Aundrea and Courtney first met the summer of 2007 at Florida A&M University, where they were both students. "I noticed a very shy, quiet and beautiful young lady who sat in front of the class. She was always very attentive and asked many questions. I decided to get the nerve to ask her on a date. However, she was dating someone else at the time. We would run into each other in passing, whether at the mall or campus activities and to Aundrea's friends I became, 'Just this guy from class!'," said Courtney. A couple of months later Aundrea's relationship had ended, and after several attempts she finally agreed to a night out with Courtney. "We went to a Japanese restaurant (Osaka), which actually was Aundrea's first time. She had an amazing time and so did I! That night led to several other dates until June when we became an official couple," said Courtney. Courtney graduated and was offered a great opportunity out of state, while Aundrea continued nursing school. They both agreed on a long distance relationship and made it work. Once Aundrea completed nursing school she decided to move to South Carolina to be with her love Courtney. After 6 years of dating the couple will celebrate their union with a Fall wedding in Jacksonville, Florida. Check out their sweet outdoor engagement session in Charleston, South Carolina, captured by Sirena White of Aneris Photography !
Bride: Aundrea James, 26, Registered Nurse
Groom: Courtney Harris, 32, Apple Solutions Consultant
Place of residence: Boynton Beach, Florida
Engagement Shoot Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Wedding date: 10/3/15
Wedding location: Jacksonville, Florida
Wedding theme: Traditional Elegance
Engagement story from the bride-to-be:
On July 4, 2014, we decided to take Courtney's daughter on a summer vacation to Disney World. Secretly, he knows Disney is a place that I absolutely love and where the inner kid in me comes out! After a very long and draining day, around sunset we made our way back in front of the castle to enjoy the holiday fireworks show. We had perfect seats with amazing views! Before the show began, Courtney told me that he had to use the restroom. I panicked because I was thinking."Really? Right now? You're kidding right?" The park was starting to become crowded and I knew that he would not make it back in time! His daughter and myself begged him to stay but reluctantly he assured me that he would be back. I called and texted him to see what was taking him so long until he finally returned for the last five minutes drenched in sweat (The ring was left in the car-he had to run to the boat and jump on the monorail!) Being as concerned as I am, I asked him "What happened?" He never responded. Instead, he told me to enjoy what was left of the show. As the show ended, he asked a couple to take a picture of us as the castle was lit and the fireworks were in the background. Meanwhile, there were cast members in the audience waiting for the moment as well! I had no idea that the camera was set to video and not to take a picture! When I turned around he was on one knee! He asked and with tears filling my eyes, in front of hundreds of people, of course I said YES! I am lucky to have the proposal on video because I was overwhelmed with emotions and can't remember those heartfelt words that Courtney expressed. I was honored that he asked me to be his Mrs. Harris!
From the Groom: Walk us through the behind the scenes of creating this special day:
I had it planned out for a few months but wanted the timing to be right. I planned a family trip to Disney that would include Aundrea and my daughter. As a family we love Disney and this is one of Aundrea’s favorite places to visit. I knew that after the special fireworks show for July 4th would be the perfect time to ask the “Big Question!” I hid the ring for a couple of weeks. Luckily, she never found it!
What makes your love special?
Seeing the smile on Aundrea’s face and her undying love for me as well as the love that we have for each other makes our love special. Our love for God has helped us through difficult times and we thank Him daily for sending us each other.
What are you most looking forward to about your wedding?
From the groom: I am most looking forward to seeing my beautiful fiancé walk down the aisle. At that very moment, nothing else will matter.
From the bride-to-be: I am most looking forward to having my dad walk me down the aisle and seeing my handsome groom in his custom tux! Eating delicious cake is at the top of the list as well!
Have you started planning your wedding?
Wedding planning started months ago. Thank you goes to Shanae Hall with Party Life Productions, LLC. We are most excited to eat excellent food, da
nce as well as share in our happily ever after with our closest friends and family.
Congrats to the happy couple Aundrea and Courtney! We wish you a wonderful wedding and marriage.
Vendors:
Photographer: Sirena White of Aneris Photography
Beauty /Make-Up: MAC Makeup Artist
Wedding Planner: Shanae Hall of Party Life Productions, LLC
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
