Win a Free Engagement Shoot in New York, by Gonzalo Nunez

[Chris Elias28]

We are pleased to announce that Jamieirene is the winner of this contest! 

 

How did we determine the winner?  BDW created a list of all our entries (one entry per member) in the order of the which they were submitted.  We used Random.org's List Randomizer to randomize our list. The first name in the randomized list is our winner. 

 

 

 

Hello BDW Brides,

 

We are pleased to announce the Gonzalo Nunez Engagement Shoot Contest!  

 

Win a free engagement photo shoot in New York by Gonzalo Nunez.  Gonzalo is a professional wedding photographer with an impressive portfolio and several years experience.  He has a photojournalist style that naturally captures your priceless moments.

 

Many of our BDW brides have used Gonzalo Nunez and loved his work. See what they had to say on his Photographer Review Page. 

 

The Prize:

 

• One Engagement Photo Shoot in New York 
• Date: October 2nd
• Gonzolo will provide you with 30 of your best shoots from the day
• The images will be provided electronically

 

How to Enter: 

• Tell us how your love story started (i.e. how you met your partner).  Please submit your story as a reply to this post. 
• Follow Gonzolo Nunez on Twitter: @gonzalo_nunez.   If you are uncomfortable providing your Twitter Handle with your publicly posted story, then please send your handle in an PM to Chris Elias28.
• Go to Gonzolo's BDW Photographer Review Page and click "want to book," under the "People who listed this."  

                                                                                           

Details:

• This contest will run from 9/7 to 9/16 @ 3pm, PST
• Only one entry for each BDW Bride
• You must be a member of BDW.  NOTE: This is OPEN TO COUPLES WHO ARE ALREADY MARRIED, too. 
• You must follow Gonzalo on Twitter. Please provide your twitter handle so that we can verify your information. 
• You must share your "how you met" story
• You must select "want to book" for Gonzalo's Photographer Review Page.
• We will use Random.org to fairly and objectively select a winner. 
• The winner will be announced in this thread and will receive a congratulatory PM from me, Chris Eilas28.
• Air fare not included

 

Hurry, the contest has begun. Let us know how you and your love met!

 

An Example of a Past Engagement Shoots in New York:

 

On the Beach:

 

 

 

Trash the Dress:

 

Gonzalo's BDW Showcase Page

 

Other Important Links:

 

Please visit Gonzalo's Blog for the latest updates:

www.gonzalonunez.com/blog 

 

Gonzalo's Website: 

www.gonzalonunez.com

 

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/nunezgonzalo 

visit his facebook profile to see what people say about him. 

 

www.twitter.com 

@gonzalo_nunez 

 

referrals: 

http://www.ispwp.com 

Gonzalo belongs to a very exclusive photography society. They only accept the best photographers in 

the world. Gonzalo typically places in the top 20 out of 600. 

 

 

 

[TammyWright]

another great contest!  Good luck brides!!

[jmastr05]

Julia and Matt’s Love Story: The Reluctant Love Story

 

 

The first time that Matt and I were in the same place at the same time, I don’t even remember being introduced to him. We were at a college intramural flag football game. My high school friend, Kristy, played on the same team as Matt. I gave way to my enthusiasm at seeing my good friend while I was home from my own college, and made a poster-sized sign to cheer on her intramural team. Matt later told me that he thought that I was bizarre for acting the way that the most fervent of pro-team fanatics would.

 

The second time that we were in the same place at the same time, I was the one who thought that he was the weirdo. Matt had bleached his dark brown hair, turning it platinum blonde. Not only does platinum blonde seem odd on an olive-skinned half Mexican/half Syrian, but it had grown out, revealing quite a bit of his “roots.†I later told Matt that his spiky, grown out platinum hair reminded me of Lumiere, the animated candlestick from Beauty and the Beast! Bad hairstyle aside, I was interested in another boy at the time. He was the first boy that I wanted to date after breaking up with my first love, and I was girlishly giddy over the prospect. So after my spectator exuberance, Matt’s experiment in hair self-expression, and my infatuation with another guy, each of us didn’t even give the other one a second thought.

 

I’d say that the slightest of sparks between us started at our third meeting. This was another college intramural flag football game. I, once again, took advantage of the opportunity to see my old friend. One of the other boys on the team was teasing Matt and told me to feel his arm muscles. As simple and cliché as it was, the muscles piqued my interest! (Needless to say Matt has very nice biceps). My response was, “Impressive!†in much the same tone as an adult feigning interest in a child’s drawing. (A girl has to keep her poker face).

 

Meeting number four was the lucky one! My roommates and I were throwing a New Year’s Eve party. Of course I invited Kristy. By this time, she had started dating one of Matt’s buddies, and arrived at the party with her new beau, Matt, and a couple of their mutual friends in tow. The crucial moment happened some time after midnight when Matt asked me if I’d had a New Year’s kiss. Since he was next to me when the clock struck, I knew that he knew that I hadn’t. It was then crystal clear that Matt was interested in me, but I found myself in a dilemma. At that point in time, I was starting to become involved with yet another boy, an old crush from my high school days. So did I continue to pursue this boy from my past, or change directions and give in to Matt’s biceps and transparent pick up lines?

