Check out this adorable Alabama couple’s HBCU love story. There is nothing better than sharing a great southern love story and we are honored to share this one.
Bride Name:
Chelcie O’Neal
Groom Name:
Joseph Edwards
Engagement Location:
Mobile, Alabama
Engagement Date:
December 19, 2015
Alma Mater of Bride:
Alabama State University
Alma Mater of Groom:
Alabama State University
Current City where you live:
Atlanta, GA will relocate to Honolulu, Hawaii
Bride Hometown:
Atlanta, Georgia
Groom Hometown:
Mobile, Alabama
Groom Fraternity:
Omega Psi Phi
How did you meet?
Joseph and I met at Alabama State University our Freshman Year of College.
How long have you dated?
This is actually funny! Joe and I dated our entire freshman year. Joe also broke up with me that summer of 2007 in the cafeteria but he claims he doesn’t remember of course lol. Crazy thing is we’ve always remained friends with each other hiding it from our previous college relationships. We actually reconnected relationship wise in November at our school’s annual Turkey Day. Since then we have been dating for two years.
How did he propose?
My proposal was simply AMAZING! My fiancé is in the service (Navy), so I thought this was a Welcome Home/Going Away Party because he would be living in Hawaii for his duty station. To my surprise it was MY SURPRISE ENGAGEMENT PARTY ! Joseph had told my family months prior that he was going to pop the question in his hometown of Mobile, Alabama. Everyone knew about it besides me because he even sent the pictures of him at the store to my friends back in my home town of Atlanta, Georgia. That night was simply one I will always remember because Joseph is very romantic and I am very noisy when it comes to matters like this. My family came down and I was still thrown off because I’d given Joe a surprise birthday party earlier that year and they came to Montgomery, Alabama for that. Joe decided to have the party at his parents in Mobile so I was completely thrown off by that as well. After dinner Joe called everyone in the living room for a toast, he began thanking everyone for coming and acknowledging me last explaining how much he loves me, I began crying just the thought of him leaving was bothering me but he began to get on one knee and PROPOSE! I was so shocked and all I can do was cry! I just remember saying so this is for me? Everyone started laughing. I can truly thank this man for loving me and making me the happiest woman in the world. I love you Mr. Joseph Edwards.
When did you know he was the one?
I actually knew Joe was the one when we were younger but I never said anything because I didn’t want to give my hopes up although he said when we were 18 “He was going to marry me”. No one has ever treated me like he has
What is the cutest thing he has done for you without you asking?
Joe is pretty romantic but one day he called me when he was on his way to the gym and told me to look in our mailbox, I asked “Why?” he claimed he was looking for a letter so I went outside to go look and he had went to the store and bought me some perfume I’d had been begging him for. It was wrapped up in pretty paper and boy I called him instantly screaming “THANK YOU!”
What is something you love about him that has completely changed your life?
Joe’s outlook on life my fiancé is a grounded guy and, he has really changed me from the girl I used to be to the woman I needed to be for him and that’s why he put a RING ON IT! lol
What part of wedding planning is making you crazy?
LOCATION !!! Since we will be living in Hawaii it’s so hard to choose a location where our family and friends can really come out and share our love. We would honestly love Hawaii but the flights are really expensive that could deter our loved ones from coming.
What part of wedding planning can you not live without?
My GROOM. 🙂
What was your first thought the day after your engagement?
I honestly had so many but I thought “Wow I’m finally engaged!” I knew it was coming.
What did you love about taking engagement pictures?
We haven’t taken them just yet. We will be taken ours once I move over to Hawaii with him which will either be in May or June of this year.
Who did you tell first about your engagement?
My mom, since she is deceased, but I knew she was there the entire time.
Are you used to the ring yet?
Honey YES I am used to the ring!
How many times do you accidentally say girlfriend instead of fiancé in a day?
Hmm, I never say “girlfriend” anymore !
Images: Please provide 15-25 images of your engagement photo shoot. Not all images may be used in the post but we want to make sure we include favorites from your selection.
Photography Dontrell Edwards
Comments
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 :)
Congratulations!!!! I am so happy for you all. There is nothing like that ASU love. My husband and I are 13 years strong in love.
Beautiful story congratulations