The Lucky Lady: Koryn Gadsden, 31, Media Content Librarian at TV One
Her Leading Man: Joel Shuler, 34, Asst. EMSEC Manager
The Big Day: December 1st, 2012
Where and how did you meet your man?
I met Joel while vacationing in Puerto Rico with my two best friends (Cassandra and Glenda). It was a Friday night, and we decided to go dancing at El San Juan, which is where we met Joel and his friend Cliff, who had also ventured to El San Juan to hang out while on vacation.
Was it love at first sight?
No, actually. Since we were both on vacation with our separate friends, I never even imagined I would see him again. He definitely stood out amongst the crowd though.
How long did you date before you got engaged?
About five months, officially.
At what moment did you know he was The One for you?
I really believe I knew on our first date. Joel is originally from Florida but he was in the Maryland area for the weekend, preparing to move here for his new job, and we decided to meet up that Friday night. It was the first time I’d seen him since Puerto Rico, and we just sat outside and talked for hours, it seemed. I’ll never forget that feeling I had afterward, when we hugged and went our separate ways. I knew immediately he was someone special.
What’s the sweetest thing he’s ever done for you?
It would have to be the day he took off work to go to the dentist with me. I had to have a tooth extraction procedure done, which caused my face to be slightly swollen for a few hours. I, of course, didn’t want him to see me in that state, but he insisted on being there with me, kissed my slightly swollen face and took care of me for the rest of the day.
How did he pop the question?
I knew a proposal would be coming soon, as we talked about our future often. A month prior, he asked me if it would be ok for him to set up a three-way phone conversation with my parents so he could ask for their blessing in marriage. One day he told me he’d have a surprise for me around New Years. On New Years’ Day we went to lunch at Unos, which was coincidentally, the same area where we had our first date. After we left Unos, we headed over to a nearby movie theatre. He stopped me along the way and said he wanted me to sit down because he had a confession to make. It was then that he told me that he made up an excuse to get me to the same area where we spent our first date. He dropped down on one knee, said some of the most beautiful things about me and ‘us’ and he proposed.
Who would you cast to play your future hubby in a movie?
Will Smith – no question! Will is his favorite actor, and he’s witty, charming and romantic – just like my Joel.
Second to his heart, what’s the other sexiest part of his body?
I’d have to say his face, specifically his facial expression whenever he looks at me! He also has a phenomenal athletic physique …sorry, it’s hard to limit to one part!
Photos: Keith Cephus Photography