In the beautiful city of Jacksonville, Florida is where it all began for Ciara and Jawaun. They met in eighth grade Math class, had mutual friends, and saw each other around school but never developed a friendship. That all changed on the first day of school their ninth grade year when they were reintroduced. Ever since that day, the couple have been inseparable. Through years of bootcamp, deployment, and a long distance relationship, Ciara and Jawaun’s love continued to grow. Check out their stunning engagement photo session at the Capitol in Washington, D.C. by Felicia V. Photography.
Bride’s full name, age and occupation: Ciara Harold, 23, Teacher
Groom’s full name, age and occupation: Jawaun Campbell, 23, Law Enforcement Officer
Place of residence: Washington, D.C.
Engagement Shoot Location: National Mall in Washington D.C.
Wedding date: July 18, 2021
Engagement story:
On a cold Monday night, Jawaun suggested that they go out on the town for dinner. Ciara refused due to the weather and exhaustion from the day. Disappointed, Jawaun retreated while the bride went to the kitchen to prepare a meal. He later came back into the kitchen anxiously telling Ciara that they needed to talk about something. When Ciara replied, “What is it?” and turned around, Jawaun was down on one knee. After lots of hysterical screaming and crying, Jawaun began expressing his love for her and how he did not want to live without them being one. Of course, she said yes!
For the Groom: Walk us through the behind the scenes of creating this special day
I did most of the planning for the proposal in Florida while the bride was away in Costa Rica with friends. I knew that was the best way because I figured if I planned anything at home she would certainly find out and I wanted it to be a complete surprise. Right after she left for Costa Rica, I flew back home to Florida to ask her father for his blessing. After I talked with her dad, I asked her mom to help me pick out a ring for her. All in one weekend, I got her father’s blessing, had her mom help me pick out a ring, and purchased the ring. I flew back to Washington, DC before she got back from her trip and kept the ring in my safe in the back of the closet. I let it sit there for weeks until I figured out the perfect plan. The plan was completely spoiled when she refused to go out that night, so I panicked and proposed to her in the middle of the kitchen. Even though it did not happen the way I planned it, we both agree that it was special.
What makes your love special?
The fact that our relationship has went through so many different phases is what makes it special. We started off as just two young kids dating and then became true high school sweethearts. After high school we endured 4 long years of long distance with boot camp, deployments, endless phone calls and Facetime calls to get us through those years. Now as we are beginning to establish a life together, we are reminded that because all we have been through, we can get through anything.
What was the theme of your shoot? The theme of our photo shoot was Classic, Modern Elegance. We chose all black with a hint of red for an accent color to contrast well with the white monuments in Washington, D.C.
Were there any memorable moments during the shoot? YES! For starters all the way up until the first photo was taken there was a 90% chance of rain being reported. When we got to the shooting location there wasn’t a cloud in the sky! Due to COVID and political unrest we were unsure about the availability of some shooting locations and parking. We were so pleased that everything aligned perfectly with all of our locations being available.
What are you most looking forward to about your wedding?
We are mostly looking forward to having all of our family and friends together in one space. Both of our great grandmothers are still alive and that will be such a joy for them to see us get married. All of our friends are in different phases of life whether it be having children, living cross the country or still in grad school and due to the busyness of life we don’t always catch up or get together, so it will be such a great feeling to reunite with everyone.
Have you started planning your wedding?
Yes, at the moment of the shoot we were eleven months out from the wedding. However, the venue, photographer, videographer, stationer, caterer, baker, florist and the wedding dress are already secured. I (the bride) made a mistake in the beginning by booking a venue that I wasn’t absolutely in love with. I ended up cancelling at that venue and found the perfect one a few months later with the help of my mom. My advice for all of the brides out there is to not book something unless you are 110% sure that you want it to be a part of your special day. For our wedding theme we are envisioning a Classic Southern Elegance. The classic part of the theme will be shown in the attire of the wedding party, the southern part will be seen in our venue, with it being in the heart of an old southern town.
Congratulations to the happy couple! We wish them a fruitful marriage and many years of wedded bliss!
