The Lucky Lady: Raven Moore, 27, Human Resources Specialist
Her Leading Man: Tracy McQueen Jr., 27, Engineer
The Big Day: May 24, 2014
Wedding Location: Hanover, MD
How did you meet your man?
I traveled to Miami for Memorial Day weekend with my line sister. While we were eating dinner outside, my line sister noticed two guys pull up on motorcycles and decided to go ask one of them if she could take a picture on the bike. I decided to go with her. After we took our pictures, she started to chat it up with the friendly biker, leaving me standing there alone. I noticed the other biker was sort of staring at me, so my liquid courage led me to boldly walk up to him. We chatted it up about the usual stuff and the four of us made plans to meet up later that evening. Tracy and I ended up on the beach. We literally stayed there all night until the sun rose talking about everything that we could possibly think of, and we hung out together for the remainder of the trip. When it was time to go home, I was actually sad, because he lived in Atlanta and I lived in DC. When I got home, we still kept in contact, and our texts turned into daily conversations, which then turned into weekend trips to visit each other.
What was your first impression of him?
I thought he was so cute…..and country. (Laughs!)
Were you looking for love at the time?
Absolutely not. It was Memorial Day Weekend!
Did you know she was ‘The One’ right away?
It was love at first sight, and I swear, I knew her in another life because we have so much in common. It was totally unexpected, and that’s what makes it special.
Was it the same for you, Raven?
I don’t want to admit it, but yes. I kept squealing every time someone brought his name up.
Describe your most romantic date ever.
This year for Valentine’s Day he played delivery man and surprised me at my job with roses. When I got home, instead of taking me out to dinner, he went to a couple of my favorite restaurants and got my favorite dishes. He set up the house with candles and music and acted as my waiter and even rented a masseuse table to give me a massage. It was perfect.
Weirdest date you’ve ever been on?
We went to a fight party at one of our good friend’s house and in walked Tracy’s ex. She was another mutual friend’s date. We ended up laughing about it afterward, but can you say awkward?
What’s the most embarrassing thing that ever happened on a date?
On our first date, I lost a bet. He actually made me open all the car and restaurant doors for him the whole night.
What’s the sweetest thing he’s ever done for you?
After he proposed to me, I thought that was it. However, when we checked into the hotel and I walked into the room I was shocked to see that he got us a penthouse suite for the remainder of the weekend. When I walked inside my jaw dropped. He worked closely with the concierge to make sure the room was decked out with all my favorites. There were rose petals, candles, wine, pictures of us, flower arrangements and red velvet cupcakes everywhere. It was definitely something I’ll never forget.
How did he pop the question?
We took a quick vacation to the Bahamas and decided to hang out in Miami for a couple of days after we returned. We went to eat on the same patio at TGIFridays where we met. We stood up to have the manager take a picture of us and all of a sudden a man comes out of nowhere with a video camera. I looked around and didn’t have a clue what was going on. The manager took our picture and Tracy says, “Wait there’s something else.” He then dropped down on bended knee. I honestly don’t remember anything he said because I was so shocked. I looked up and the entire restaurant, wait staff included, was in tears too. It was really special!
What was really going through your mind as he proposed?
Where did he hide the ring from me this whole trip?
What are you most looking forward to about marriage?
Getting to spend the rest of my life with the man who I know loves me unconditionally.