September 6, 2020
Photos by Courtney Crenshaw Photography
How We Met: Demetrius and I (Destini) have known each other since elementary school, but he has always been one grade ahead. We didn’t actually start talking to each other until seventh grade when he asked his cousin for my phone number. On September 6, 2010 (our wedding date), he asked me to be his girlfriend. In ninth grade we went our separate ways but reunited my 11th grade year. In 2014 we gave it another shot and have been together since then.
The Proposal: The proposal, unbeknownst to Destini, started with a getaway to Houston. I had the ring shipped directly to my family in Houston, but unfortunately, it did not arrive until the morning that we departed back to Alabama. Plan A went down the drain, so I setup a photoshoot turned proposal back in Birmingham. On the day of the “photoshoot,” we arrived at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, and after making our way to the Japanese Garden, the photographer instructed Destini to turn her back to me for a dramatic photo pose. In the meantime, I had retrieved the ring and took my place on one knee. Then, my photographer directed her to turn back around, and that’s when the tears started falling. She said yes, and I told her that we would go home, change clothes, and go out and celebrate. Little did she know that I had invited our closest family and friends for a proposal party, and they were waiting inside our home to surprise her.
The Dress: I (Destini) purchased my dress from Bella’s Bridal. It was an ivory strapless A-line dress made by Essense of Australia with layers of lace in the skirt. The skirt had highlights of cotton lace all the way down, and we actually ordered the same lace to create the draped straps.
- Venue: Clubhouse on Highland
- Wedding Planners: Hannah Woodard & Akayvia Williams
- Cake: Nothing Bundt Cakes
- Wedding Dress: Bella’s Bridal
- Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal
- Hair & Makeup: Laniya Richardson
- Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Mr Burch Formal Wear
