Groom: James Emanuel, 28
Occupations: Aretha, paralegal; James, network engineer
Married Since: May 30, 2011
Wedding Location: Oheka Castle – Huntington, N.Y.
The Perfect Equation
Aretha and James met in Trigonometry class during their sophomore year of high school in 1998. She had eyes for another guy, but James was looking at her. They decided to take the friendship route, but little did they know it would only be a temporary detour. Three years later, Aretha realized James was much more than just a friend to her, so this time around she pursued him.
“I started to come around,” recalls Aretha. “So I had to go after him.”
It’s a good thing she did. They were destined to be together. Their beautiful friendship had blossomed into something bigger than both of them — true love.
Luck Be a Lady
Aretha and James dated for ten years before he popped the question. She says she was waiting “patiently” but was more than ready to become his wife. The couple took a romantic trip to Las Vegas to get away from it all. One evening they went out for what Aretha thought would be just a romantic dinner for two, but James had lots more on the menu for her that night.
“When we returned to the room I opened the door and noticed flower petals on the floor from the doorway to the bedroom area, Aretha says. “There were flowers on the bed made into the shape of a heart. I started to get the drift.”
James handed her their video camera and asked her to watch along. On the tape were well wishes from all their friends and family congratulating them on their big engagement.
“After watching all the clips he got down on one knee and asked for my hand in marriage,” Aretha joyously recalls.
Aretha said yes before he could even finish. So in love, the pair planned a stunning castle wedding for 240 cherished guests. Share their love!