Inspiration

Real Engagements {Connecticut & Philadelphia}: Francesca & Jason! – Blackbride.com

Francesca and Jason's love story begins on an expected night out where they both found love when they least expected it. "One Friday night in the Spring of 2008 some friends and I decided to go for a night on the town. Jason and a friend had just gotten off work and decided to join after receiving an invite from a mutual friend. Jason and I began to converse as friends and just began to really click," recalls Francesca. Jason knew that he didn't want this to be his last conversation with Francesca and decided to ask her out on a date to the Whitney museum. Their first date turned in several more and they soon found themselves moving from just dating to an exclusive relationship. "These past 6 years (5 years dating, 1 year engaged) have been filled with some of the most thrilling, fun-filled, bonding moments we could ask for," said Francesca. Francesca and Jason are planning a "rustic country meets city chic," themed wedding, next spring in Houston, TX. Check out their fun two city engagement session captured by Don Brodie.

Bride: Francesca Bradley, 29, Educational Program Evaluator

Groom: Jason Hightower, 30, Associate Producer/Assistant Director

Place of residence: Brooklyn, NY

Engagement Shoot Location: East Haddam, CT and Philadelphia, PA

Wedding date: 4/11/15

Engagement Story: Once I made up my mind I was going to propose I began to plan out exactly how that day should look. With the help of some friends I was able to get all of Francesca’s immediate family and my family together at a mutual friend’s brownstone in New York. Francesca and I started our day by going pumpkin picking in Long Island. Meanwhile our friends and family were all having a cocktail hour and mingling waiting for our arrival and the surprise proposal. We arrived back in Brooklyn to meet my mom, dad, and their friends under the guise of them doing some ‘house shopping’. We casually walked to our friend’s brownstone to show them what the inside of a brownstone could look like. Once Francesca walked in the room and saw all of her family, my family and all of our friends she was truly shocked, amazed, and had a good idea of what was going to happen next…

Jason: For me, the most memorable moment was the walk over to the house and the look on Francesca’s face when she saw what was happening. It was the joy of seeing all of my thought and work coming together to form this picture perfect moment for her.

Francesca: The most memorable moment of the engagement night for me was when Jason finished his proposal speech and then got down on one knee. I had imagined in my mind what this moment would feel like but nothing compared to when it actually happened. Even though we were surrounded by the presence of our immediate family and several of our closest friends, in that one moment it was like we were the only two people in the room.

For the Groom: How did you decide that you wanted to propose in such a grand way? 

I knew I wanted to propose with our families and friends present. One thing Francesca and I have had in common from day one is love of family. I knew I wanted to have them present to witness this moment. There was much debate in my mind about whether to have this be a private or public moment. I found the middle and made it public (amongst friends and family) and private (in a friend’s home). I knew I wanted everything to have a classic feel to it, so all of the attendees were asked to wear cocktail dresses and heels/flats or blazers and ties.

The day of was quite the feat to execute. Francesca knew my family was in town and didn’t understand why we were going pumpkin picking instead of picking them up from the airport. After much persuasion I was able to convince her to be in the moment and enjoy the farm. Meanwhile, I’m getting multiple texts and phone calls from people trying to get updates as to our arrival all while keeping Francesca unaware of who is calling!

The moment that things became real was when I was walking with her through our neighborhood (Bed-Stuy) and practicing my proposal in my head. The phrase ‘will you marry me’ never had so much weight as in that 5 minute walk. To hold her hand knowing that we were moments from being engaged was a feeling and moment that lives with me forever. Seeing her face with surprise, elation, and love was well worth the 10 months of planning.

What makes your love special?

We started out as friends and really took time to get to know each other. We have such a deep understanding of each other and are truly teammates in making sure we achieve our goals as individuals and as a couple. It’s the kind of love where we can look at each other from across the room and know what the other is thinking. Just truly in sync.

What are you most looking forward to about your wedding?

Francesca: I am most excited about entering into the reception as Mr. and Mrs, Hightower and sharing our first dance as husband and wife.

Jason: I’m really excited for the ceremony. Seeing her for the first time coming down the aisle in her dress. All eyes are on her but her eyes are on me. It’ll be such a wave of emotions…I get chills thinking about…it’s the good kind of chills though!

Congratulations to Jason and Francesca! We wish you a wonderful wedding and marriage!

Photographer: Don Brodie

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

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