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FIANCÉE: Chineze Butler, 43, Online Business Manager, Home Town: Tallahassee, Flordia
FIANCÉE: Natasia Kelly, 45, Information Technology, Home Town: Providence, Rhode Island
CURRENT RESIDENCE: Richmond, Virginia
DATE: September 18, 2022
LOCATION:
Engagement Photos: Maymont, Richmond, Virginia
Engagement Party: Private Residence, Henrico, Virginia
Proposal: National Harbor, Baltimore, Maryland
LOVE STORY
Chineze and Natasia’s love story is like something out of a fairytale! It all started with a little spark on social media way back in 2012. But it wasn’t until the enchanting summer of 2019 that they finally found their way to each other. Their journey is genuinely one-of-a-kind and incredibly heartwarming. It all began with a simple comment that Natasia left on one of Chineze’s Facebook posts.
Chineze, a vibrant Florida native, and Natasia, hailing from the charming city of Richmond, had the most serendipitous virtual rendezvouses. Their connection was magical, bringing together two souls from different parts of the country. Their digital dates were filled with lively games of 21 questions over FaceTime and they even shared virtual dinner dates. Every interaction brought them closer together. Natasia’s thoughtful surprise of using Doordash to send dinners from her favorite Richmond restaurant to Chineze in Florida created unforgettable moments and strengthened their bond. Their journey is truly a testament to the power of virtual connections.
Their relationship blossomed as they dove headfirst into spontaneous adventures, journeying from the sun-soaked beaches of Florida to the historic streets of Richmond, crafting memories that would stand the test of time. Reflecting on their initial date, Natasia fondly reminisced, “It was such a thrill! We hopped on a trolley to explore Washington and then wandered through the fascinating exhibits at the African American Museum.”
The following day, Chineze and Natasia set off for Luray Caverns, another trip just a few hours outside of Richmond. Along the journey, they discovered their shared love for exploration and learning. After their captivating tour of the caverns, Natasia surprised Chineze with a black box and asked, “Will you be my girlfriend?” Inside the box was a white bracelet with a black bead, matching the one Natasia wore, except her bracelet was black with a white bead. Natasia explained, “These bracelets symbolized that even when we’re apart, we’re always together.” The white bead represented Chineze and the black bead represented Natasia. Remarkably, they still wear these bracelets 5 years later.
As their relationship blossomed, Chineze and Natasia discovered a deep connection through their shared interests. Natasia bravely uttered the words “I love you” first and Chineze’s heartfelt response sealed their love. By the spring of 2020, they knew they couldn’t be apart any longer and Chineze made the bold move to Richmond for love. Over the following three years, they delved deeper into their shared interests and dreams, solidifying their connection and creating a bond built on mutual understanding and respect.
PROPOSAL
In the fall of 2022, Natasia proposed to Chineze at the National Harbor in Baltimore. Chineze’s sorority sisters orchestrated a surprise early birthday dinner, keeping her occupied. At the same time, Natasia and Chineze’s daughter, Arielle, decorated a particular area by the water with flower petals and “Marry Me” letters. Natasia presented Chineze with a stunning princess-cut, rose gold, 1-carat diamond ring as a token of her love.
Chineze looked absolutely stunning in a chic black and cream-colored dress from Fashion Nova, which she paired with elegant heels from DSW. And Natasia rocked a stylish salmon-colored button-up shirt with a sleek black vest and pants from Macy’s.
ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS
Chineze and Natasia’s engagement photoshoot at Maymont was absolutely breathtaking! Their love for nature truly shone through in the stunning park backdrop. They effortlessly showcased two distinct looks, each capturing their unique style and personalities.
The first look was an absolute showstopper! Natasia was the epitome of sophistication and elegance in a stunning white suit jacket, complemented by a vibrant red shirt and a sleek grey vest. Meanwhile, Chineze turned heads in a breathtaking red dress that perfectly accentuated her beauty. To top it off, they posed with Natasia’s eye-catching red Ford Mustang, adding an extra touch of glamour to the scene. The elegant outfits against the park’s natural beauty backdrop created truly unforgettable photos that captured the essence of the moment.
For their casual look, they opted for cozy and stylish outfits that blended seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Chineze looked fabulous in her trendy jeans, a vibrant orange sweater from Shein and stylish boots from Amazon. Natasia looked effortlessly cool in a white sweater from Men’s Wearhouse, jeans from Levis and Timberland boots. Combining their outfits with the park’s beauty created a magical and memorable engagement photo session.
ENGAGEMENT PARTY
In the spring of 2023, the couple pulled out all the stops for their engagement celebration weekend! It started with a fantastic birthday bash for Natasia on Friday and a charming proposal brunch the next day. The engagement cocktail party occurred at a breathtaking VRBO rental in Henrico, Virginia. Family members from Florida, Rhode Island and Tennessee gathered to honor the couple’s love story. Laughter, love and a few tears of joy filled the air as everyone raised their glasses to toast the couple’s bright future.
This time, Chineze wore a gorgeous green satin dress paired with elegant nude shoes from Shein. Meanwhile, Natasia rocked a stylish green suit from Opposuits, perfectly complemented by a crisp white shirt and a dashing burnt orange tie from Macy’s. It was a night of fashion and fun!
ADVICE
Chineze and Natasia emphasized prioritizing each other in their wedding planning and always remembering their vision for their special day. They stressed the significance of staying focused on the event’s true purpose: to marry their best friend. This advice is essential amid the stress and chaos often accompanying wedding planning and can help couples stay grounded and connected during this exciting time.
WEDDING PLANS
Chineze and Natasia’s love story reached a beautiful milestone as they exchanged vows on a crisp autumn day, October 11, 2024, at the enchanting Antebellum of New Kent, in Providence Forge, Virginia.
VENDORS
VENUE:
Photo Session: Maymont
https://www.instagram.com/maymont
Homepage
Proposal: National Harbor
https://www.instagram.com/NationalHarbor
https://www.nationalharbor.com
Proposal Brunch/Cocktail Party: VRBO http://vbro
PHOTOGRAPHER: VBS Media Creations
https://www.facebook.com/share/BfAYxAxxKwYf7wSD/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
RING: Jared http://jaredthegalleriaofjewelry
JEWELRY:
Pandora pandora
ATTIRE:
Rebdolls – @rebdolls
Fashion Nova – @fashionnovacurve
Macy’s – @Macys
Shein – @Shein
Men’s Wearhouse – @menswearhouse
Levis – @levis
Timberland – @timerland
OppoSuits – @opposuits
Wedding Venue: Antebellum of New Kent:
https://www.instagram.com/antebellumofnewkent
https://antebellumofnewkent.com
If you are planning a wedding in Roanoke, Richmond, Fredericksburg/Northern Virginia, The Shenandoah Valley, Coastal Virginia, or Charlottesville/ Lynchburg, Virginia, we can help with your wedding planning and ideas.
