The first time Crystal and Keenan met was on the campus of Arizona State University in 2013. Keenan was running an Iota event and Crystal was leading a NAACP meeting. After the meeting, a few of Crystal’s friends convinced her to go to Keenan’s event.
She says, “I normally would decline and make up an excuse that I have to go study, but this particular day I gave in. After the event, Keenan claims I closed the elevator door in his face! I really don’t remember him calling for my attention.” A month later, Keenan showed up to an event Crystal was hosting on campus and later that night, he sent her a message on Facebook. The two went on a double date and continued to see each other. As they say, the rest is history! Read more of their love story and see the gorgeous details from their wedding day in the Dominican Republic captured by Antonina Yurieva.
Bride: Crystal Hall, 29, Nutritionist and Program Manager
Groom: Keenan Hall, 33, Information Technology Manager.
Photography by: Antonina Yurieva
Place of residence: Houston, TX
Wedding date: November 3, 2018
Wedding location: Sanctuary Cap Cana, Dominican Republic’s most exclusive adults-only all-inclusive resort.
Wedding theme/motif/inspiration: The overall theme was simple elegance, garden floral, with a rustic undertone to still keep it beachy and fun!
Honeymoon Destination: Puerto Morales, Riviera Maya, Mexico
Engagement Story:
Keenan proposed in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, with a romantic dinner on the beach! It was a beautiful night, and the perfect way to end a wonderful vacation. Keenan picked out my outfit, ran me a nice bath, got me jewelry, laid everything out before dinner, and then surprised me with a romantic dinner on the beach. Prayer over the food turned into Keenan getting on one knee and asking for my hand in marriage.
What makes your love special?
Keenan and I have been through so much on our love journey and have always found a way to laugh and have fun. We were both broke college students when we met in Arizona. He was from Indianapolis and I was from Milwaukee (both from the Midwest), trying our best to survive and having to depend on each other! We agreed not to live together before marriage despite the struggle. When both of our jobs landed us in Houston, we went through Hurricane Harvey together. Keenan lost his mother a few weeks before our wedding, which also created another strain on our relationship. But we always lean on each other and keep God first.
From the Bride: (briefly tell us about your wedding experience and how you felt on your big day)
I was a chill bride! I had my girls, some of my family, and my soon-to-be husband; nothing else mattered! I was so excited to be marrying the love of my life. It was intimate and beautiful.
From the Groom: (briefly tell us about your wedding experience and how you felt on your big day)
I lost my mom a few weeks before (her picture was on my wife’s bouquet), so things were a bit of a blur. But everyone supported me, it was bittersweet moment and everything fell into place. Marrying Crystal was the best day of my life and the best decision I ever made. She has always been my rock.
Your best/most memorable moment:
My favorite moment was when Keenan prayed over us and washed my feet at the reception in front of our family and friends. It was such a special moment because of what it means biblically.
Wedding song, explain choice for song:
Crazy Love, Brian McKnight
Favorite wedding detail (favors, cake, food, band, etc.):
Besides having paradise as our backdrop, we gave our guests beach-themed ‘message in a bottle’ notes to write their well wishes.
What are you most looking forward to as a married couple?
I’m most looking forward to looking back when we’re old and gray and laughing at the things that we thought we couldn’t or wouldn’t get through. And continuing to honor God together.
Advice for a Bride/Groom on their wedding day:
Although the details are important, they won’t matter as much in hindsight. So try to live in the moment and choose to love each other every day!
Congratulations to the happy couple! We wish them a fruitful marriage and many years of wedded bliss!
Sources
Antonina Yurieva|Sanctuary Cap Cana|Balani Custom Tux|Sanctuary Cap Cana|Sanctuary Cap Cana|Miss Errenda’s Beauty Salon|Caribbean Celebrations
