Taryn and Justin have known each other since they were in Middle School. As the years went by, the went their separate ways on to High School. However, they still kept in touch with the help of MySpace. "On January 19, 2009 (Justin's Birthday) I sent him a "Birthday" shout out. I was going to be okay with a simple thank you, but he sent me a full blown message. We exchanged numbers, and we have been inseparable ever since," said Taryn. Check out their flirty outdoor engagement session captured by S.Renfro Photography.
Bride: Taryn Green, age 25, Medical Assistant
Groom: Justin O’Neal, age 25, Auto Diesel Mechanic
Place of residence: Houston, TX
Engagement Shoot Location: Houston Museum of Fine Arts
Wedding date: 2/20/16
Engagement story:
Justin and I were celebrating our sixth year together as significant others. Justin and I just so happened to be off that day. We both wanted to go somewhere nice to celebrate our love. The time went by so fast and he told me he had to pick up his suit from the cleaners. In the meantime, I was getting dressed. An hour passed and he told me he was in traffic, but he was actually going to his friend’s house on the other side of town to give them the key to our apartment so they could get in to set up a special surprise. He kept changing the reservation times. As 6:30 pm approached, he finally returned home to get dressed. We went to a restaurant called "Marc's American Cuisine. We had never been there before. It was so nice. He was so quiet while we were there. Over dinner, we cheered for 6 more years. The waiter came and brought us our check and asked if we wanted dessert. We both declined, all because he wanted to take me to my favorite ice cream shop Baskin ‘n Robbins. We went there and had 2 scoops of Strawberry ice cream. I thought our night was complete until… we arrived at our apartment. As I walked up the stairs, I saw rose petals on the ground leading up to our door. There was a single stem red rose. I said to him "What's going on,” with a huge smile on my face. I then opened the door. Two of our good friends were inside with candles lit in the shape of a heart, big balloons, and John Legend "All of Me" playing in the background. He grabbed my purse and put it to the side and got on one knee and told me, "This has been the best 6 years of my life" and pulled out the ring facing himself – (Lol, He was so nervous) He asked, Will you marry me?” Of course, I said yes!
For the Groom: Walk us through the behind the scenes of creating this special day.
I wanted the proposal to be special. We've been together for six years, so it was time to propose. I thought about proposing after our romantic dinner, but the mood wasn't right in the restaurant. So I had our friends set up our new apartment with candles and balloons and rose petals leading to our door. We walked inside and her face lit up, and then she knew I was up to something. Without hesitation, I got on one knee and asked my beautiful Queen to marry me.
What makes your love special?
We met again after high school in 2009. By then, we had built a year’s foundation of love. Then for him to tell me in 2010 that he applied to go overseas to Iraq and Afghanistan to do contract work. He had limited visits through his years there. We communicated through email, Skype, texts and phone calls. The connection was bad, but we made it through. In 2014, he came back home for good. Long distance made our love special.
What are you most looking forward to about your wedding?
I am looking forward to getting married to a great man, and to witness this with close family and friends.
Have you started planning your wedding?
We have started planning the wedding, and it has been so much fun – from the bridal shows, extravaganzas, venue shopping, including figuring out what the wedding party will be wearing. The perks of being a bride have been an enjoyable experience!
Photographer: S.Renfro Photography
Beauty – Make-Up: MAC Cosmetics
Stylist: Hair By Jamekisha – Houston, TX
Congrats to the happy couple Taryn and Justin! We wish you a wonderful wedding and marriage.
