Bezawit and Will's love story began in February 2008 over a game of pool. "I was dropping my girlfriend off to meet a friend at a local bar one afternoon and I decided to go in and grab a bite to eat and wait with her. That turned into us “playing” pool or so we thought… There were two guys on the table next to us, one of which was Will. He came over asking if that was my first time there and laughed about how he could tell due to our terrible game we had going," recalls Bezawit. Bezawit and Will spent the rest of the evening laughing while Will showed her how to play pool, the proper way. Once the game ended the two began a conversation that lasted over two hours. The two ended the night by exchanging numbers, and the conversations have carried on ever since. Bezawit and Will are planing a modern Ethiopian wedding next fall. Check out their "Vintage Romance" themed engagement shoot, captured by photographer Michelle Scott.
Bride: Bezawit Fetlework, 27, Makeup Artist
Groom: Will Gandy, 36, Bartender
Place of residence: Atlanta, GA
Shoot Location: Kennesaw, GA
Wedding date: 11/8/2015
Wedding location: Atlanta, GA
Wedding theme: 1920’s Vintage Romance
Engagement story from the bride-to-be:
The day started off like any other day. Normal routines, we ran a few errands and went to my mom's for dinner. Once we got home I was really tired and wanted nothing more than to get the kids off to bed and take a long shower. He asked me if I was up for watching a movie once I was finished and we laughed about how the movie would probably be watching me. Once I got out of the shower, I headed over to my new vanity he recently got me for my birthday. As I was about to begin my nightly hair and skin routine he suggested that I come over and rest instead. He said that I was perfect just the way I was at that very moment. We hugged and laughed because he knew I was going to do it anyway. He starts telling me that he's been holding onto something for a while, and he couldn't any longer. Of course at this point I'm completely dumbfounded! Next thing you know he pulls out a little box, while I start feeling like I'm about to pass out, opens it up to reveal the most perfect Neil Lane ring! I was in complete shock! He got down on one knee as I started to cry and cry and although he’s talking, I felt absolutely delirious and his words weren't processing in my mind. I couldn't believe he got me that good! We’ve been together for quite a while so I'm usually good at knowing he’s up to something even if I don’t know what. He put the ring on my finger and of course I said Yes!
The Proposal Story from the Groom:
After making countless trips to the jewelry store and finally picking the perfect One for my “One,” all that was left to do was plan the perfect moment. I didn't want it to be with a large group or at a dinner, you know the “Uge”. So after going back and forth playing out different scenarios in my mind, I decided to keep the ring on hand and when the time comes I will just feel it's right! So after a long night of dinner at her mom's and helping her plan a grad party…We came home and finally it was just the two of us..this was IT. She and I after a successful day. The way I picture all of our future days. At that moment she was as beautiful, pure and unsuspecting as ever! So there it was when she made her way out of the shower..it was on!! That moment began the rest of our lives.
What was the theme of your engagement session?
Timeless Vintage Romance. We wanted something that represented us in a way that would not be time stamped or dated. No props, just us and nature. This was our first session and we will be doing our second in the spring.
What makes your love special?
How do we answer that without writing a 4 page letter? First and foremost I’d have to say our friendship makes our love strong and easy to maintain. We really know each other and communicate very well. We are actually a team. We are both very supportive of each other in every aspect. Over time people evolve, change and grow, you have to be able to do that with each other. You have to ensure that you and your partner share the same goals so that you're moving in the same direction. I think that we have done a good job sharing our thoughts and learning not only together, but from one another as well. We have always done our own thing and what we feel is best for us and our family. Therefore although we’ve been together for a long time, this is the perfect time for “Us.” Every love story isn't the same but our journey is what makes ours “special.”
What are you most looking forward to about your wedding?
We are looking forward to becoming one solid unit and sharing that moment with our friends and family. Oh yeah, and dancing the night away!
Have you started planning your wedding?
Yes we have! We are both very creative so the planning process has been fun so far! We are going with a rooftop venue that's going to be filled with lots of Glamorous 1920’s Vintage elements. Expect to see lots of sequins, feathers, and even cigars! You'll even catch a glimpse of a few modern twists on traditional Ethiopian Weddings, as I am of Ethiopian nationality.
Congrats to the happy couple Bezawit and Will! We wish you a wonderful wedding and marriage.
Vendors:
Photographer: Michelle Scott
Make-Up: Beauty By Bee
Curated by our Wedding Features Editor, C.K. Alexander. C.K. is the owner and founder of Love Ink and Brownstone Bridal. Keep up with C.K. on Twitter here: @Love_Ink
