Quick Facts
Favorite item on the wedding menu: Everything! Lol but if I had to pick, probably the spinach and artichoke stuffed chicken

First dance song: Kenny Lattimore – For You

Venue: Grand Marquise Ballroom

Wedding Featured in The Coordinated Bride

Please share your engagement story and how you met? 

We met back in 2011 in college. I was a freshman, and he was a sophomore. It was my second or third day at college. Kenya (MOH) and I were leaving Target and KeyShaun was with a group of friends who were yelling across the parking lot at us. I drove and I remember telling Kenya to keep walking but she decided to stop and talk…so I had to wait for her.  KeyShaun and I didn’t say anything at that moment but we talked later that night. We didn’t start dating until two years later though.

We got engaged at Duke Gardens on July 9th, 2016. I HAVE NEVER EVER BEEN MORE OBLIVIOUS IN MY LIFE. KeyShaun was coming down to visit from MD. I think I called him twice on his way down and he didn’t talk to me long, which was weird. It made sense later when I found out his mom was in the car. lol When he finally got to my house we went to the mall before we went to Duke Gardens. KeyShaun insisted on driving although he never drives when he comes to visit, but I didn’t think anything of it. When he got to the gardens he kept talking about how he needed to find the red bridge. He had a map and everything. I didn’t really understand why he wanted to see this red bridge so badly but I just went with it. For a second, I thought that he might be proposing. I tried to peek at his pocket, but his shirt covered the ring box pretty well. We get to the red bridge and he’s talking…i’m still oblivious. Next thing I know, he’s on his knee. I was so shocked! There is a lot I don’t remember but I do remember saying yes. After I asked if he asked my dad and if Kenya knew. The answer to both were yes. I turn around and my parents, godparents, brother, KeyShaun’s mom, and three of my bridesmaids come running from behind trees. I think only then did I react. I told KeyShaun a long time ago that I didn’t want anybody there and that if they were, to hide them. Mission accomplished.

Describe your wedding dress style?

Mermaid style

Bouquets by Fresh Affairs 

Where was your first date? What did you do?

On our first date we went roller skating.

 Tell us about his groomsmen?

My groomsmen are my brothers, who are goofy and love to have a good time.

How / why did you choose your ceremony venue?

Well, that was pretty easy. It was the first venue I looked at and the ballroom room pretty much sold itself. I also liked that it was a space that could be used for both the reception and the ballroom.

Gorgeous wedding cake by Ambrosia Cake Creations.

And your beautiful cake?

Our wedding cake was a four tiered red velvet and vanilla with strawberry and cream cheese. It was really neat, too, because Elana and Jennifer were able to tie the music theme into the cake by having music notes decorated on the cake.

Was there any particular theme or style for your wedding?

We are both big music fans and its probably the biggest thing we have in common. Each reception table was named after a song, we had music notes on our wedding cake, our programs looked like a vinyl record. It was really cool to see how Elana incorporated music into so many aspects of the wedding decor.

Fresh Affairs does it again!

Amazing candy bar by Something BARowed Candy Bar Stations.

Tell us about your bridesmaids?

Kenya (MOH) we played basketball against each other in high school, but we never talked until we got to college. Our freshman year our dorms were next door to each other and that’s where our friendship started. We eventually became roommates when we moved off campus and inseparable since.

Wylonda (Wiggie) I’ve known her the longest. We met back in 8th grade playing parks and recreation basketball and then later AAU. We never went to school together but basketball brought us together and thankfully, we’ve stayed very close long after those days were over.

Patriza and Angela Bosco were my roommates sophomore year. We ran track together

Hanna Lucia, I met through Patrizia and Angela. The four of plus Kenya spent a lot of time together in college. We were always over each others houses, having Sunday dinners, and taking trips to DC or Richmond.

Abigail (Abbie) Flower we also ran track together.  We didn’t really start talk until after our first two years on the team but track would not have been track without her. We’ve had a lot of great times together on and off the track.

Some of my best days and memories are shared with these girls, and i’m thankful each of them said yes to standing next to me.

 What was your favorite part of your wedding day?

KeyShaun- bridal party intros

Olivia – bridal party intros and the toasts.

DJ Randal of 360 Elite Entertainment kept the party going!

What’s your favorite image from your wedding day, and why?

Thats tough! I love candids so probably all of those.

Tell us about your wedding photography experience with Donnell Perry Photography?

It was great! From the first time we met, to engagement session to the wedding day. Donnell went above and beyond. Our pictures turned out beautifully. I think it’s important that you feel comfortable with your photographer and Donnell definitely made sure we felt that way. I would highly recommend, and I will definitely be using Donnell again!

What are your favorite things to do together?

We’re always up to try something new but sporting events and music festivals are things we enjoy.

Do you have everything in common or do you have things that you can’t agree on but poke fun about?

We are opposite! Lol He is the neat one, scheduled, more structured one. I take life as it comes. 🙂 

Question for the GROOM: What things do you love the most about her?

What I love most about Olivia is her smile, her humor and they way she treats people.

 Question for the BRIDE: What things do you love the most about him?

His intelligence, his smile, and how to me he’s like superman…there’s nothing he can’t do.

 Venue: Grand Marquise Ballroom

Wedding Planner: Elana Walker Events

Photography: Donnell Perry Photography

Florals: Fresh Affairs

Wedding Cake: Ambrosia Cake Creations

Stationary: Suite Paper

Entertainment: 360 Elite Entertainment

Candy Car Station: Something BARowed Candy Bar Stations

Make-Up Artist: Brittany B MUA

Caterer: Unforgettable Food Affairs