Beautiful couple! Congratulations!