Taevia and Chris met in 2010 during the fall semester of Taevia's freshman year, when Chris' fraternity hosted a forum ironically on relationships. "He introduced himself and from that moment on he always made a point to speak to me when he saw me on campus; however, we were both in relationships at the time so our conversations were usually limited to hi and bye," recalled Taevia. The following summer Taevia and Chris would meet again, this time at her house. "I went to a pool party with close friends and after the pool party they invited a mutual friend, Josh, to our home for a game night. Josh came bringing his uninvited roommates with him, one of which happened to be Chris," said Taevia. Chris and Taevia instantly connected as friends and were both single at the time. The two ended up spending the entire summer together and by the end of the summer Chris was ready for them to be more than friends, but Taevia was a little hesitant. Chris asked Taevia out several times and after about the 7th time he said "when you're serious say no take backs.” Chris tried his luck while at a mutual friend's dinner party and asked Taevia out on a date one final time. She responded by saying “no take backs,” which signified that she was finally ready to take a chance on being more than friends. They've been together ever since and are planning a wedding this fall. Check out their sweet outdoor engagement session, captured by Tunji of OFJ Photo.
Bride: Taevia Gray, 24
Groom: Christopher Norris Jr.' 26
Place of residence: San Marcos, TX
Engagement Shoot Location: San Marcos & Austin, TX
Wedding date: 9/30/16
Engagement story:
My parents came down to San Marcos for the weekend and we were all going to spend the day together at the movies, lunch, the skating rink, and later that night his mother’s house for dinner. Chris had been acting strange all day making sure I would dress up and was on his phone excessively during the movie. After the movie he told me he had to go home to help his mother and would not be able to join my family and me for lunch and the skating rink. I was really upset with him since my family does not come into town often. Once we pulled up to the skating rink it was empty and I did not think anything of it. My father and I went to handle the bill in the other room and as I came out Chris walked out with our family and friends behind him. There he got on one knee and said the sweetest words to me. Of course I said yes! My most memorable moment is listening to him proclaim his love for me and how he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me.
For the Groom: Walk us through the behind the scenes of creating this special day
The initial planning for the proposal began in March after our pre-engagement course ended. We had gone to look at several different rings and once Tae finally found “The One” planning went into full effect. Shortly after she found the ring I set up a lunch with her parents to ask for her hand in marriage. They agreed and over the next few months I collected ideas from several family members and friends on how I should propose. Eventually we decided a surprise party at the skating rink was the best option. On the day of the engagement I tried to act as normal as possible so Tae wouldn’t think anything was up. While we were getting everything set up at the skating rink little hiccups kept happening and at one point one of the guests almost walked in with Tae’s family! Although I kept my cool, by this time I was sure she knew it was coming. When she finally got to the skating rink and everyone was in the back hiding all of my butterflies went away and I just kept mentally rehearsing what I wanted to say. When we came out I remember getting down on one knee and the next thing I know she said yes and her arms were wrapped around my neck. It was by far one of the happiest moments of my life.
What makes your love special?
Our love is special because it is totally God led. We are like a triangle trying to get to the top which is God, and in turn we've grown closer together. We are celibate, do not live together, and make a point to honor God in every way in our relationship. It is not common and very hard at times, but that is what makes it so special.
What was the theme of your shoot?
We didn’t have a particular theme for our shoot. The engagement session was really fun and lighthearted. We had several places we wanted to go to, one being our alma mater, Texas State University, and places around the town we met. We wanted to go to one of our favorite places downtown and capture the skyline. Lastly, we went to the hotel where we are getting married.
Were there any memorable moments during the shoot?
We are normally not very intimate since we are celibate so it was really cool to be able to be intimate. I believe our love really showed up on camera.
What are you most looking forward to about your wedding?
I look forward to seeing Chris' reaction once he sees me for the first time walking down the aisle.
Congrats to the happy couple Taevia and Chris! We wish you a wonderful wedding and marriage.
Vendors:
Photographer: Tunji of ojfphoto
Makeup Artist: House of Khar1sma
