The Lucky Lady: Shundral Hobson, 31, Attorney
Her Leading Man: Joseph Cole, 31, Engineer
The Big Day: June 7, 2014
Wedding Location: Jackson, Mississippi
How did you meet your man?
Joe and I were introduced by a mutual friend at a party during Capital City Classic weekend (Jackson State University v. Alcorn State University) in Jackson in 2008. At the time, I was living in Jackson and Joe lived two and a half hours away in Gulfport, MS. We exchanged numbers that night, kept in touch and two weeks later Joe came back to Jackson and we had our first date.
What was dating like?
Because it was important to us to be friends first, Joe and I spent the next few months after we met getting to know each other through telephone conversations and weekend visits. On June 7, 2009, we decided to “officially” become a couple and spent the next 3.5 years in a long distance relationship traveling back and forth until I was able to find a job on the coast and move.
What was your past dating life like?
I dated prior to meeting Joe, but never anyone who was as caring and concerned about my well- being as Joe. Tired of just dating, in February 2008, I decided to write down a list of traits that I desired from my future spouse. This list was important to me, so I prayed over it and asked God that His will be done. I then placed that list in my bible and focused my attention on law school graduation and studying for the upcoming Mississippi Bar Exam. Four months after taking the bar exam, I met Joe.
Most romantic date ever?
We went to San Antonio for Joe’s family reunion, which also happened to be around our second anniversary. On one of the nights we were there, we had dinner on the Riverwalk and spent time walking around holding hands and enjoying the scenery. It was a sweet, sweet night.
How did he pop the question?
I always knew that whenever he did propose, it would be with just the two of us because Joe isn’t big on pomp and circumstance; he prefers more intimate, personal settings. He made dinner for us, and after we ate he brought me a glass of my favorite white wine. He sat next to me and literally watched as I took each sip. I didn’t think much of it at the time. By the time I got to the last sip, I picked it up and heard a clinging sound. I looked down into the glass and there was my engagement ring! I’m surprised it took me so long to notice it. A big smile came over my face and Joe proceeded to ask me if I would marry him. Of course I said yes, followed by, “Did you call and ask my Daddy first?” He had. Smiles!