Inspiration

Real Engagements {Ohio}: Nicole & Derek!

Nicole and Derek met during Valentine’s Day week 2014 at a “speed dating” networking event. Though they didn’t start dating right away, they kept popping up in each other’s Facebook feed. Later they realized that they had 19 mutual friends in common, and grew up in the same hometown. Their first date was April 5, 2014 and the two hit it off instantly and have been together ever since. Check out their chic engagement session, captured by Omari Souza of Jazzymae Photography.

Bride: Nicole D. Lucas, Financial Business Analyst

Groom: Derek D. Lee, Special Education Teacher & Prof Doctoral Student in Education

Wedding date: September 15, 2017

Wedding location: The Club at Corazon, Dublin Ohio

Engagement shoot location: The Ohio State House 

The Engagement:

Nicole and Derek met during the most romantic week of the year, Valentine’s Day 2014. After they were both invited to a “speed dating” network event by a mutual friend. Though they didn’t start dating right away, they kept popping up in each other’s Facebook feed. Later they would realize after 19 mutual friends in common and being from the exact same hometown, then moving & living in the same city for college for 14 yrs.- they were meant to be special. Their first date was April 5,2014 and became instantly inseparable. On August 20, 2016, Derek planned a surprise proposal during Nicole’s 31st birthday dinner party she ‘thought’ she had planned herself. All of Nicole’s and Derek’s close friends were present when he presented her with her birthday gift- a book he wrote on their dating history. As Nicole was prompted to read aloud amongst her guests, close friends were filming and capturing pictures. At the end of the book on the last page there was a picture of a ring box, when she turned around Derek was on one knee professing his love and asking for her hand in marriage.

What was the theme of your engagement session? 

Elegant Romance with an estate fairytale feel – we felt like Barack & Michelle.
What did you do on your first date? 

Gallery Hop in the Short North Columbus, which features art, music and wine tasting at local small shops in downtown.
What's your favorite thing to do as a couple? 

We are foodies so food is a hobby, listening to live music, laughing and traveling

How has wedding planning been so far?

It has been a very blessed, fairly easy experience. We have a great planner & dream team. But we have received a lot of support and love from our close friends and family eager to help. #TeamLee

What are you most looking forward on the wedding day?

Bride: Celebrating with our family and friends.

Groom: Seeing how beautiful she is in her dress

Congrats to the happy couple Nicole and Derek, we wish you a wonderful wedding and marriage.

Vendors:

Photographer: Omari Souza of Jazzymae Photography

Creative Director: Lucretia Williams of Distinct Event Planning

Venue: The Ohio Statehouse    

 

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