Raven and Brandon met at the University of South Carolina in the spring semester of 2013. Their class schedules changed and they started seeing more of each other on their way to lectures. By January of 2013, this pair exchanged numbers and by March 1, they began dating. The most memorable moment about their first encounter was Brandon introducing himself as “Buckets” and Raven inquiring what his real name was. Brandon explained that it was his nickname, but Raven naturally responded with, “I’m not everybody, I’ll call you Brandon.” Six years later and this pair is ready to take the next step in their loving relationship. Take a peek at Raven and Brandon’s romantic and timeless engagement session, captured by The Amber Studio.
Bride: Raven Ellis, 24, PR Consultant
Groom: Brandon McCullough, 25, Sales Specialist
Place of residence: Dallas, Texas
Engagement Shoot Location: Downtown Dallas
Wedding date: March 1, 2019
Engagement story:
We got engaged on April 29, 2017. I was under the impression we were having a going away party with all of our friends but little did I know, it was an engagement party, too. I was so surprised! We arrived at Pearlz Oyster Bar to see all of our friends and after dinner, we all went upstairs to mingle. After a few photos, our friends gave us well wishes for our next chapter in Dallas. I was told there was a large gift that we had to be blindfolded to receive so I sat down, got blindfolded and waited until my “gift” was ready. I didn’t think it was suspicious because he got blindfolded too! When I took the blindfold off, I turned around and saw Brandon was on one knee. I cried for ten minutes straight! I was genuinely surprised and so happy! This was definitely a night to remember.
For the Groom: Walk us through the behind the scenes of creating this special day.
I was very anxious when the day finally arrived, April 29th, 2017. I wanted to make the proposal as smooth as possible with no hiccups. I planned a “going away” dinner party so it wouldn’t seem suspicious if all of our friends were in the same place at the same time. While Raven was making the drive from Charleston to Columbia, I had already gotten to the restaurant a few hours early to do a quick set up and make sure the staff were all on board. I met a few of Raven’s friends there who helped me decorate the lounge for the proposal. We finalized everyone’s role and talked about the logistics so that everyone would be on point. It took a lot to make this moment happen because Raven is a tough cookie to surprise! While the big moment was upon us and her friends began to blindfold us fo the proposal, my heart raced as i took my blindfold off and proceeded to set up the rose petals and grab the ring from Raven’s best friend. Everyone in the crowd was super helpful. They gathered around me and kept Raven guessing with their comments about what the gift would be. Once they took off Raven’s blindfold and she looked over and saw me down on one knee, everyone roared with oohs, awws and cheers, making the moment even more memorable.
What makes your love special?
What makes our love special is everything that has transpired throughout the duration of our relationship. The journey of growing together in love is what makes us value what we have because we’ve worked hard to get to where we are today. We are better people individually and as a unit, because we took the time to learn one another and we saw our weaknesses as an opportunity to make ourselves better.
What was the theme of your shoot?
We went with a classic city style shoot. We wanted something that would always be in style, yet reflect where we are in our lives right now. No matter where we end up years from now, we can look back at these moments and feel the “newness” all over again.
Were there any memorable moments during the shoot?
The most memorable moment Raven and Brandon shared during their shoot was when she asked him if she were a movie, which would she be. Brandon looked her straight in the eye and said “Norbit.” Raven couldn’t stop laughing! When they first met in college, they watched the movie and laughed the entire way through with no shame, so now we always laugh about it together when it’s mentioned.
What are you most looking forward to about your wedding?
We are most looking forward to sharing the love we have for each other with all of our family and friends.
Have you started planning your wedding?
Yes, we started planning the day after we got engaged. Our wedding is March 1, 2019, and we’re beyond excited!
Congratulations to the happy couple! We wish you a wonderful wedding and marriage.
