Wedding Wednesday | Slavonian Lodge Wedding Biloxi, Mississippi

“Being my best friend, you are the shoulder I lean on, the person I can run to, the love of my life, and my everything.”

Shanell + Hakeem are two of the sweetest humans you will ever meet! I met with them well over a year ago for the first time to discuss their day and was so thrilled when they told me that they were certain I was the photographer for them!

Let me just give you a tiny glimpse into how thoughtful these two are, during one of our meetings, Hakeem asks me about the timeline and how time will allow my assistant and I to have time to eat and take a break, etc. He wanted to make sure we were taken care of and even said we needed at least a few songs on the dance floor! Is that not just too kind? <3

I wanted to add a new spin to this blog post and actually chatted WITH THE BRIDE and asked her a few questions! Check them out!

If you’re a friend or family member, be sure to leave this sweet couple a comment below!

Q: How did he propose?

My proposal was something out of a movie scene. Hakeem proposed to me on a Helipad on top of the W. Hotel in Atlanta, Ga on July 1, 2017. He got me there under the guise that he needed a 2nd opinion from a Cardiologist in Georgia. This was just a cover-up for the proposal he had planned.

The morning we arrived in Georgia it was gloomy and rainy. Hakeem told me that he needed to run some errands and then wanted to come back to the hotel for pictures. When we got to the hotel he told me to wait in the truck. After a few minutes, he came out and asked me to come inside so he could show me something. When I walked in and saw all of our family I immediately thought they were there for his cardiology appointment and that we needed to get him to his appointment soon!! The next thing I know we were being escorted to a private elevator and were guided out to the helipad where a helicopter and photographer/videographer was waiting.

Hakeem opened the door to the helicopter and as I started to get in he tapped me on the shoulder and when I turned around he was down on one knee and said “You are the love of my life and I want to spend my life with you forever. Will you marry me?” I screamed, “YES!!” Then we got in the helicopter and flew over the entire city enjoying the sites as a newly engaged couple. Once we returned, the photographer had prepared a proposal photoshoot as well as a family photoshoot with our son Cordell. It was a magical day!!!!

Q: What was the highlight of your wedding day?

The highlight of our wedding day had to be seeing the finished product as I was walking down the aisle and seeing the vision come true! Seeing all of our close family and friends there to celebrate our love, as well.

Q: How did you decide where to have your wedding?

Hakeem and I looked at different venues but when we came across the Slavonian Lodge, we both felt that this was the place for us. The venue was unique, beautiful and a place where we could have both the wedding and reception.

Q: What’s one of the things you knew you wanted most for your wedding day?

What I wanted most on my wedding day was for it to run smoothly, but that’s what all brides want, lol.

I honestly wanted the part of the day to come where I would be able to see my groom standing at the altar waiting for me as we started a new chapter of our lives together.

Q: What’s a funny memory that you’ll cherish forever from your day?

A funny memory from that day was during the garter toss. The groom’s little brother snuck out to the floor and actually caught the garter belt.

Q: What is something that you would recommend to each bride before her day?

I recommend that you enjoy every moment from the beginning of the engagement until you both say I do.

There will always be stress during the process but you have to take time out for you and make sure that your bridal party is also helping to take some of that stress off.

When looking for vendors take your time and pick the ones that fit you and your budget. You do not always have to settle for the first vendors you meet with.

I can’t thank Shanell enough for taking the time to answer those questions! I hope you guys enjoyed reading something NEW here!