Shante & James’ Lakeside Brunch Wedding

Shante & James’ Lakeside Brunch Wedding

 

The Beginning:

Shante met James on a dating website in December 2015. James was living in Virginia and Shante in Florida.  The couple built their relationship on text messaging, phone calls and Skype. It was nine months before they met face to face! After that first meeting, they knew they were in love. Shante found someone that accepted her and her daughter, Kianna, and James couldn’t believe he found someone who understood him so well as Shante did.

 

The Engagement:

August 6th, the day before their second anniversary, James arranged a family photo shoot at a park Shante loved.  The park had a picturesque pathway and beautiful lakefront. The photographer started with photos of just Kianna and Shante. Suddenly James mentioned something about Shante forgetting her ring. Suddenly, James pulled out a black box saying “You forgot this ring.” James’ romantic speech was hard to heard over Shante’s sobbing crying but, she definitely said YES! Then James turned to Kianna and down on one knee told her that even though she wasn’t biologically his, he loved her as if she were. He asked her to be his daughter and presented her with a heart locket with a pink diamond. Cue more tears! Kianna happily said yes and gave him a big hug.

On the way home, Shante suggested picking up some pizza. They stopped at Little Caesars and James went to get the food. He came back saying they weren’t open which was shocking because it was only 8:30 p.m. When they arrived home, Shante opened the door and her family and friends jumped out shouting “Congratulations!” More tears! Everyone had driven up and set up a party in the apartment with James’ planning. Weeks of sneaking and planning and not one person said a word.  It was an amazing day to remember!

 

Lakeside Brunch Wedding Day: Thursday, June 20, 2019

 

Getting Ready:

 

A Lakeside Ceremony:

 

Lakeside Wedding Portraits:

Lakeside Brunch Wedding Reception:

 

 

Vendor Team that Brought to Life this Lakeside Brunch Wedding:

Wedding Ceremony Location: Mission Inn Resort’s Cypress Lawn at Marina del Rey

Wedding Reception Location: Mission Inn Resort’s Lago Vista at Marina del Rey

Engagement Shoot & Wedding Photography: KMD Photo and Film

Wedding Ceremony & Reception DJ: DJ Phil Joeckel 

Floral: Orlando Flower Market

Wedding Officiant: Dr. Jill Norburn

Cake & Desserts by: Le Petit Sweet