Aleya and Jarvis met at Nakama Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar in Pittsburgh, PA on May 9, 2011. Aleya had just sat down to eat at Nakama with two of her closest friends. As they ate, laughed, and caught up with each other, two men, clad in armored leather jackets, came in and sat down at the table behind them. Aleya felt an intense stare from one of guys, but since she was taking a break from dating, she decided to ignore his prowling stare. Undeterred, Jarvis introduced himself. He complemented Aleya, telling her how beautiful he thought she was and that he wanted to get to know her. Aleya thanked him, but told him the disappointing news that she lived out of state. Jarvis quickly apologized for interrupting their dinner and went back over to his table to join his friend as he was uninterested in a long distance relationship. However, Aleya would have a change of heart before the end of here meal. A little time passed, and Jarvis and his friend suited up and headed for the door. Aleya, remembering his name called out to him. She explained that she frequented Pittsburgh to visit her family, so their meeting might not be a lost cause. Honored by the request, Jarvis agreed – and the two exchanged numbers. Jarvis called Aleya a few days later and the two connected almost immediately on their faith in Christ, life values, family and education. The two spoke on the phone day in and day out for hours at a time, and after a month, Jarvis asked Aleya if he could take her on a date. Still in different cities, Jarvis flew to Chicago with a plan to go on three dates in less than 24-hours. The success of those dates sparked a long distance dating friendship. Aleya moved back to Pittsburgh, PA in August 2012, and the two continued dating until their engagement. Aleya and Jarvis are planning a summer wedding this year. Check out their elegant engagement session captured by Mecca Gamble Photography.
Bride: Aleya Lynne Crable, 28, Advertising Account Executive
Groom: Jarvis Jennings, 32, IT Business Analyst
Place of residence: Pittsburgh, PA
Engagement Shoot Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Wedding date: 7/18/15
Engagement story from the bride-to-be:
We always celebrate the day we met – It was a special, life defining moment that will always be remembered. Our meeting anniversary was the day after Mother’s Day. This year it was May 12, 2014. To celebrate we go back to Nakama Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar every year. This year it was no different, so I thought. We drove from Jarvis’ place to Pittsburgh’s Southside, which was about a 20 minute car ride. From the time we got in the car all the way through dinner, Jarvis was transparent with explaining his feelings for me – it was deep, heartfelt and spiritual. I just thought he was being a little more open than normal – never thinking that he was proposing and this was the lead up. When we arrived at the restaurant, the staff was friendly and upbeat. Nakama is a popular Pittsburgh restaurant that is usually packed in the evenings and weekends. It was the Monday after a holiday, so it was a little slow. The servers were overly attentive. When we were seated at our table there was champagne on ice and two glasses. We sipped champagne and talked about the years we spent together – our relationship up and downs, family trials and tribulations, and God’s grace through it all. As dinner was coming to a close, Jarvis got on one knee and asked for my hand in marriage – he specifically asked if he could be my husband and I his wife. Of course, with a mouth full of food – I said yes!
What was the theme of your Engagement session?
It was important to me for the engagement to happen on our anniversary day. God works in such wonderful ways, that our meeting on “the day after Mother’s day” had to be united with our engagement.
What makes your love special?
It’s a one in a million love! A type of love that connects almost immediately on Christian faith alone. It doesn’t stop there, but it’s a foundation that will stand the test of time. Our love strives to be how God has designed the love between a man and a women. It is pure, precious and unconditional.
What are you most looking forward to about your wedding?
I am looking for to seeing 32 years worth of friends and family that have all contributed, through the grace of God, to me being blessed with such a beautiful, gorgeous bride!
Congratulations to the happy couple Aleya and Jarvis. We wish you a wonderful wedding and marriage!
Photographer: Mecca Gamble Photography
Make-Up: Bonita Bey
Hair Stylist: Chardae Bowe
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