 

Well, 7+ years and one diamond ring later, we all know which direction I chose!

[TammyWright]

GREAT story and thanks so much for sharing with us...good luck in the contest!

Originally Posted by jmastr05 

Julia and Matt’s Love Story: The Reluctant Love Story

 

 

The first time that Matt and I were in the same place at the same time, I don’t even remember being introduced to him. We were at a college intramural flag football game. My high school friend, Kristy, played on the same team as Matt. I gave way to my enthusiasm at seeing my good friend while I was home from my own college, and made a poster-sized sign to cheer on her intramural team. Matt later told me that he thought that I was bizarre for acting the way that the most fervent of pro-team fanatics would.

 

The second time that we were in the same place at the same time, I was the one who thought that he was the weirdo. Matt had bleached his dark brown hair, turning it platinum blonde. Not only does platinum blonde seem odd on an olive-skinned half Mexican/half Syrian, but it had grown out, revealing quite a bit of his “roots.” I later told Matt that his spiky, grown out platinum hair reminded me of Lumiere, the animated candlestick from Beauty and the Beast! Bad hairstyle aside, I was interested in another boy at the time. He was the first boy that I wanted to date after breaking up with my first love, and I was girlishly giddy over the prospect. So after my spectator exuberance, Matt’s experiment in hair self-expression, and my infatuation with another guy, each of us didn’t even give the other one a second thought.

 

I’d say that the slightest of sparks between us started at our third meeting. This was another college intramural flag football game. I, once again, took advantage of the opportunity to see my old friend. One of the other boys on the team was teasing Matt and told me to feel his arm muscles. As simple and cliché as it was, the muscles piqued my interest! (Needless to say Matt has very nice biceps). My response was, “Impressive!” in much the same tone as an adult feigning interest in a child’s drawing. (A girl has to keep her poker face).

 

Meeting number four was the lucky one! My roommates and I were throwing a New Year’s Eve party. Of course I invited Kristy. By this time, she had started dating one of Matt’s buddies, and arrived at the party with her new beau, Matt, and a couple of their mutual friends in tow. The crucial moment happened some time after midnight when Matt asked me if I’d had a New Year’s kiss. Since he was next to me when the clock struck, I knew that he knew that I hadn’t. It was then crystal clear that Matt was interested in me, but I found myself in a dilemma. At that point in time, I was starting to become involved with yet another boy, an old crush from my high school days. So did I continue to pursue this boy from my past, or change directions and give in to Matt’s biceps and transparent pick up lines?

 

Well, 7+ years and one diamond ring later, we all know which direction I chose!

 

[gonzaloNunez]

Thanks jmastr05

for sharing your story with us!!!

great story!

Gonzalo

[jamieirene]

Joseph and Jamie's Love Story

.Friends Forever.

 

 

It all began what now seems like ages ago at a Hollister & Co. at South Hills Village Mall near Pittsburgh, Pa.  Joe was working there as a sales associate which they refer to as "models", and I had just been recently hired there.  In fact, Joe was the one that recruited me to work there.  Although when you ask him the story he says he doesn't remember recruiting me, but deep down I know he just wouldn't admit it!  

 

After working together for a while Joe and I became really great friends.  We got along so well and had a lot in common.  However, at the time (I was about 16 and he was 18) I had a boyfriend and he had a girl friend, so we were nothing more than great friends.  A little ways into our friendship Joe in listed to join the Army Reserves, and he was being sent away to boot camp.  I was really sad to see such a good friend go, but when he was away we kept in touch and he wrote me now and then.  

 

After his time at boot camp was over Joe returned home to Pittsburgh, Pa.  I was at that point attending college at West Virginia University.  We also at the time were both single.  I came home to Pittsburgh on break and Joe and I decided to get together since we had not seen each other in such a long time.  

 

I decided I wanted to take Joe out for his first sushi experience!  He was nervous about the sushi, but glad we were going to be seeing each other.  While at the restaurant they brought our sushi out to us in the shape of a heart.  We both laughed, but I guess they saw something in us that we did not yet see.

 

I had to return to school for the rest of the year and we remained in touch and good friends.  In fact we started to see more and more of each other.  Joe would come and visit me at WVU, and we would have a blast together!  

 

After my sophomore year at WVU I returned home for summer break.  Joe and I decided to go out on a date together, and we were inseparable!  A few weeks later we were boyfriend and girlfriend!  

 

We dated for many years, and then.......

 

Joe and I had a trip to Mexico planned for my birthday.  I was expecting to get engaged there I mean talk about a perfect opportunity for him to pop the question!  However,  Joe sat me down the night before we left and said to me, "Jamie we have plenty of time to get engaged.  I am not going to propose to you in Mexico and I do not want it to ruin our trip and you be sad and disappointed."  

