The Lucky Lady: Jewanna Porter, 28, Public Relations Contractor
Her Leading Man:Pierre Gaither, 29, Operations Manager for Community Development Corporation
The Big Day: October 5, 2013
Where and how did you meet your man? I met Pierre at Clark Atlanta University my first year of graduate school. We were in the same program.
Were you looking for love at the time?
Not at all, but once I got to know him, I knew that he was right for me.
What was his first impression of you?
I was bad-mouthing Morehouse College men saying they were conceited and arrogant, and he was a Morehouse man, but I didn’t know at the time. So, I don’t think he thought very highly of me initially. (Laughs!)
Did you play hard to get?
I actually didn’t. Our first date, I stood him up, so he decided to leave me alone. After he would not pay me any attention, I began to court him.
Describe your most romantic date ever.
When we were in the Cayman Islands, we went swimming with friendly stingrays and kissed one for seven years good luck.
Did you have a hunch he was going to propose?
I thought so, but the occasions I thought it was going to happen on, like our fourth anniversary and my birthday, all came and left, so I was getting frustrated. I was definitely surprised the day he did it.
How did he pop the question?
It was my 27th birthday and we were on our way out to my birthday dinner. I thought this could be the time he finally proposed after five years of going steady, but soon the dinner was over and we were on our way home for the evening. When I walked into his place, which was in its normal condition only two hours prior, I saw rose petals all over the floor, our photos all around the living room, a chocolate covered strawberries and champagne set at the kitchen table and a dressed chair for me to sit in. Pierre got down on one knee and proposed. I was definitely surprised and screamed yes before he could even finish asking.
What was really going through your mind as he proposed?
Where is the ring? (Laughs) He had it hidden behind a picture frame at the table next to where he proposed to me, so he was on one knee without a ring.
What are you most looking forward to about marriage?
The lifetime commitment, helping him achieve his dreams and starting a family.