Before sharing my wedding day photos on my blog, I thought I would start with my engagement. I know there probably aren’t many men out there who are tuning into this blog right now, but for those who are, let me tell you that if you are preparing to ask the woman of your dreams to marry you, you have to make it special and it must come from the heart. My husband personally called my close friends and family and invited them to Fleming’s for our proposal. He flew into town the day before the proposal and met with the staff at Fleming’s to ensure everything would be ready for the special day. I was totally oblivious.
My engagement story is a pretty long, funny story, so I won’t get into the details. Short version: One of my best friends invited me to dinner at Fleming’s Steak House. Once we arrived at the restaurant, we were taken to a private room, which was odd to me. When we opened the door, I heard, “Surprise!”
I saw my college roommate and several of my close friends, but when I saw my mom and dad, I began to cry because they lived out of state and I had not seen them in months. For those who know the story, I was really confused because I had no idea what was going on and I was not anticipating a proposal that night. I turned around and my fiance’ was sitting in the corner of the room. At that moment, I knew this was it, so I yelled excitedly, “You’re about to propose!!!!!!” The room filled with laughter, and he guided me to a seat in the middle of the room and got down on bended knee.
I’m so excited I wore this particular outfit. This is a great example of the reason you should always look your best. Looking good can mean cute jeans and a baby tee, or a pencil skirt, button down shirt, and hot pumps, depending on the occasion. This skirt is my favorite. The shredded, lightweight silk makes it so feminine and perfect for an evening out. Skirt and cardigan (JCrew), v-neck tee (Banana Republic), necklace and link bracelet (Arden B), pumps (BCBG).
He began to read excerpts from Proverbs 31, and then he pulled out the blue box. At that point, time literally stood still, and I don’t remember anything except taking the blue box, unwrapping it and placing the ring on my own finger. I don’t even remember saying, “Yes.” It’s all a blur. As a result of the blue box, my proposal pictures went from sweet and innocent to this:
For those who are expecting a ring in the near future, please try to stay calm and composed for your pictures. You cannot reverse time, and any pictures taken will remain with you forever. The night was beautiful, the food was excellent, and I am so grateful we were able to share this moment with our family and friends. Next post… “I do.”
Thank you for sharing. When my time comes I will most definitely remember these pictures and maintain my composure.
Shayla,
I absolutely love that skirt. I looked for it on JCrew.com and could not find it. Do you know if it’s still available?
It is not going to be on their website because it is from their 2010 Spring/Summer collection. I purchased it in January of 2010. They no longer sell this skirt. Sorry.
Love the photos!
These pics are priceless!
I was fortunate to have been one of the guests and I can tell you this: I’ve never seen a fiance soooo tickled by his fiancee’s reaction to receiving a proposal (actually, the Ring). I’m sure his face hurt from smiling so hard by the end of the evening. Shayla looked so cute in her silky swingy skirt! She was truly ready for this, or any other, special occasion in that pretty outfit!
Shayla, first of all, I thought you were in a wedding dress modeling shoot. Then I realized those were your actual wedding photos. You looked spectacular in that dress!!! I loved it! ABSOULUTELY stunning!
I think you were trying to reply to “I do,” which includes my wedding photos, but no, it wasn’t a modeling photo shoot. I was actually goofing around when I took that first pic on the “I do” post. I kept yelling, “Get this, Justine. What about this? Shoot this.” And my photographer just kept shooting. That was one of the pics that came out as a result. It is one of my favorite pics.
Your reaction was priceless 🙂 I absolutely LOVED your skirt because it was so soft and romantic. Do you think it would be cute to pair a soft piece like your skirt with edgier clothes and accessories? Because as much as I like soft feminine pieces I’m looking to take more risks with my wardrobe. Any suggestions?
Absolutely! Go for the ruffled skirt with the bomber jacket or the lace skirt with a sexy cropped military jacket. Be yourself and create your own style, which will make your style fun instead of difficult and rehearsed.
Hi Mrs.Shayla Jay..From the I Do to The Challenge…All of it was very beautiful….I wish you the best with your success and May God Bless You…
I think you have one of the cutest proposal stories I’ve heard. I love that last picture on the proposal cause it clearly said, “Thank you Lord!!” ILol!! ‘m sure Mathis was indeed tickled cause he could see how happy you were and I’m sure that mad him equaly happy! You’re right, it pays to always stay looking great and ready for anything!!
Shayla, The proposal pics were wonderful, the story, definitely to be rememberd by all who partake in your blog. Your last pic…,head thrown back, mouth opened, PRICELESS!!! I didn’t have to be there to enjoy the moments. Your Wedding photos were beautiful! I love the way you think…,doing it your way, a girl after my own heart. I think that thought process keeps you happy in life. What I am really enjoying about your blog, & all the photos is, you know how people say of an event, “you would have had to be there”? Well your stories along with your pics bring life & imagination to each, I really feel like whereever you were, I was there. Your candid comments, humor, & transparency all draw the reader into the beauty of where you are! I have cracked up laughing, sighed, awwwwwd, & even teared…,keep making it real lady!
Thank you so much Arlette! I will continue to do my best.
Shaylajay,
Thanks for sharing your proposal pictures, it brought tears of happiness to my eyes! I loved that ruffle skirt, the black & white jacket with the black blouse gives a truly elegant look. Your accessories were simple and complimented the entire outfit especially the skirt. I agree that you should always look your best at all times, as you never know what wonderful surprises God has in store for you! Again, this outfit is elegant, simple and classy! I love it! Thank you for your fashion ideas! I can’t wait to see what’s next.
Hello Shayla,
What a delight to meet you, thank you for turning me on to your blog! I love your fresh style and authentic approach. And I am 100% with you on expressing your gratitude each and every day for all the love and beauty in our lives! Thanks for sharing your talents and perspective, you are fabulous!
I’m lovin the blog. Thanks for sharing such beautiful and special moments. I want you to know I cried reading your engagement story. Lol I thought those type of stories only happened on the young & the restless. Keep up the good work.
I enjoyed reading the courtship/proposal/engagement story. When Aven first told me of your engagement and directed me to your engagement page your story blew my mind. I stand firm that it is soooooooooooooooo IMPORTANT to “WAIT ON GOD” God sent you exactly what u NEEDED and DESERVED and that def inspiring.. Iam soooooooo happy you are blogging and sharing with us. LOVED the wedding dress and everything.. and Iam NOT surprised that u had it at the Ritz, I totally remember that being one of your fav spots in Neworleans, may God Bless your marriage..
oh one more thing LOVED the entire outfits, I saw those outfits and def knew either Jcrew or BR those are my spots….. so well put together