Every Black Southern Belle wants a dream proposal but not many get a wedding on the same day. Today we are featuring a surprise Mills House proposal and a surprise wedding. This South Carolina couple has a true storybook love stoory. They are childhood friends who wed in a beautiful Charleston inspired lowcountry wedding. Get some wedding inspiration from this beautiful couple.
Bride Name: Emmy Amanda Richardson
Groom Name: Quintin Dimitri Collins
Engagement Location: The Mills House Downtown Charleston, SC
Engagement Date: Jan. 29, 2017
Alma Mater of Groom: Pikeville College
Current City where you live: Charleston, SC
Bride Hometown: Huger, SC
Groom Hometown: Wando, SC
Groom Fraternity: Omega Psi Phi
How did you meet?
Wea��ve known each other since we were kids. Graduated from the same High School
How long have you dated?
Wea��ve been really close friends since 2008, but we officially started dating June 11, 2013
How did he propose?
WOW!!! It was all a surprise! He told me two weeks prior that the he was receiving a community award from the City of Charleston. He is a Police Officer for the City of Charleston. I was so extremely proud and excited about him receiving this award. He said it was a black tie event. So thata��s where I thought I was going. We stopped at the Mills House to a�?kill some timea�? and have a drink. He said that he had to give a speech after he gets the award. So as we are sitting in the beautiful court yard he goes a�?Ia��m going to practice my speech so you can hear it. He stood up and begin to tell me how much he loved me and asked me to marry him. But the shocker was after he gave me the ring, he gave me another gift. I opened the box and it was a beautiful cake cutting set. So I asked what this about. Hea��s so unique, He does things his way and always thinks outside of the box so Ia��m thinking a�?Oh God, what is he up to now. So he said this is to cut our wedding cake. Ia��m still puzzled. Then he says a�?If you want to, everything is set up for us to get married today!!! My first response wasa��youa��re jokinga��quit playing. And he goes, Ia��m serious, turn around and look up. And I did!!! All of our family and friends were on the rooftop screaming and looking at us the entire time. I was like the scene from a movie. I cana��t even put into words how magical the moment was.
When did you know he was the one?
I knew I wanted him to be the one when we first started talking back in 2008, but we just werena��t ready at that time. But we kept in touch, kept hanging out and after we started officially dating he made some changes and I could tell he were making them because he was ready for us to really commit to each other. I was ready wayyyy before he was. But it was well worth the wait. He is an amazing man. And no one knows or understands him like I do. People who a�?thinka�? they know him always asks me how do you put up with Quintin? Ita��s because he was created for me. Ia��m the one whoa��s supposed to understand and Love him like no one else could. And that goes both ways. I am the woman who God intended for him to spend his life with. I have no doubts about that.
What is the cutest thing he has done for you without you asking?
Him taking the initiative and planning all of this for me blows me away!! I found out that I was pregnant on April 15th 2016 and my mom passed away on April 29th 2016. So last year was the best and the worst year of my life. I was so sad about losing my mom that I didna��t want a wedding. I told him that I wanted to go to the courthouse and just get it over with. But Ia��m so happy that he felt like I was deserving of such a wonderful gesture. He planned everything perfectly. I wore a black dress because I thought I was going to an awards ceremony. He even purchased me a white dress with all the necessary accessories just in case I didna��t feel comfortable getting married in black. He even had the cross from my necklace that I wear in memory of my mom attached to my bouquet!! He thought of absolutely everything.
What is something you love about him that has completely changed your life?
Quintin motivates me in the greatest way. He pushes me and sometimes I get mad at him for doing it but ita��s always for my good in the end. I always know that he wants the best for me. He wants me to always win. And I absolutely adore him for that.
What part of wedding planning can you not live without?
The fact that I had nothing to do but get glammed up and show up!! Ia��m actually a wedding coordinator and I know how stressful planning a wedding is. He took on all of that stress for me. Amazing!
What was your first thought the day after your engagement?
It still felt like I was in a dream. Not only was I engaged but I was also married. All in one day. And it was amazing.
What did you love about taking engagement pictures?
Our Photographer was awesome. He took soooo many pictures! Hea��s one of the best in our city.
Are you used to the ring yet?
Not yet. I check my finger at least 20 time a day!!
How many times do you accidentally say girlfriend instead of fiancA� in a day?
I actually havena��t. I purposely say a�?wifea�? even at times when ita��s not even necessary. LOL
Images by Jason Cordes Photography
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Michiel is a Black Southern Belle living a lowcountry life. I love all things fashion, home decor and southern! When I am not running around doing fun stuff for Black Southern Belle, I live in antique stores and have a minor obsession with historic homes :)
