Inspiration

Real Engagements {Washington, D.C.}: Madison & Carlin! – Blackbride.com

Madison and Carlin met on May 11, 2008, in Washington, D.C., while Carlin was home for the summer from North Carolina A&T and Madison, who was attending Howard University at the time, decided to stay in the DC area for the summer.  "I was talking about the weekend and complaining about a boy to my best friend/ linesister Ashley Blaine Featherson and she suggested that I stop complaining and start dating. She recommended that I go on a date with her childhood friend, Carlin," recalled Madison.  Madison's friend Ashley tried her best to persuade her to go on a blind date with Carlin. Madison recalled her friend saying "It’s not like you all have to get married or anything!”  However, Madison needed a little more motivation to go on a blind date, and decided to check out Carlin’s Facebook page. She later told Ashley to tell Carlin to call her if he wanted to go out. Carlin called Madison that night and they talked for six hours. Through their conversation, they found out that they both loved breakfast at night, so they decided to go to The Diner, a popular restaurant in the Adams Morgan neighborhood of DC, for their first date. Since then Madison and Carlin have been together for seven years and are planning to tie the knot this fall. Check out their romantic DC engagement session captured by District Photography.

Bride: Madison Savannah Shaw, Therapist / Mental Health Clinician and Cheerleader for the Washington Redskins.

Groom: Carlin Pierre Myrick, Officer in the United States Marine Corps

Place of residence: Silver Spring, Maryland

Engagement Shoot Location: Northwest, Washington, D.C.

Wedding date: 9/25/16

Engagement story:

Carlin proposed to me by pranking me. My friend Ashley called me and said she would be in a movie soon. I was super excited and not surprised at her success since she filmed a movie the year before. She said the movie premise was based off HBCU (Historically Black College and University) life, therefore BET invited her to come to Washington, DC to film her behind the scenes with her college friends. Ashley requested that I not tell anyone until she sent out an email to our sorority sisters. She also requested that I tell Carlin the good news and to ask him to invite his friends because she wanted to have guys there as well. Ashley sends the email and included specific instructions and the location for "behind the scenes " brunch. The day finally comes. Ashley arrived and I am very excited because this movie appears to be the next big thing for her. Ashley advised me to be super cute because BET would want to interview me as her best friend. We arrived at Zengo Restaurant for the brunch. When everyone arrived, Ashley announced that the film crew would be coming soon and she thanked everyone for supporting her career and coming to share this moment. Carlin then requested to speak on Ashley’s accomplishments. Through his speech he then transitioned into how Ashley was the reason we met and thanked her for the introduction. He continues to talk about how we met and how special our relationship has been to him. I started to think, “This is sweet, but what does this have to do with Ashley’s movie?” He then proceeds to ask me to stand up and proposes! There was never a movie, BET never came, and the entire occasion was set up for him to propose!

What was the theme of your shoot?

Carlin and I took our pictures in Northwest, Washington, D.C. in the Woodly Park area. Our shoot was fun, spontaneous and romantic.

Were there any memorable moments during the shoot?

I say the shoot was spontaneous because during the shoot a bystander saw that we were shooting. He offered his home for us to change our clothes when it was time. We took him up on his offer because we needed a place the change. After we changed, the owner of the home and his friend toasted us to our engagement. Needless to say, it prepared us for the second part of our shoot. It was very random but was extremely fun and added a special touch the occasion.

What are you most looking forward to about your wedding?

I am looking forward to seeing the finished product and the reception. I cannot wait for our family and friends to come together! Most of all, I am looking forward to walk down the aisle to see Carlin's reaction.

Have you started planning your wedding?
So far, planning has been pretty seamless. I have found a venue, dress and a florist! It is certainly not easy to plan when you are busy. However, it has been a lot of fun. I would advise when planning to use your resources. There are so many family members and friends that offer their help and services. Take it! I think the best part of a wedding coming together is having people you know and love be a part of the planning process. Also, pick a location that represents both of you as a couple. The venue is everything and will be the central theme of your wedding. Lastly, when planning financially, be realist. This is a very special day; however, do not allow your wedding to be equivalent to student loans. There's not need! There are so many resources and DIY options to help you save.

Congratulations to the happy couple Madison and Carlin! We wish you a wonderful wedding and marriage.

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