After touring the grounds of the beautiful Brown Estate Winery in Napa Valley, Xavier set up one of the most memorable and intimate proposals to his future wife. Anscia proudly said yes and the two tied the knot on August 13, 2017 at a beautiful venue in Washington D.C. Read their lovestory, learn more about Anscia’s stunning wedding day hairstyle and connect with some of their amazing vendors like jewelry designer http://www.BeautifulPetra.com and catering company, http://www.tbtbscatering.com.

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Anscia’s Story:

If you ask each of us about how we met — well we’ve managed to have two stories. Although many people would think we met at St. John’s University, we actually met at Calvary Baptist Church. I was a bit shy freshman year and didn’t speak much. So let’s fast forward to sophomore year when I wasn’t as shy. We had some mutual friends that hung out occasionally and I was invited to hang out. What started off as a conversation about my phone screensaver, turned into a conversation about how Xavier needed my number so he could coordinate a camping trip in Mexico (that hasn’t happened to this day). Over time, we hung out as friends and our friendship flourished while we continued to strengthen our faith in God every Sunday at Calvary. We realized that we had a lot in common (i.e. stepping, poetry and social justice). Finally, on February 1, 2014, he told me (yes, you heard me right–he told me) that I was his girlfriend. I still believe we didn’t start dating until February 3rd but that’s another story. Since then we have traveled to Philadelphia, Savannah, Atlanta, New Orleans and Portland together. We organized a lot of amazing events and had a huge impact at St. John’s through the organizations we headed. Although, the beginning of our stories vary, I am grateful for the journey thus far with this amazing guy. Now let’s hear his side of the story.

Xavier’s Story:

So now that you’ve heard her side of the story, I’m going to tell you what really happened. Technically, we met at Calvary Baptist Church, but we didn’t get to know each other until a year later. The church had a shuttle that picked up St. John’s students every Sunday. One Sunday, I said hello to everyone getting on the shuttle, but she ignored me. I thought she was rude and we never said a word to each other afterwards. One year later, we met once again through mutual friends and she denied ever ignoring me. During a social event, I was talking to her and I saw her phone screensaver which was a picture of her standing next to Michelle Obama. Immediately enthused, I asked her about the picture and she told me she used to intern for her. Although I already knew she was intelligent, that made me think there was a lot more to her than I had observed. Somehow I swindled my way into getting her phone number and we grew close as friends. Over time, we learned that we had the same musical interests and we both knew how to step. Sometimes she would step and I would recite poetry to her beats. By Thanksgiving we had become close friends and she invited me to her house for the holiday. I mean where was this poor little California boy supposed to go when he was in New York by himself. So thankfully, she was oh so kind as to invite me to meet her family and enjoy tons of delicious food. Meeting her family really gave me the chance to understand her on a deeper level and we gradually grew feelings for each other. Plus, I had already told her grandmother that I was her grandson (even though I was still the friend). Over winter break, I went home to Los Angeles and she was in Washington D.C. We knew we liked each other but we weren’t ready to make anything official. Yet, I called her every night during that break just to hear her voice and share how our days went. We could tell there was something special happening between us and right before we came back to New York for the Spring Semester, God told me she was going to be my wife. Though I didn’t want to be in a serious relationship, I listened to Him and on February 1, 2014 I told her she was my girlfriend. Yes, I told her. Actually, we went to a party together and when she was in another room, everyone asked me if she was my girlfriend and I told them yes. Then when we left the party I told her, “You know you’re my girlfriend right.” She didn’t believe me and two days later she asked me if she was really my girlfriend and I said, “Yes—you’ve been my girlfriend for two days now.” And the rest is history.

On December 17, 2016 we drove through winding roads in the hills of Napa Valley. We stopped at the Brown Estate, a location chosen because of its award winning wine, its lack of cell phone and internet service, and its designation as the only black-owned vineyard in Napa Valley. As we approached the gate, we said our names into an intercom and the gates immediately opened. As soon as we stepped out of the car, Sean was there to greet us. We walked inside one of the buildings and met one of the owners of the vineyard who was extremely friendly. After touring the grounds and learning the history of the vineyard, we entered the tasting room where we tried eight to nine delicious wines and food pairings. We selected our favorite wine, the 2013 Mickey’s Block Zifandel.

First off, PRAY (for those who are religious) by yourself and with your significant other. No offense, but your parents or his parents or even your pastor won’t be there during the most happiest or darkest moments of your marriage. It’s totally worth it to pray before the wedding and wait for the big reveal during the ceremony.

Do it for yourself and your significant other — not for your family, social media or bridal blogs. Be yourself — that’s who your significant other proposed too. Also, we recommend pre-marital counseling — it can be from your pastor, a married couple that you adore or a professional. We were so thankful for the time our pastor spent with us. We avoided a lot of disagreements because of it.

Additionally, support minority-owned businesses. About 90% of our vendors where African-American owned. It was a great feeling to support businesses that understand you. If you’re going to spend the big bucks at least add it to your community.

Finally, be creative! You may not be able to spend thousands of dollars on a wedding, but make it your own. Don’t be afraid to do DIY — just make sure that you plan in enough time. Make it a fun night with your significant other or ask some of your bridal party for help.

I was inspired by Gabrielle Union. She always rocking natural hairstyles.  The best way I’d describe my wedding hairstyle is free. I wanted to continue to be the natural haired women my soon-to-be-husband (at the time) proposed to. The day of the wedding I used Hair Mane Pomade and Alikay Naturals’ Lemongrass Leave in Conditioner.

Hair Mane Pomade: Purchase, Here.

Alikay Naturals’ Lemongrass Leave in Conditioner: Purchase, Here.