Urban Romance: A Downtown Tampa Engagement Session to Remember

Cady and Frankie met online in 2021, just as the world was emerging from the pandemic. With both living in the New York area, their connection quickly deepened over texts, FaceTime calls, and a magical first date at the Color Factory. But life had other plans—Cady returned to Antigua awaiting her residency match, while Frankie stayed in New Jersey applying to grad school. Despite the distance and uncertainty, they stayed connected, holding onto faith and hope. In an incredible twist of fate, Cady matched to a residency in Florida, and Frankie was accepted into a grad program just an hour away. Now, three years later, they’ve built a life in Tampa with their beloved Shiba Inu, Luna—and they’re ready to say “I do” to forever.

For Cady and Frank, this session was exactly what they envisioned. After four beautiful years together, they wanted their engagement photos to reflect the essence of their relationship—simple yet profound, effortless yet filled with joy. Get inspired by their engagement session captured by Kingsley James Studios.

Bride: Cady Rodney, 29, Pediatrician

Groom: Hubert “Frankie” Lawrence, 33, Mechanical engineer

Place of Residence: Tampa, FL  

Engagement Shoot Location: Hillsborough County Courthouse, Tampa FL 

Photography By: Kingsley James Studios

Wedding Date: November 29,  2025

Engagement story 

After a scrumptious sea food boil, Frankie drove an unsuspecting Cady to the Florida Botanical Gardens to pop the question. She asked to stop by Marshall’s on the way to look for a dog collar for their beloved pup, but Frankie kept her focused saying that the Gardens would close soon. 

They held each other’s hands while walking into the garden and came across a bench facing a scenic lake. A guitarist would appear out of thin air and started playing the instrumental of : “I Knew I Loved You” by Savage Garden (a 90’s pop classic). It was a love song Cady remembered hearing on the radio a few weeks ago that evoked pure nostalgia from her teenage years and when she dreamed of finding her own true love someday. She immediately started crying tears of joy as Frankie bent his knee and started to summarize his love for her. He pulled out an engagement ring, but before he could even place it on her hand, she said “Yes! Yes! Yes!” and held him in the tightest embrace. 

What are you most looking forward to about your wedding? 

We are looking forward to being with both of our families in one place and celebrating with some great dancing! (Frankie’s family is mostly Dominican and Cady’s family is a mix of Guyanese/Antiguans with some living in the US).

Congratulations to the happy couple! We wish them a lifetime of wedded bliss.

Walking down the aisle soon? Get inspired by more gorgeous bridal inspiration and wedding planning tips, order your copy of Black Bride Magazine.