 

I reluctantly understood, and figured hey we are going to be in Mexico for my birthday I will not let this ruin our trip we have plenty of time!  So, we headed off to Mexico!  Joe seem more nervous than usual from the second we left I could tell something was just not right!  We went through security and he was white as a ghost!  I was worried, but he assured me everything was fine he just had a stomach ache and he was ready to he there already.  

 

As soon as we arrived in Mexico Joe seemed 100% better we checked in and enjoyed a wonderful first day in paradise!  Then, the next day we spent the entire day at the pool and set up dinner reservations at Maria Margarita one of the restaurants inside of our hotel the Riu Caribe.  After dinner we were going to go see the show the hotel was putting on in the theatre that night they were doing Chicago and I did not want to miss it!  However, Joe insisted that he HAD to change his shirt before we went over here.  I was annoyed because I wanted to get a good seat for the show, but I had to use the restroom so I agreed to go up to the room real quick first.

 

Once in our room I walked out of the bathroom and Joe was standing outside on our balcony.  I joined him out there and he put his arm around me kissed my forehead and said, "Jamie I could not see myself spending the rest of my life with anyone, but you."  As if that wasn't clue enough that he was going to propose!  I was completely clueless!  In fact he then got down on one knee and I yelled, "are you okay?!"  because I thought he had fallen down!  He laughed at me said, "Yes, Jamie I am fine."  reached into his pocket, and pulled out the most beautiful ring, and finally asked, "Jamie, will you marry me?"  I was so excited I burst into tears!!  and said, " OF COURSE!"  We then spent the rest our our time in paradise as a newly engaged couple.  It was a truly magical trip. 

 

 

Joe and I are heading back down to Mexico, with all of our friends and family for our wedding day and we could not be happier!  We will be saying I do at the Hotel Riu Cancun on July 28,th 2012.  

 

Joe and I will truly be lovers, and Friends Forver.  

 

 

 

 

 

Joe and I at Maria Margarita right before he proposed:

 

 

 

Joe and I spending our first day as an engaged couple at cenote de chichen itza!

 

 

 

 

[gonzaloNunez]

great story Jamie!!! I enjoyed very much!! the part of white as a gost, was very funny!!

thanks for sharing!!

Gonzalo

[TammyWright]

only a few more days in this contes.  be sure to get your submissions in!

[amado25]

  

Ellen and Alan: The Boy and Girl Next Door

 

It was bitter cold, yet despite the temperature, we both moved into a new apartment building during the month of November. He moved to the bottom floor and I to the top.  We were both among the newest residents in the building, yet it would be almost exactly one whole year to the date before we would actually meet, cross paths, and begin our journey of life and love together.

 

 

The following November, after the move, I had suffered a foot injury and was relegated to walking on crutches. Dressed in jogging clothes and a huge thick sock on my foot, I’d managed to make it to the lobby door of the apartment…when Alan ran to the door and opened it for me.  I immediately said thank you, put my head down and scurried inside. How embarrassing, I thought to myself! Out of all the times to meet a cute guy in my building and I had to be at my worst. Sloppy, awkward, AND on crutches …think Ugly Betty J

 

 

Then things got weird. After never seeing him at all in 12 months, we began to run into each other at least three to four times a week, mostly on the elevator.  Each time, Alan showed genuine concern and would always ask, “How’s your foot coming along?† I’d quickly respond that it was fine and at the same time sneak a glimpse of his face. A little more each time and each time I thought to myself, “Hmmm he’s really cute!â€

 

By the umpteenth time of him asking the same question, “How’s your foot coming along,†I decided I should take the initiative and move our Q&A beyond my foot. It was the BEST decision I could have ever made. It prompted him to ask for my number, which led to our first date of watching NFL football and eating Chinese food.

 

 

Soon our dates turned into all-day chat fest. Our phone calls/texts turned into marathons. Months passed and things just kept getting better and soon we uttered what we both knew early on…we were in love and destined to spend the rest of our lives together.  We literally fell in the love with the boy/girl next door.

[Vane23]

     Four years ago, I thought this stranger, had some nerve just jumping in my car during a parade in our hometown, and now we’re getting married!! We knew each other through mutual friends but had never actually spoken. He just jumped in & simply said “where are we going?†Not knowing how to react I simply replied, “We are not going anywhere please get out!†We ended up meeting again in a mutual friends BBQ later that evening. Once again he tried very hard to get my attention, I ended up giving in and finally gave him my phone number. We started dating and since then have been inseparable. His words exactly are “I knew what I wanted and went for it! After all we only live onceâ€

He is really such a kind genuine person. I thank God every day for bringing him into my life. I believe everything happens for a reason and that day I think of it simply as fate.

There are in the end three things
that last: faith, hope, and love,
and the greatest of these is love.1 Corinthians 13:13
I believe in him.
I believe in us.
… And I believe
the love we share
was always meant to be♥