Welcome to Our Wedding Adventures

It was September 2014 and Shamara had just moved back to Chicago after grad school. Shamara was invited by a co-worker, Matt Dino, to attend a birthday party of his best friend, Blake, at a bar called Fat Pour in Wicker Park, Chicago. She attended and purchased the birthday boy a drink without knowing whom he was or what he looked liked. Blake, on the otherhand, had heard of Shamara because of other mutual friends, but had no idea what she looked like. Shamara began searching for Blake at the bar and came across Dino, to whom she mentioned that she bought Blake a drink, but could not find him. Dino replied, “He’s the guy you don’t know of our group!” She approached a guy and attempted to wish him Happy Birthday, to which he replied, “I’m not Blake, my name is Jason!” Shamara walked away and continued to search for Blake. As she was exploring the crowded room, she was bombarded by a man attempting to dance behind her, to which she responded as she turned around to the guy, “Please stop!” and she walked away. She ran into Dino again, and explained how she was still unable to find the mystery man, Blake. He yelled out for Blake and waved him across the room. As Shamara turned around, she saw that the guy that was previously dancing on her, was in fact, Blake. Blake’s story is a bit different... he saw this beautiful girl from across the bar and went to dance with her, however, she was not having it. She walked away and a few minutes later, Dino waved him to come over where he was formally introduced to Shamara. She was finally able to deliver his drink and wish him a happy birthday. A few days later, Blake and Dino visited Shamara at her job, where Blake apologized for his dancing behavior at the bar. Shamara was taken back and impressed by his apology and sincerity. After that, there were many group hangouts for a few years and friendship developed.

Blake and Shamara visited New Orleans for a weekend vacation with two of their close friends. Shamara was excited to show her friends the city, since they had never been there before. On Saturday morning, everyone went to brunch and then ventured to the New Orleans City Park. As they explored, their friends saw a bridge and suggested that they all go and take pictures on it. Blake and Shamara went up first to take pictures. In the midst of the silliness and cheesy posing for the potential Christmas cards, Blake said to Shamara, “Happy 3 Year Anniversary Babe!” Shamara said, “Thanks, you too Babe!” As she laughed at what she thought Blake was being silly, she heard him say, “I guess you’ll have to put up with me for another few years.” Shamara laughed and replied, “I guess you’re right!” Blake then whispered, “But how about a lifetime” as he got down on one knee. Shamara turned around in shock and saw him on his knee and began to cry. As their friends were taking picutres and videos, they suggested that Shamara and Blake move to the top of the bridge. Shamara turned around to head up and saw both of our families and friends waiting on the other side! Tears and laughter overtook her and her family as they celebrated the engagement with Blake’s family. The festivities continued throughout the evening and the next day, Blake surprised Shamara with tickets to the CFP National Champtionship LSU vs Clemson game!