The Lucky Lady: Kacey Holland, 27, Speech-Language Pathologist
Her Leading Man: Julian Starks, 27, Budget Analyst
The Big Day: August 2, 2014
Wedding Location: Old Town Alexandria, Virginia
Where and how did you meet your man?
Julian and I both went to school in North Carolina (Julian went to Johnson C. Smith in Charlotte and I went North Carolina A&T in Greensboro). He made a few passes at introducing himself to me on Facebook, but he wasn’t successful at all. Though we both went to school in NC, we ironically didn’t meet until we were both back home on Christmas break. As soon as we laid eyes on each other, things took off from there.
What was your dating life like prior to meeting him?
My past dating life consisted of one long-term relationship. I had a few male friends after that relationship but I was in college and wasn’t focused too much on finding love. That relationship didn’t end so well. However, I am grateful for the lessons learned from that experience.
Were you looking for love at the time?
No, not at all. I was in college and I had just went through a really bad breakup. I was close to giving up on love and had no interest in jumping into another relationship.
What was your first impression of him?
I though Julian was absolute eye candy. I would go through and stalk his Facebook pictures before we met. (He never knew that though!) I have to admit that I didn’t think I was his type. Through pictures he seemed to be some super artistic, philosophical dude with locs and this was long before locs were ever trendy. On the other hand, I was most definitely in my party girl stage, so I thought we were kind of worlds apart.
Did you play hard to get?
Of course! A girl must keep a man on his toes at all times. I would do things like act disinterested in seeing him or not return his compliments when deep down I was falling equally as hard for him. He told me that he loved me long before I admitted my true feelings for him, but that didn’t scare him off. He was still there and really pushing for us to work out.
Was it love at first sight?
I’m kind of embarrassed to admit this, but our first time actually meeting each other was in a club environment. He definitely caught my eye. I knew immediately after meeting him that I would want this guy in my life in some way, and I’m really happy we’re here now.
Weirdest date you’ve ever been on?
The weirdest date would have to be when we went out to eat at a restaurant and our waitress, an older lady, tried to hit on Julian. (Like, seriously tried.) We both laughed it off at first but when the jokes and horrible pick up lines continued it became super awkward. She also thought we were brother and sister so it was definitely an awkward dinner.
What’s the most embarrassing thing that ever happened on a date?
I spilled my drink all over a sheer shirt I was wearing! Luckily, I had a jacket to help cover up the wardrobe malfunction.
What do your friends say about him?
My friends love Julian and they think we are perfect for each other even through the rough times. He has friendships of his own with my friends and I have the same with his friends.
What kind of bride will you be?
One who will enjoy every second of her wedding day. Okay, who am I fooling? I’ll probably be a mess and super anxious that things will go as planned. (Smiles.)
Do you think you’re a bridezilla?
I’m organized and set on what I want, but bridezill? No! My bridal party is already on top of things and I have provided them with the tools to successfully fulfill their roles. Wait, I guess that sounded a little bridezilla-ish, huh? Oops.
Were you nervous about proposing Julian?
Oh man! I was super nervous. It was Kacey’s birthday so we had a big dinner with friends and family planned. I ordered an $80 steak that I didn’t touch. (My stomach was in knots!) I was so fidgety and everyone kept trying to talk to me and I doubt I was really responsive because it felt like I was in a bubble. I had this whole sweepingly romantic speech planned at the end of the dinner, but when I got up to speak, my mind went blank. I took a deep breath and in a super shaky voice I told her how much she meant to me and how blessed I am to have her in my life. As I got down on one knee and fumbled for the ring, I asked her to marry me. I think she said ‘yes’ because I blacked out after that.
How do you think you’ll feel looking into her eyes on your wedding day?
I’m pretty sure I’ll get super mushy and I’ll be fighting back tears. Kacey is my best friend. We have our little disputes (I’m usually wrong but don’t tell her I admitted it. She is the only person on this Earth that understands how I tick and really gets me. I’m so blessed to be able to spend the rest of my life with a person as amazing as she is. You know what? I’ll probably cry like a baby looking into her eyes; she’s my soul mate.