La Toya & Michael

PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOSHUA DWAIN PHOTOGRAPHY

Michael and LaToya met through the dating app SoulSwipe in 2015. Their first impressions of each other's profiles were enough to make them both swipe right. (Michael says LaToya was mesmerized by his broad shoulders and toned arms!) Shortly after that, they went on their first date in October 2015, and there was an undeniable, instant connection. The two have been together ever since, and after three years of dating, the couple became engaged.

Engagement Story:

Michael went for an intimate proposal by making dinner plans for the two of them at their favorite steakhouse in Harlem, Ricardo's. He describes the most memorable moment of the night as seeing how shocked and happy LaToya was when he proposed. "It's hard to keep secrets from her because nothing gets past her," he says. Later that summer, they had an engagement party on a rooftop in NYC to celebrate with their family and close friends.

From the Groom:

All of my good friends knew I was planning to propose, and they were incredibly supportive throughout the planning process. I didn't know anything about diamonds, but my friend, who was already engaged, helped me out tremendously. I made reservations a couple of days before I decided to propose, and I let the staff know my plans for that night. They played "Let's Get Married," by Jagged Edge, after I proposed and brought out a celebratory drink and dessert.

ABOUT THE COUPLE

Bride: LaToya Joy Westbrooks, 33, Senior UX Researcher at Facebook & Founder of Wealthly Groom: Michael R. Keeling, 33, E-Commerce Manager at The Foundation & Founder of The Amazon Blueprint Place of Residence: New York, New York Wedding Date: 04/26/2021 (previously 06/13/2020)

Engagement Shoot Location:

The Meatpacking District, New York, New York