Stephanie and Justin's love story began in 2007 at a basketball game. "The first time I remember seeing her was after one of her collegiate basketball games. She was speaking with one of her friends who was sitting in the bleachers. I did not speak to Stephanie, just watched and observed. From the moment I laid eyes on her, I knew that I wanted to be with her. I didn’t know anything about her, just that I had to have her," recalls Justin. The two shared the same speech class and held little conversations here and there, but nothing extensive. "I tried to play it cool and not show how head over heels I was for a girl that I barley even knew. She put me in the “friend zone” quickly, calling me her 'best friend.' It took three years, but on June 12th, 2010 we made the decision to be together and have not looked back since," said Justin. The best friends turned lovers are looking forward to making their union official in front of their closest family and friends. Check out their city chic engagement session, captured by Lisa Lee of LiLee Photography!
Bride: Stephanie Wallace, 25, Marketing Coordinator
Groom: Justin Williams, 26, Systems Administrator
Place of residence: Woodbridge, VA
Engagement Shoot Location: Washington, DC & Crystal City, VA
Wedding date: TBA
Engagement Story:
Justin and I were celebrating our four year anniversary when he asked me to be his FEYONCE. The morning of, Justin told me he took off work and that we were staying in DC for the weekend. I was extremely excited and ready to have some fun. We checked into our hotel, I went to get my makeup done then headed to dinner. This was our first time eating at the Charlie Palmer and it was quite delicious. The waiter came over to the table and asked if we were interested in checking out the view from the rooftop. Stepping off the elevator I was amazed how gorgeous the view was at night. Justin and I held hands talking about checking things off our bucket list then next thing I know Justin was down on one knee. I literally froze, looked up to the sky and started crying my eyes out saying “Oh my gosh, Oh my gosh. Is this really happening to me? Oh my gosh, Oh my gosh! Is this my ring?” Justin had the biggest smile on his face, told me that he loved me with all his heart and said heyyyyyy fiancée’. Our waiter captured the moments and I couldn’t wait to call my family and friends. I kept saying thank you God for sending me such a perfect man. Justin made me the happiest woman alive.
For the Groom: Walk us through the behind the scenes of creating this special day:
“Do I love Stephanie?” Yes, with all of my heart. Would I rather be with anyone else in this world? Not in a million years. I conversed back and forth with myself. So what am I waiting on? Let me show her how much I love her, let my actions speak louder than my words for once. This is the conversation that I had with myself before I officially made the best decision of my life. Our four year anniversary was coming up and I wanted to make the day special for Stephanie. I already knew that she was the woman of my dreams so I concluded that was going to be day I would ask her to be mine forever. I began looking up different proposal ideas online and wanted to incorporate our friends and family. However, with majority of the people living out of state it was nearly impossible. I made reservations at the Charlie Palmer restaurant in DC across from the Capitol with an incredible view. I told Stephanie to pack a bag for the weekend because we would be staying in the city. I still had no idea how I was going to pull the engagement off. Luckily, we had a great waiter that helped me blow Stephanie away with a breathtaking moment that would take us into the next chapter of our lives. He advised me that an event on the rooftop had just concluded & suggested that I take her upstairs. Stephanie & I walked around admiring the view and taking in the moment. I then stated the only thing that would make this night perfect is a hot air balloon. This was something we had placed on our bucket list and with the night being so magical that would have made things even more spectacular. She began looking around as if the balloon was going to land. I grabbed the ring from my pocket, got down on my knee and asked her will you marry me? The reaction I got was one that I will never forget. She had more tears coming down than Niagara Falls.
What makes your love special?
Bride: Building a solid friendship with Justin has been such a blessing that is full of laughter, jet-setting, fashion and FOOD! God is the primary reason our love is exceptional. The things Justin and I have encountered throughout our relationship has made us stronger individually as well as a couple. God has always been number one in our lives and is the reason behind our enchanted love story.
Groom: Stephanie and I have a very unique love for the reason that we knew each other for a while before we started dating. It is hard to expound on what makes our love special. I am not sure if it is her smile, her flawless skin, or her gigantic heart and willingness to do for other people. Whatever it is, Stephanie makes me melt when I look at her. Our love is the love that everyone dreams of when they are kids and think about when wanting a spouse one day. It’s the butterflies in your stomach, sweaty palm, “is it hot in here, or is it just me”, type of love. She is truly the best person I’ve ever met. She fears God and will do anything for her family. Such features make me want to do everything in power to put a smile on her face. To me, this is what makes our love special.
What are you most looking forward to about your wedding?
Bride: Hearing my maid of honor sing the verse of our wedding song when the ceremony doors open. My mother and I linking arms to begin the journey down the aisle to be with my hero. Also, exchanging vows and becoming one with my fiancé in front of our closest family and friends.
Groom: I’m looking forward to many things regarding our wedding. I’m looking forward to getting our families together to celebrate the occasion and seeing my future wife look breath-taking in her wedding gown, on the biggest day of her life. Most of all, I’m looking forward to the end of anticipation. I have been anticipating what marriage will feel like. Once we are married, I do not have to wait any longer. I will have my Mrs. Williams, and all will be well.
Congratulations to Stephanie and Justin! We wish you a wonderful wedding and marriage.
Photographs by LiLee Photography
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
