Give us the proposal details! When? Where? How?
Justin proposed a week before their seven-year dating anniversary. Justin invited Monique to take a walk with their dog, Madison, to Kingman and Heritage Islands, a nature preserve near their condo. Once they got to a landing on a bridge over the Anacostia River, Justin asked Monique to spend the rest of her life with him! Little did Monique know that their friends, including two of Justin’s soon-to-be groomsmen, were hiding in the crowds secretly taking pictures and a video of the proposal. Monique cried (of course) and said, “Yes!” Justin chose Kingman and Heritage Islands as the proposal spot because he wanted to be able to include Madison and have it be at a location that he and Monique could go back to year after year.
“…under all of the wedding plans, the most important thing is that I get to marry my best friend.”
Some funny outtakes from the proposal: Justin planned a meeting with his friends to go over proposal plans the day before. Justin accidentally texted the wrong group chat (one that Monique was included in) with the time and location of the meet-up. Luckily, Monique had no idea, and just thought Justin was being weird! Also, on the day of the proposal, Justin had to stall/ delay the walk because their friends got lost heading to the proposal spot! He told Monique he had an upset stomach, but really he was pacing in the bathroom waiting to see our friends in their “go place” on the Findmyfriends app. Monique had no idea until they were having a celebratory lunch later that day and asked if Justin was feeling better, where he replied he never felt bad in the first place.
Laurentina Photography
What has been your favorite experience planning the wedding?
I have loved the entire wedding planning process! I’ve leaned on my family to help provide guidance on areas of the planning process that I don’t know, and because of this, I have been able to hear so many stories of their engagements and weddings! It has been lovely getting to hear all the stories and connect on a new level with my family and future family!
How do you stay sane under the pressures of wedding planning?
If something is particularly stressful about the wedding planning process, the best thing for me is to talk it out with Justin! As soon as we start talking, I am reminded that under all of the wedding plans, the most important thing is that I get to marry my best friend. Everything else gets a little less stressful when I put it all into perspective.
Laurentina Photography
What is your favorite part of using Joy for your wedding?
The website is so beautiful. I love how much customization you can do with the website and RSVP section. I also love that there is a website template that is very photo-heavy. It’s the perfect way to show our relationship and give information to our wedding attendees! I spent a long time researching the best wedding websites and their functionality. The beautiful design of Joy truly won over the others!
What piece of advice would you give couples to ensure that they use Joy to its fullest potential?
We love the tidbits and photo gallery sections! It’s such a great way for your guests to understand the love that you and your fiance share. I think all couples should build those pages out to the fullest extent!
Laurentina Photography
At Joy we believe that even though a wedding lasts a day, joy lasts forever. What does that mean to you?
Throughout the planning, remember all of the happy moments. That is what you will take with you into your new marriage! After the planning, the stress of choosing flower arrangements, and wondering if the cake should be three tiers or four, it’s just you and your fiance and the wonderful life you get to build together.
