Monica and Ben both attended Hampton University. However, they never crossed paths. The two actually met post-college at a mutual friend's game night in December of 2010. "When playing the game Taboo, I was given the task to look over his shoulder and hit the buzzer whenever Ben mistakenly would say the “forbidden” word on the game card. I remember thinking he was attractive, but it was his smile and what I at the time thought was a Cali “accent” that really had me interested. He just seemed so laid back and confident. It was told to me later by friends that we spent the entire night talking and laughing, totally ignoring the party and everyone there. Ben texted me the next day and so began 6 months of 3 hour phone conversations, DC date nights and meeting my parents," recalls Monica. Monica and Ben dated for 6 months before making it official. "Ben struggled with the “wow, this may be it” concept, but I was no longer okay with casually dating. He asked me to be his girlfriend (in a nerdy metaphor that I somehow understood) and the rest has been history. That night sparked a beautiful friendship that developed into a fun-loving, supportive, and consistent romance in which we have been laughing ever since," said Monica. The two love birds are planning a "fun and energetic" summer wedding, where Monica's father will walk her down the aisle as well as officiate her wedding. Check out their fun and laid back California engagement session, captured by Dwayne Jenkins.
Bride: Monica Elston, 28, Family Nurse Practitioner (OB/GYN) Medstar Georgetown Univeristy Hospital
Groom: Ben Carter, 27, CEO Manage Your Damn Money, LLC
Engagement Shoot Location: Pasadena, CA (City Hall)
Wedding date: Summer 2015
Wedding location: DC/MD
Engagement story from the bride-to-be:
This past March, 2014, my mom decided she wanted to celebrate her 60th birthday party in New Orleans, LA. She had never been and had long wanted to go and experience the vibrant streets and the to-die-for food for herself. Ben coincidentally had a work trip that exact same week! I knew he would be there, but didn’t think he would be able to get away much (although I hoped he would be able to). My coworkers and friends had pretty much convinced me that this would be the trip in which Ben proposed. It would be perfect! His mom’s side of the family was started in New Orleans. He also knows that it is one of my favorite US cities, mainly because of the food and culture. The amazing trip was winding down, and there was no proposal. We even got into an argument the last night after what would have been the perfect proposal evening! His jean pockets were flat and I knew it just wasn’t happening. At the very last moment, around 3 a.m. when it was just the two of us, he got one one knee and proposed. It was simple and true to his style. I wasn’t done up, no make-up or fluff.. just how he loves me most. It was intimate and perfect. I then called my mom screaming and laughing through tears “I’m ENGAGED!!!!!”
For the Groom: Walk us through the behind the scenes of creating this special day:
In planning to pop the question, I knew I wanted to attach it to a meaningful moment in time or an experience Monica and I would have. In the weeks and months before the proposal I knew there were only two solid opportunities to do this. I could do it when Monica graduated from her graduate nursing program, but that wouldn't happen until May. It was January when I started seriously considering proposing and I felt we were approaching "he-hasn't-proposed-I-am-about-to-get-resentful-avenue". May felt like too long of a wait before I started getting showered in twice weekly with the "where is our relationship going talk". That being the case, Monica's mother's 60th Birthday Trip to New Orleans looked like the ticket, and that was scheduled for the end of March. Perfect timing. Once I asked God ONE LAST TIME if this was REALLY what he was trying to have happen. I made the final decision of purchasing a ring. There was no turning back. Our trip to New Orleans was great. On our final night we hit Bourbon street, danced and enjoyed each other's company as we usually do. At the end of the experience, we argued… I was secretly hoping we would break up, right then as a final sign it was okay to back out. Fortunately, we made up and continued our great night. It was a clear and welcomed sign we had what it would take to weather the storms and celebrate our triumphs in building a life together.
What was the theme of your Engagement session?
We had an impromptu engagement shoot in Pasadena, CA when visiting this summer. We wanted the shoot to be a reflection of our love and story. Fresh, fun, upbeat and energetic. We have an amazing time whenever we are together, and wanted out photos to reflect that.
What makes your love special?
Ben and I enjoy making our own rules. We are honest with one another to a fault and love pushing each other to new heights. We can talk about anything together, and never hold grudges. We trust one another, pray for each other and have FUN. We’re always laughing! We are best of best friends, maybe even better than best friends.
What are you most looking forward to about your wedding?
I can’t wait for the first dance! We love to dance and may have something special in store! I also can’t wait until we get into the limo after the ceremony and drive to the reception venue. It will be just us! We’ll finally be able to exhale. Ben says he’s most excited about marrying me!
Have you started planning your wedding?
Wedding planning has begun! We love our venue and are excited about our art gallery cocktail hour. We will have 7 bridesmaids and 7 groomsmen. The bridesmaids will wear long yellow gowns and the men will wear gray suits with a yellow skinny tie. Our photo booth will have DIY props that represent our favorite things along with our shared background of Hampton University and the life we are building in the DC area. We’re hoping to have live local entertainment at the cocktail hour as a tribute to DC’s rich music scene, and a DJ that gets everyone on the dance floor for the reception! I love soft yellow roses and hydrangeas and want lots of baby’s breath to romanticize the bouquets! Billy balls would look great on the guy’s lapels! There is a lot to be done, but we are enjoying every moment of the process.
Congrats to Monica and Ben! We wish you a wonderful wedding and marriage.
Vendors:
Photographer: Dwayne Jenkins
Make-Up: MAC Cosmetics – Pasadena, CA
Curated by our Wedding Features Editor, C.K. Alexander. C.K. is the owner and founder of Love Ink and Brownstone Bridal. Keep up with C.K. on Twitter here: @Love_Ink
