Inspiration

Real Engagements {Nashville}: Shantanik & Roderick! – Blackbride.com

Shantanik and Roderick's love story began at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church. One of the ushers sat Shantanik in the same row as Roderick. She tried her best to pay attention to the sermon, but couldn't help but to gaze over at the handsome young man in the navy suit on the other end of the row. A woman with 7 children was sat in their same row, which caused Shantanik to have to move all the way down to sit close to Roderick. With Roderick's charm, he broke the ice by making a joke about the lady and her "Brady Bunch." As the service went on, both Shantanik and Roderick experienced a wonderful praise session together. They both worshiped and prayed together as if they had both known each other’s life stories. After the service Roderick reached for the "church hug." Before Shantanik could release the hug, Roderick said to her, "I don't know who you are, but I just want to tell you I love you. You have such a beautiful spirit and I can tell you are very special…" Shantanik was stunned and speechless! The happy couple are planning a summer wedding next year. Check out their outdoor engagement session in Downtown Nashville, captured by Twelve 16 Photography.

Bride: Shantanik M. Green, Project Manager in Healthcare

Groom: Roderick F. Langston, 7th grade Educator – Mathematics

Place of residence: Nashville, TN

Engagement Shoot Location: Downtown Nashville

Wedding date: 6/24/17

 

 

Engagement story:

There was a celebration being held for Shantanik's grandmother's 80th birthday in October 2015. Shantanik's brother had a speech on behalf of all grandchildren and he asked for Shantanik to come up to say a few words since she was the only grandchild living outside of MI. Roderick walked up with her, and to her surprise he grabbed the mic. He had a beautiful speech for Shantanik's grandmother then transitioned into the most thoughtful speech about Shantanik. The words from Roderick's mouth filled Shantanik's eyes with tears. Then, in front of 200 family and church members, he asked for her hand in marriage! After catching After catching her breath from being overwhelmed with emotion, she said YES!

From the Groom: Walk us through the behind the scenes of creating this proposal.

In knowing how family oriented my fiancé is, I wanted to make sure when I asked for her hand in marriage she would be surrounded by relatives in her support. I received my opportunity to do so when my fiancé's niece, Treya, called and asked if I would be willing to propose to Shantanik at her grandmother's 80 birthday party in Detroit. I immediately said yes thinking the party would only be a family held event at her grandmother’s home. But to my surprise, the event headed about 200 people. That's right! You guessed it! The party wasn't held at her grandmother's home but instead at a ballroom fitted to accommodate family, friends, and church members. This set the stage perfectly. God knew exactly what he was doing. Furthermore at the event, siblings, children, and grandchildren were given an opportunity to share what they loved most about their grandmother and Shantanik’s brother was selected to speak on behalf of the grandchildren. After he spoke, he called Shantanik to speak seeing as though she is the only grandchild living outside of Michigan. While she was walking to the stage he invited me to come as well. Being as premeditated as I am, I knew she would be startled to speak, so I asked her brother for the microphone and began my progression to her proposal. I spoke about true events that happened prior to that day while posing the question, "What can you get a grandmother for her birthday, when she's had it all?" Then I asked Shantanik for her hand in marriage! It was awesome, definitely one of the best moments of my life.

What makes your love special?

Our love is so special because we know it was heaven sent from God. It’s like God hand packaged and delivered the most special gift we’ve ever received before, which is the gift of each other. We have faith we will grow strong in our marriage because it’s imperative we keep God at the forefront of everything we set forth!

What was the theme of your shoot?

We wanted to capture all sides of our relationship while displaying beautiful candid backgrounds of the city in which we met.

Were there any memorable moments during the shoot?

The most memorable moment of the shoot was to know that day would probably be the best day to shoot in Nashville. It had been raining the entire week but that day, the sun was shining, the wind was calm, and the atmosphere was just right.

What are you most looking forward to about your wedding?

We’re looking forward to the most significant part where we say “I DO”! Another exciting part about the wedding is to have Roderick’s family (from Georgia) to meet and interact with Shantanik’s family (from Michigan) as if it’s one big happy family reunion.

Have you started planning your wedding?

Yes! The wedding is in Detroit, MI (Bride’s hometown), so we’re currently loving the joys of wedding planning with family!

Congratulations to the happy couple Shantanik and Roderick. We wish you a wonderful wedding and marriage.

Vendors:

Photographer: Twelve 16 Photography

Hair: Alterenzeo Moore

Event Planner: Twelve Event Planning

MUA: Kayla Satterlee, MAC Cosmetics

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