A hometown love story always makes our hearts melt. Brittney and Raynard’s are no exception. This adorable, HBCU couple’s engagement was one that we had to share. They are a true Black Southern Belle/Beaux relationship and we are honored to share their story. Read more about this Montgomery couple’s romance today!
Bride Name: Brittney Jones
Groom Name: Raynard Dabney
Engagement Location: Montgomery, Al
Engagement Date: September 24, 2015
Alma Mater of Bride: Alabama A&M University
Alma Mater of Groom: Miles College
Current City where you live: Montgomery, Al
Bride Hometown: Montgomery, Al
Groom Hometown: Montgomery, Al
Bride Sorority: Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority Inc.
Groom Fraternity: Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity Inc.
How did you meet?
Raynard and Brittney meet in during their last semester of high school in an Environmental Science class. They were truly just friends, Raynard was dating someone else, and Brittney insisted that Raynard help her reconnect with a guy that she previously dated. However, Brittney believes all the messages that were given to Raynard, never quite made it to the guy, LoL. That summer is where their friendship really took off to the next level, they began to go out on a few dates and see each other in different hangout spots with mutual friends. That summer was just the beginning for the two and they promised to stay in touch while departing their separate ways for college, they wanted to make their friendship work and work towards a relationship.
How long have you dated?
It’s really hard to say, because we dated for two years before we broke up, and once we reconnected we dated for another two years before he proposed. So consistently, I’d say four years. But we’ve known each other for almost nine years.
How did he propose?
Raynard proposed to me the weekend of my birthday, on August 22, and I almost didn’t get proposed to because I didn’t want to come home and celebrate my birthday there. At the time I just started a new job in Birmingham and I purposely worked that Saturday, from 9:30-4, because I wanted to go out of town and Raynard kept asking and insisting that I come home to Montgomery. I kept telling him, I didn’t know what I wanted to do yet, hoping he’d say well he had a trip planned for us (which he never did). That Saturday afternoon he called me and asked was I off yet and I told him yes and I was getting on the road to come home. He said great and mentioned he spoke with one of my friends and she told him she wanted to take me out for birthday drinks. I agreed to go because I was still upset that he didn’t plan anything for my birthday. My friend came to parents house and I took my time to getting ready because I was tired and I wanted to look pretty. We made our way downtown to the Riverfront in Montgomery and my friend said she need to go the bathroom closer to the Splashpad because that restroom was cleaner. I agreed, but as we walked closer to the area, friends and family members started singing “Happy Birthday”. I was shocked and immediately blindfolded by my line sister. She said my ‘Birthday Cake’ was simply gorgeous and it needed to be a surprise. When I was allowed to open my eyes Raynard was standing in front of me, sweating bullets LOL. I immediately began to cry, because all that week I wasn’t so nice to him and he was planning the perfect proposal for me. He spoke for a few minutes and dropped to one knee and I said “YES”!!!!
When did you know he was the one?
I always knew Raynard was the one, I constantly told him, “One day we’re going to get married”. And he would say, “Brittney, you don’t know that,” but I would responsd, “Yes I do.” I realized he was the one after we dated the second time around and he began to be more patient with me and allowed me to not only trust him again, but open my heart back up to him.
What is the cutest thing he has done for you without you asking?
There are so many cute things he’s done for me, it’s hard to pick one. Right before we got engaged I had job interview and when I got to his apartment he had cupcakes, a card and flowers for me, to celebrate!!! I didn’t know if I would really get the job but we celebrated as if I did, and a week later I found out that I did get the job.
What is something you love about him that has completely changed your life?
I love his calm demeanor. I can be a little firecracker at times, but after talking with him about anything, he knows how to say the right words to calm me down. His patience has taught me to take my time with things, and trust that everything will work out in the end.
What part of wedding planning is making you crazy?
The guest list! I have a very small family, probably 50 family members combined on both sides, however, Raynard’s parents have eight siblings each. We both have tons of high school and college friends and, did I mention, I was the former Miss Alabama A&M University? I have a a very large honorary extended family! So trying to fit under 300 people on the list will be a challenge within itself.
What part of wedding planning can you not live without?
I cannot live without the CAKE! I really love sweets, so that was one of the first tasks I completed. And I did that first because now I’m on a diet..LoL.
What was your first thought the day after your engagement?
“I’m the future Mrs. Dabney.” I couldn’t believe it had really happened. I woke up smiling and I just gazed at my ring a few minutes.
What did you love about taking engagement pictures?
I loved spending time with Raynard while taking the pictures. The week before we took the pictures, we had very busy work schedules and it was one of the first Sundays I had off from work, since the proposal. I enjoyed his company, the laughter and jokes, and just being us. Since our wedding is a black tie event, we really wanted to look nice, and try something different from other pictures of couples we’d seen. And since we are both from the South, it’s all about Southern Glam!
Who did you tell first about your engagement?
I can’t remember, several of my friends were already there, so it didn’t take long for everyone on social media to find out, and people were sending congratulatory texts, making posts, and calling me.
Are you used to the ring yet?
Just a little, I get nervous when I hit my hand on something on accident. When I’m doing simple tasks, like washing the dishes, I always take it off, afraid I might lose it in the water.
How many times do you accidentally say girlfriend instead of fiance in a day?
Never, now. I was saying, “that’s my fiancée” the night he proposed and I am still extremely excited to say it now more than ever!
Who did the photography?
Eva Hernandez @bokehamorephotograpy
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Michiel is a Black Southern Belle living a lowcountry life. I love all things fashion, home decor and southern! When I am not running around doing fun stuff for Black Southern Belle, I live in antique stores and have a minor obsession with historic homes :)
