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Marnel came all the way to NYC to meet me at my studio in January 2011, since then I knew that the four of us (Marnel, Matthew, Anyeka and I) would have a beautiful relationship. In March I photographed Marnel and Matthew’s engagement session in Portland, OR and that further strengthen our relationship. Grab a cup of joe, sit back and read the “brief” write-up on the beginnings of Marnel and Matthew’s love. After viewing this blog, have enjoy more of Marnel and Matthew from their past engagement session here.
Notable Mentions:
Ceremony: Howard University Dunbarton Chapel, Washington, D.C.
>Officiant: Michael Eric Dyson
Reception: Hyatt Regency Crystal City
We had the pleasure of a fellow wedding photographer and friend Chad Pennington second shoot for me on this wedding. As always Anyeka and I enjoy Chad’s company and his ability to always deliver awesome work. Some of the photographs in this post were taken by him.
Rippeed from their wedding website...
In August 2002 B.F. (Before Facebook), Marnel and Matthew began their graduate careers in Howard University’s Department of Communication and Culture. They both chose to study organizational communication as they worked toward their master’s degrees. Aaaaaaaah HU.
The Cupid Shuffle. It wasn’t until the end of the Fall 2002 B.F. semester / beginning of the Spring 2003 B.F. semester that the two began noticing each other. Ahem….Matthew thought Marnel was disruptive in class because she had several side conversations. Marnel thought that Matthew wasn’t serious since he kept falling asleep during class. Egregious behaviors often lead to love.
Snack attack. After one evening graduate seminar, Marnel went to Starbucks to find something to eat (it was the only place on campus that was open after 9pm). Her advisor, Dr. Nicotera, was in line behind her and Matthew came in with her. Marnel spoke with them as she prepared to order and then asked Matthew, “Do you want something?” Matthew answered, “No,” but Marnel’s advisor interrupted, “She’s treating you to food! You’d better say yes!” Touché. Matthew laughed, asked for a recommendation, and then ordered.
Love is patient. After earning her Ph.D. from Howard University, Marnel moved to Fresno, CA to work as a professor at Fresno State. Matthew and Marnel were still dating, but maintaining their relationship was not easy because not only did they live in two different states, but also on two different coasts and in two different time zones. They saw each other less frequently, but there’s an app for that. Thank goodness for iChat, Skype, and gChat. Marnel and Matthew were able to take their relationship to the cloud. Marnel also travelled to the East Coast for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring, and Summer breaks. The spark never died and their relationship was strengthened. In 2009, Matthew moved to Portland, OR for work after he earned his MBA from Howard University.
Love TKO. Let’s fast forward to Christmas Day, 2010 W.F. (With Facebook). Marnel and Matthew were spending the holiday with Marnel’s family in Pennsylvania. Immediately following the blessing of the food, Matthew spoke, “If I could have everyone’s attention, please.” Matthew then told Marnel’s family how much he loved her and got down on one knee. “Marnel, will you marry me?” he asked. Marnel, in tears, said “Yes.” She was marrying her partner and match and he was marrying his. Walking on sunshine.
Thanks for sharing these shots, Josh! It makes me want to relive this day all over again. Kudos to you!
I LOVED this day and I LOVE Matthew and Marnel! Josh, you did an OUTSTANDING job capturing the love, humor, and feel good atmosphere that surrounded this day. It was AMAZING!
I wanna see more my dude – The story was getting good
LOVE these photos! I can’t wait to see the rest!
These engagement and wedding shots really capture Marnel and Matthew personally. So beautiful!
Wow, terrific stuff! I’m sure they’re thrilled. The black and whites in particularly are beautiful, so elegant.