Real Weddings {Houston}: Shanika & Corey! – Blackbride.com

Shanika and Corey unofficially met at a local grocery store in 2006. "We would run into each other and speak all of the time at the local grocery store," said Shanika. After a good year of "hi and bye's" Corey officially introduced himself and the courtship began. The two became a couple in 2007. On their relationship began, Shanika and Corey discovered that they both attended the same university and knew a lot of the same people. The two celebrated their union with an outdoor wedding at the Sweetwater Country Club in Sugarland, TX. Check out their special day captured by Rodrick Conner of Epic Photo Images and Layla Zakaria of LZ Moments Photography .

Bride: Shanika Clay, 32, Project manager.

Groom: Corey Clay, 31, Locomotive Engineer.

Place of residence: Houston, TX

Wedding date: 10/19/14

Wedding location: Sweetwater Country Club in Sugarland, TX

Wedding theme: Midnight Blue, Ivory and Silver

Honeymoon Destination: Punta Cana

Engagement story:

Corey proposed on Christmas day 2013. He planned everything out to make sure I was surprised and he succeeded. As a tradition we always open our gifts on Christmas Eve at midnight. I have to be honest, I was expecting a proposal. They made me wait to open my gifts last so I was REALLY expecting something BIG. I open all of my gifts and that was it. No proposal. Everyone moved right along so I knew I had my hopes up for nothing. The next morning some of my friends began to come over to visit because we had to leave town that afternoon. We were in the living room talking, laughing and discussing our Christmas Day plans. My Mother walked in and said "It's time for the big gift." I turn around to find Corey walking towards me with a ring box. He gets down on bending knee and asked me "Will you marry me". I cried for a good minute before I answered "Of course I will marry you!" I couldn't believe it. A proposal was the furthest thing from my mind because I had such high hopes the night before and nothing happened. Turns out, he invited my friends to witness the proposal.

From the Groom: 

The day of the wedding for me was very enjoyable. It started with a trip to the barbershop with my cousin and some of my groomsmen. At the barbershop I was caught in a moment of memories, reminiscing of good times I shared with my wife to be. After the barbershop trip was done it was off to the venue and that’s where a lot of laughter and good fun was created with my wedding party and strangers also. The experience of the whole day still gives me a feeling that could never be topped by anything else.

From the Bride: 

I woke up the morning of our wedding feeling calm and peaceful. I prayed and meditated before getting out of bed. I had the best wedding day of coordinator (Jackea Lily) and she made sure I didn’t have to worry about anything but sitting pretty while getting my hair and makeup done. Right before the ceremony my bridesmaids and I joined hands for prayer. Immediately after the prayer it hit me that I was about to get married and I began to cry tears of joy. One of my favorite moments was watching the ceremony space before I walked out. That experience was like watching a dream come to life. Everything was perfect from start to finish.

Your best/most memorable moment:

There were 2 most memorable moments. The most memorable moment from the ceremony was the long walk down the aisle. I was able to savor the moment and really take it all in. Seeing the look on Corey’s face as he watched me come down gave me joy. The second most memorable moment was the toast during the reception. The Matron of Honor had me in tears with her heart felt toast and the Best Man closed it out and had everyone laughing. It was the perfect balance.

What are you most looking forward to as a married couple?

We are looking forward to many more shared experiences together. Sharing accomplishments, traveling and expanding our family.

Advice for a Bride/Groom on their wedding day:

Relax so that you are able to enjoy the entire experience. It will go by so fast so be sure to take in all in. Have fun and enjoy each other.

Congratulations to Shanika and Corey! We wish you many more years of wedded bliss.

Vendors:

Photographers: Rodrick Conner of Epic Photo Images and

Layla Zakaria of LZ Moments Photography .

Ceremony & reception location: Sweetwater Country Club

Bridal gown: Galina Signature, David’s Bridal

Bridal party attire: White by Vera Wang, David’s Bridal

Groom’s tux: Vera Wang, Men’s Warehouse