Hello everyone! I hope you had a great weekend. I have a lovely E-session on the blog today featuring Ayanna & Anthony. They both went to Georgia Southern University. If you’ve followed my blog for a while\u00a0you’ve probably noticed I’ve shoot sooooo many GSU alums. Ayanna & Anthony actually know a few of\u00a0my past GSU clients. Shout out to the GSU alums out there! You guys are always so lively and fun. For this shoot\u00a0the couple wanted a blend of casual, city and architectural so we\u00a0chose a few venues\u00a0that matched the criteria.\u00a0\u00a0I met Ayanna and Anthony for the first time during the shoot and we hit it off instantly. They are both really cool people to hang with making the shoot effortless. When it comes to doing shoots you really don’t know what to expect and in this shoot there were no dull moments. Truly looking forward to their wedding later in the year. Check out some images from the shoot and their story below. Enjoy!<\/p>\n
How they met<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n After four years of attending Georgia Southern University and living in the same city, it was an unplanned meeting at La Parilla Mexican Restaurant that introduced Anthony to Ayanna. The proposal<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n After spending the entire week driving all over Georgia (Ayanna was on a business trip in D.C. and had no clue) to speak with Ayanna’s family in-person to ask for her hand. Anthony set his proposal plan in motion.
\nAfter a long day at work, Ayanna was invited by her co-worker to join a group of her friends for casual Mexican dinner and fun night out. Normally, Ayanna would have chosen to head home and curl up with a good book, but something in the back of her mind urged her to \u201clive a little.\u201d It also doesn\u2019t hurt that her favorite food is Mexican.
\nAyanna arrived at the restaurant and searched for her party but didn\u2019t see anyone she knew. She did however, recognize two familiar faces at the bar that she couldn\u2019t place. Unbeknownst to her, she was staring her future husband in the face. Anthony was sitting at the bar with his best friend when Ayanna walked in. When he saw her he thought to himself “She’s Gorgeous”. Eventually, their mutual friends arrived and the two were introduced for the first time.
\nFollowing their first encounter, Anthony and Ayanna bumped into each other at two separate events in less than a weeks\u2019 time. Anthony being a big believer in fate, made his move during their third encounter and asked Ayanna for a date and her phone number. Luckily, each of their previous encounters had given Ayanna a glimpse into Anthony\u2019s genuine and caring nature so she happily agreed.
\nAnthony hoping to show Ayanna a great time selected upscale Italian restaurant, Pricci for their first date. His restaurant choice was the perfect icebreaker because neither of them were huge fans of the fancy cuisine. That night conversation flowed and sparks flew! At the end of the night, Anthony asked Ayanna, \u201cWhen can I see you again?\u201d and he continued to ask at the end of every date until he finally asked her to be his wife.
\nIt was truly destined for their two paths to cross. And, they both agree that this match could only be the work of God and his angels.<\/p>\n
\nBecause he planned to propose in their new home, he enlisted the help of her best friend to keep her distracted all day while he prepared.
\nLater that afternoon, Anthony rescued Ayanna from a long day of shopping and the two went for a romantic dinner in Virginia Highlands. After a night of great food and reminiscing the two headed home.
\nUpon arrival, Ayanna noticed a pumpkin by the door and was so excited and completely distracted because she was ready to start carving. But, with a little urging Anthony finally convinced her to leave the pumpkin and head inside. Once inside Ayanna heard Beyonc\u00e9 1+1 blaring and walked upstairs to beautiful candles, rose petals and huge bouquets all over the room. Shocked Ayanna still had no clue what was happening until Anthony dropped to his knee and asked her to spend the rest of her life with him. She replied by screaming and crying yes over and over again.
\nAfterwards he sat her down to watch a compilation of congratulatory video messages from both of their families and close friends. It was the most special and happiest night of their lives thus far!<\/p>\n