Maureen & Billy

from Black Bride Magazine: 2018 Winter Issue

Pierrette & Andrew

Maureen and Billy met in September of 2012 during a cookout at the University of South Florida’s Riverfront Park. They sat next to each other while Billy played a card game, but Maureen kept interrupting with questions. Later that year, they became dance partners for a student organization, which developed into a friendship, and eventually a date two years later. They have been together for four years and counting.

Engagement Story

Billy asked me to go to South Florida with him, but I didn’t want to. So, he offered to take me to a spa and a romantic dinner if I did. After the spa day, we got dressed and headed out for dinner, but he wanted to stop at my parents’ house because he “forgot” something. When we got there, he went inside. Then, my sister came and got me to step inside the house for a bit. She took me to the back room where he was waiting with all my friends and family.

The Proposal {His Story}

Well, I knew it was going to be extremely hard to surprise her because she’s so nosy and she never gets her nails done. But I wanted a proposal fit for Mo. First, I ordered a dress she wanted without her knowing and surprised her. Then I enlisted the help of her close cousin, an event planner, and had the backyard of her dad’s place decorated with 10-foot poles, drapes, uplighting, chivalry chairs and tables, centerpieces, and more. I booked a caterer to prepare and serve cocktail food and beverages. I then contacted her family and had her friends from out of state fly in.

Q: What makes your love special?

A: We are total opposites, but we balance each other. He compensates where I lack, and I do the same where he falls short. We also don’t give up on each other — no matter what the situation may be.

Q: What was the theme of your shoot?

A: Our theme was modern vintage. We wanted a romantic yet chic feel to our pictures with a contemporary and classic twist. We couldn’t go to Italy, but our photographer knew the right location to execute our vision.

Q: Were there any memorable moments during the shoot?

A: Changing outfits inside the car stands out because there was no other place available.

Other than that, we had fun with our photographer. He was very professional and friendly. Being in front of the camera felt natural.

Q: Have you started planning your wedding?

A: It’s all over now, but our wedding took place at The Vault, which is in the heart of Tampa.

Q: What were you most looking forward to about your wedding?

A: We already got married, but I loved seeing Maureen in her dress as she walked down the aisle to meet me. For Maureen, walking down the aisle with her father was a great moment along with the vows, and the “LITuation” that took place at the reception.