Engagements are naturally a beautiful moment, but they are even more so special when the couple is as gorgeous as Shekha and Daniel. Their passion for education and serving their communities shines through in their love for each other. This Southern Maryland based couple is a shining example of true love and we are so excited to feature their engagement on their site. Take a moment and read about this couple’s southern love story.
Bride Name: Shekha N. Arrington
Groom Name: Daniel C. Bradley
Engagement Location: BWI Airport, in baggage claim
Engagement Date: June 8, 2014
Alma Mater of Bride: Howard University
Alma Mater of Groom: Lancaster Bible College
Current City where you live: PG County, Maryland
Hometown: Washington, DC
How did you meet? Through our mutual friend, Nia Barge
How long have you dated? 4 years before being engaged, now 5 years
How did he propose? After a weekend trip with my friends, I was walking down the ramp to go claim my bags, and Daniel was standing at the bottom of the ramp, with all of our closest friends and family surrounding him. I was stunned. He had me serenaded with “1+1” (I’m an avid Beyonce fan) and when he got down on bended knee, I lost it! The “ugly cry” is an understatement lol. Daniel recited an original poem and then popped the big question in front of my family, friends, the TSA agents, strangers walking by in baggage claim and everyone else who wanted to see ☺ He got me GOOD! Immediately following the proposal he had two of our spiritual advisors there to pray for us and bless our engagement. Right there in baggage claim, at BWI airport, we were praising and thanking God for bringing us to the next level in our lives. It was a once in a lifetime experience that had me on cloud 9 for weeks after!
When did you know he was the one? We took a class titled “So You Think You Want to Get Married” during our third year of dating, where the instructors taught us to truly understand how God speaks to you, and what He’s saying about your potential mate. At the end of the class, I knew Daniel was the man God created just for me. I know that God has great things in store for us, and I know that our union will bring Him glory.What is the cutest thing he has done for you without you asking? Daniel took me to Disney World for the first time ever ☺ At 24, I had never been to Disney World and I mentioned it in passing when a commercial came on one day. The next week, Daniel invited me to Disney World for his family vacation that year. We had only been dating 3 months and he wanted me to meet his entire family AND he was going to take me to Disney World for the first time in my life! I was geeked! We headed straight for Magic Kingdom and I pretended to be 7 again—with my new Boyfriend *wink* ☺
What is something you love about him that has completely changed your life? The love, passion and commitment Daniel has for me and for family is an amazing thing to witness. The passion and love Daniel has for me has completely changed my life—it has given me a new level of significance in the world and a new level of confidence. He is a very passionate person in every area of life, everyone who knows him can tell that. Imagine all of that passion, love and dedication multiplied by a million, that’s what his family and I get ☺ He is a family man to his core and he loves us all so hard. I am learning a lot from watching how he interacts with me, with his mother, his family and now my family. I love how Daniel has transitioned seamlessly into my family and taken on roles that a traditional boyfriend or fiancé would not take on. I am grateful to be on the receiving end of all of this lovin’ ☺
What part of wedding planning is making you crazy? The entire process has really thrown me for a loop lol. I am not the stereotypical woman who has been planning her wedding in her mind for years. I honestly didn’t know where to begin or what I imagined for my big day. I’m an indecisive person who doesn’t know what she wants, but DEFINITELY knows what she doesn’t want. Lol. Being the Bride means everyone is looking to me with BIG BRIGHT EYES for a decision—it’s freaking me out a little. I want everyone else to make all of the decisions, but don’t choose anything I don’t like! I am super excited to get married and to have a wedding, but that feeling didn’t come initially; I was not prepared for ALL OF THE DECISIONS related to wedding planning. There are at least one million that have to be made–literally. Thank God for my angels (bridesmaids) and for my awesome planner!
What part of wedding planning can you not live without? I LOVE the extra time I get to spend with my fiancé and with my girls! They are indulging all of my random outbursts about the wedding and all of my random reasons to meet up and hang out for wedding planning. The random Bridal shows, the cake tastings, shopping for dresses and bothering Daniel all day with wedding song ideas are all making me so happy ☺ I must admit, the attention feels good at times. I love my team so much, and the extra time with them makes this process worth every second. This is truly a once in a lifetime moment for us and I am trying to soak it all in as we get closer and closer to our big day. It’s so important for me not to get caught up in the stress and to enjoy the ride–that’s my focus from now until November ☺
What was your first thought the day after your engagement? Unbelief—Is this real? & Just. So. Grateful. (thank you God for fulfilling your promise to me)
Who did the photography? Rhea Whitney Photography www.rheawhitney.com on IG ,Twitter and Facebook as @RheaWhitney
Who is your wedding planner? www.jayneheir.com Jamesa Adams, Lead Heiress
We know that Shekha and Daniel will have not only a beautiful wedding (we can’t wait to feature it!) but even a more beautiful marriage and life together. This couple exudes that love and caring that the South is all about. We wish them the best of luck as they plan for their fall wedding and wish them the best of luck throughout their journey to marriage!
XOXO
Michiel
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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 :)
