Over the past few months, Nikki of Mae B Films and I have gotten to really know and love the Courtney and Donnell and are so excited to share their Central Park New York “True Love Waits” cinematic love story, a photo and film experience of who they are and how they met.
She is my Sweetheart – Peanut Butter – Blipsy – Fiancée Knowles – Tina ReTurner – Wife for Life!
How about them words!?!
After being introduced and set up by a good friend at church, Donnell knew that he’d met his wife Courtney.
He told me, “when I first saw Courtney, I was very nervous. You’re not very optimistic when you think of blind dates.” Then when they finally met, he was like, “WHOA! She’s not just cute, she’s gorgeous. Then I got really nervous. There’s no way she’ll be interested in me. I just moved here.” Donnell had just moved to Washington D.C. 2 weeks prior and was working a lot, so he also wasn’t sure if he’d have enough time. It turned out that, “she was an engineer and she was really smart.”
Courtney had a little different perspective, “Once introduced, I was sizing him up. I thought he was cute, but I’m very analytical. I noticed he had a backpack so I immediately thought that means he doesn’t have a car. I grew up in Ohio where you needed a car to get everywhere. Our meeting was a little awkward,” but still they exchanged business cards.
Donnell didn’t call, so Courtney took charge and called him first. Donnell picked the place: “I picked Paolo’s because it was really nice, and it was close to my job. I wanted a place that was open, airy, classy where we could sit and talk and enjoy sunlight. I didn’t want to take her to a place that I’d never been to.”
Their first date was on Halloween, and it was amazing. They discussed any and everything, topics you’re not supposed to talk about on a first date. Nothing was taboo including their faith and how they had both made a personal decision to stay pure until marriage as a gift to their spouse. It was a very deep conversation. They both went into it very open and then started hanging out. They went out again; every date was great.
They dated for 4 months, but by February, they broke up because they both agreed that they had some unresolved things they needed to work through.
They lost contact for 4.5 years, occasionally bumping into each other and exchanging a few emails. He started seriously dating someone else.
He was always curious about Courtney: where she was, how she was. So after his last relationship ended, he took it upon himself to reach out and apologize for how things ended, but he also wanted to see where her heart was and they ended up talking for 4hrs. They continued to talk and build their friendship until 6 weeks later when they finally met up.
She was a little nervous that she would be taller than him in heels, but over the years, he had grown and was taller than her. They started a long distance relationship commuting back and forth between New York and D.C.
Both her parents had the same birth date and birth year, so Courtney started planning a special surprise celebration in Ohio for their 60th birthday in Cleveland at a French restaurant. After playing games, eating cake and celebrating, it was time to go.
BUT Donnell had one more thing.
For a little over a year, he secretly carried around an exact replica of the engagement ring had Courtney gushed about from a wedding magazine in his pocket until he found and saved enough money to get her the ring he wanted.
“She asks a ton of questions and she’s very smart and perceptive, so I knew I had to do it when she was off.” He had spoken to both parents and they had given him their blessings. He was so nervous and he was going to sing, but he couldn’t remember the words to the song. So he just kept repeating, “just talk to her straight from your heart.” He gave a camera to her best friend and just told her, “when I tell you, hit this button.” But when he friend realized what was happening, she started crying and hit the wrong button, so they have video of the proposal. Her friend when realized what was happening started crying. Son is in video crying what’s wrong. What’s wrong. He got on one knee. It became an engagement celebration also.He got down on 1 knee and proposed. She was so nervous about the party she didn’t pick up the clues he might want to propose. When he did propose, it was beautiful.
When they got married in 2012, their first dance as man and wife was to Luther Vandross’ “Wait for Love.” These days, they still take time to enjoy the scenery in Central Park New York, where they used to go and have sushi when they first started dating.
They both believe that true love waits and saving your heart for one person and waiting until marriage is worth it.
Courtney and Donnell are currently embarking on a new project together as the team behind Mr Baldwin Style, a groom and menswear styling boutique experience. Nikki and I are blessed to have worked with them on a number of different shoots together and highly recommend their services.
Watch Mae B Films Cinematic Love Story film below as Courtney and Donnell share their story and if you’re interested in having us tell your story to share with your family and friends, please reach out to us!
Vendors: Cinematography: Mae B Films Photography: Petronella Photography Makeup: Pat Cameron Makeup
Awww I love this! What a great love story. Great job, ladies!
Makini, hey! Thanks for stopping by & checking it out!!! They were so much fun to shoot. xo P
Donnell you have to know that you are one of my most favorite brothers. I love ya like my mama had you herself. Let me be the first to say how happy we are for you and your awesome wife Courtney! Stacy & I adore you two!
How lucky is Donnell to have you as a brother!!! Thanks for reading. P