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Well Friends, it’s finally here! Wedding Week Countdown. We are sooooo excited about the nuptials of these two love birds and we will witness this blessed day on Friday. This romantic journey started almost two years ago when Kim and Joel were introduced to each other by mutual friends. They had met once before but it was a short introduction. They would come to know later that they grew up less than 20 minutes apart. Fast forward… six months later. Kim and her beau boarded a plane to Mexico to celebrate her 30th birthday. Joel, her hubby “to be” had secretly planned to pop the big question that every girl hopes for, especially on her 30th birthday.

They both have their own stories of the proposal and I thought I’d share their take on how it all went down.
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Long story short…
June 10, 2015 I was super excited! Myself, Joel, and few of my closest friends were headed to Cancun to celebrate my 30th birthday. After a school year jammed packed with lesson plans, games, tournaments, and track meets, a summer vacation was much welcomed.

Joel and I boarded a plane to Mexico and left work behind. We arrived in Cancun and began enjoying the festivities. We caught up with all of my friends at a Sports Bar to kick the evening off right!

As we were all watching the NBA playoff action, Joel pulled me to the side to tell me he had a “bone to pick with me.” My thoughts were, “ You wait until we get all the way to Cancun on our first day of vacation to tell me you need to talk to me?…no sir.” Of course my response was, “Whatever it is, it can wait.” Joel told me it couldn’t wait.

He escorted me outside away from everyone and continued to tell me that the bone he needed to pick with me was…that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me. Taken completely by surprise, overwhelmed with joy, the tears began to fall. His response…”I hope that’s a yes!” I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday gift!!! #TeamArmstrong
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#mensweddingattire
Long story short…
Sometime around January 2015, we decided to book a trip to Cancun for Kimberly’s dirty thirty. Although we were early in our relationship, I already knew she was the one for me. I said “Self, what better way to blow her mind than to top off her 30th with a ring?” It was too good of an opportunity to let pass.

I allowed our relationship to progress a few more months before I revisited the idea. I was convinced. Once my mind was made up, to Kay’s I went to pick out the ring. At times, Kimberly would comment on other women’s rings. “That ring is too big…..or that ring looks too plain.” I listen to her even though I usually act like I don’t. With the accumulation of clues and hints, I picked out the perfect ring (at least I hoped at the time).

Fast forward to Cancun…I came in with no game plan so I just freestyled it and waited until the time was right. I know I wanted to do it early in the trip because the ring was burning a hole in my bag. All of us were in the sports bar watching the game when I felt the urge. The night was set. I looked outside….no one was by the pool. The moonlight sparkled and danced on top of the endless pool. A subtle breeze from the ocean kissed the limbs of the palms causing them to dance. That’s when I went into execution mode.

I made up a sly excuse to go to the room and excused myself. When I came back….I had to wait a while in order to remain inconspicuous. Kim is a feisty little something so I figured I would get her fired up before shutting it down. “I have an issue…….an issue with your friends.” I knew that would get her going because YOU DON’T TALK ABOUT “THE CREW!” I’ll spare her reaction, but it led me to my spot outside.

As we walked out, I winked at Corlis’ husband TC. He responded with a very confused look. I sat Kimberly down on the chair outside by the pool and received a “What Now” gangster like posture. “The real issue I have is that I don’t want to ever be without you.” I got on one knee and pulled out the ring. She did not respond with words, but she immediately dropped her face in her hands. I assumed it was yes, and here we are.
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Kim and Joel decided they wanted a short engagement so they got the ball rolling right away. First up was finding the perfect dress. Every girls dream is to knock’em dead when she enters the room and you know we aimed to please. Kim had found the dress of her wedding dreams but she wanted a little advice from her auntie, that’s me!!! She tried on several dresses but ended up with her first choice. #bridaldress
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After the dress was settled, Kim’s girlfriend’s took charge and helped her plan the big day.
I hosted a bridal shower for her and you can read all about it here. We had a wonderful time showering our little tomboy! Smile. #bridalshower#bridalshower
Every bride needs a bachelorette party to celebrate her last night as a single lady and a time to bond with her friends. Looks like they had so much fun!#wedding party#weddingparty#weddingparty
I will be sharing every detail on Instagram so be sure to follow me there. Three more days and the wedding bells will ring for this sweet couple.


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