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Home · Love & Sex

Just Engaged: RanDee and Mario’s Engagement Story

Mario frequented the same gym where RanDee worked as a personal trainer. Each time she'd walk by, his heart began to race. He made his move and now the happy couple plans to tie the knot this summer on Mario’s birthday. Congrats!
Just Engaged: RanDee and Mario’s Engagement Story
Steven Anderson of Upscale Photography
By Charli Penn · Updated October 27, 2020

The Lucky Lady: RanDee Henry, 31, Program Coordinator

Her Leading Man: Mario Spencer, 40, Production Manager

The Big Day:  July 3, 2014 (The groom’s birthday!)

Wedding Location: Detroit

What was your past dating life like?
I played professional basketball overseas for seven years. Being gone eight months out of the year made it really hard to have a successful relationship. I was so focused on my playing career that I did not want to stop playing basketball just be in a relationship.

What was your first impression of him?
SEXY!!! Mario is really committed to working out, eating healthy and being physically fit. (It totally shows in his amazing physique.)

Did you play hard to get?
Well, not really “hard to get.” I made it clear I was going back overseas to play basketball and if he didn’t like it, then he could stop talking to me now. Needless to say, he was not bothered at all.

Most romantic date ever?
Our first day was very romantic. We went to dinner and a movie, which seems pretty basic, right? But it was so refreshing to sit across from a man that genuinely had concern for me. He made sure I was comfortable, having a good time and took time to get to know me. He seemed very reserve so I was nervous he wouldn’t be any fun boy was I wrong I was happy to learn he was hiding all of his amazing personality.

How did he pop the question?
It was my 30th birthday and I put together a big black tie affair party. All of my friends and family were there. He had quite a few of his friends and family there as well. The night started off great. We all ate, laughed and danced. (Detroiters love to hustle) Well my friend suggest we sing happy birthday and cut the cake. So Mario says he wants to give a toast before we cut the cake. My brother is a DJ and was on the ones and twos. Clearly they had this planned out already because he started playing Maxwell.  Mario gave a speech about how the night was all about me, how he was glad I was home for good. He then hands me the mic and starts whispering to me how he loves me so much and couldn’t think of his life without me. Then he takes the ring out and on his way down asks me to marry him. The crowd went wild! We were bum rushed on the dance floor surrounded by all our friends and family. For about five minutes I didn’t even have the ring on my finger because he did not get a chance to put it on before the rush. Finally my cousin Monique cleared the crowd and let Mario put the ring on my finger. It was very romantic and out of character for him which made it even more special. Watching the video was funny because it looks like an episode of Oprah’s favorite things. ha!

Photos: Steven Anderson of Upscale Photography

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