This couple, Shaq and Drew, tops the chart as one of the most chic, stylish and loving couples that we’ve come across.  We expect nothing less from the clients of Personal Bridal Assistant Selina Howard, of Vainglorious Brides.

As we eagerly anticipate Shaq and Drew’s September 2, 2016 nuptials; we are very excited to bring you their engagement shoot captured by Ali Bank.

How we met 

“We met in 2007 at Virginia State University in Foster Hall.  Drew was in his “Super” senior year and I was just a sophomore.  He was into me ever since he laid eyes on me. However, he was graduating and moving back to New Jersey and I would be at school for two more years then moving back to Brooklyn. We didn’t know how we would make it work, but we did! We spent countless hours on the phone, texting and I came home every chance I got!

Drew replied, “I’m just thankful I had to complete an extra year, who would think I would find my future wife while making up classes.”

What we do for fun

“We love traveling! Our goal when we met was to travel every year of our life together and we did! We love experiencing and embracing new cultures, surroundings and most importantly new dishes. Everyone knows how much Drew loves to eat! (lol) We love biking, fishing and going on picnics with our kids (dogs) Mini and Brooklyn. We recently took on a new hobby of playing tennis. We’re so competitive with one another and that’s how we keep it fun and passionate.

Drew replied, “I never let her win unless she’s good enough to beat me…which rarely happens”!

How did you know that Drew was the one?

” I knew! I’ve never met someone that adores me like Drew does. Sometimes I just catch him staring at me in admiration. It’s hard to describe but this man has supported me through every aspect of my life. He is the most genuine and loving man I’ve ever met. When I fell for him, I fell so hard. I never knew I could love someone so deeply with a side of my heart I never knew existed. Anyone that knows Drew, knows how amazing he is. He has a heart made of gold and would do anything for anyone. I truly believe my life began when I met him and I can’t imagine it without him.”

How did you know that Shaq was the one?

I knew Shaq was the one since our VSU days, but waited for the right time to pop the question.  I never met someone I had so much fun with ALL the time. I’m a Gemini, so I get moody sometimes and just want my own space, but not when I’m with her. When she sees me starting to slack off she always pushes me to be better with everything I do. She always makes me feel special, like I’m the greatest guy on the planet and that’s what I love. Every single day she tells me she loves me and I can truly tell by her actions that she really does. I am a Christian and strongly believe that God has a plan for each of us. I’m just happy the plan was for me to be with her.”

The Proposal

It was THE perfect proposal, we were on vacation for Drew’s 30th birthday in St.Maarten. We just came back from spending the day in St.Barths and were headed to a romantic candle light dinner on the beach.

Drew replied, ” I had it all laid out, private butler, 3 course meal, champagne and my beautiful girlfriend. I planned it all out as if it was for my birthday.  Halfway through dinner I told her I had to run to our hotel room because the speed boat earlier didn’t settle with me too well.  It worked (lol)! I came back with the ring in my pocket. I sat normally and we continued with dinner and conversations. The mood was exactly what I planned and imagined. The beach was dark and the only lights were the torches and candlelight. Towards the end of dinner, I opened the self lit box and that was it! The look on her face was priceless and the feeling in my heart was unexplainable.

Something that you may not know about the couple

We’re not a perfect couple but we’re perfect for each other. We’re learning so much from each other, things that can’t be “posted”. We’re learning how important it is to have God in our relationship and our lives. We’re learning how to keep our relationship new, fun and exciting! Most importantly we’re learning how to compromise.

Shaq replied, “People don’t know how much I hate Drew group chatting with his friends and how much I despise football because I get no attention, but I love him so I deal with it”.  A true partnership to us is about devotion and finding the perfect balance.

We’re very excited to share our special day with the people that mean the most to us!!

~Shaq & Drew 9.2.2016

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