As a wedding photographer, there's nothing more heartwarming than capturing the love story of a truly captivating couple like Maya and Elozia. Their engagement session at Joystick, the vintage arcade bar in Atlanta, GA, was a beautiful experience to witness. From the moment they walked in, it was clear that this place held a special meaning for them. As they played classic arcade games and laughed together, their love radiated throughout the room. I felt privileged to be a part of this special moment, and I'm thrilled to have been able to capture their love story through my lens. It's moments like these that remind me why I love what I do.
Q: Tell us your full proposal story. When did it happen? How were you feeling? Did you expect it?
A: One morning around 6 am I got up to use the bathroom. We usually sleep right through the other's potty breaks but this morning when I returned she was awake. I got back in bed and settled in when she asked me if I was awake. I responded yes although I found it a little odd. A few moments later “A thousand years” started playing on her phone and initially, I didn’t know where the music was coming from but I caught on fairly quickly. She knows that I LOVE that song. From there the proposal ensued.
It was quiet, simple, and romantic. She knows me enough to know that a theatrical event wouldn’t have been something I would’ve wanted and I appreciate this moment being solely about her and I.
But honestly, I can’t say I didn’t expect it. I think in my heart I knew it would be coming soon or at some point and it did.
Q: What's been your favorite part about being engaged?
A: Seeing how we operate under stress has been interesting but seeing people who love us—excited about our Union is the best part.
Most people know what we’ve been through to arrive at finding one another and honestly—they’re probably more excited than we are. Lol. Being celebrated and loved is nice.
Q: What advice do you have for future couples planning their wedding? We'd love to be a resource for others and we're sure that your experience can make a difference & help someone else.
A: Elozia and I are extremely sentimental—so numbers don’t matter to us but quality does. What I mean by this is that we didn’t feel the need to invite people who didn’t truly believe in who we are together. Being a LGBT couple puts us at the forefront of things that our counterparts might not face and we decided to be fair to ourselves. The advice that I would give to couples is to remember that your wedding is about you. It’s not about anyone else but you. Make it what you want because your marriage will consist solely of two people. It’s wonderful to have people celebrating you but don’t stretch yourself thin doing it.
Also—respect your budget. Lol. Less really is more.
I am incredibly grateful to Maya and Elozia for entrusting me with the honor of photographing their engagement session. The moments we captured together at Joystick were nothing short of magical, filled with laughter, love, and the timeless charm of arcade games. Their genuine connection and the joy they exuded made my job a true pleasure. Maya and Elozia, thank you for allowing me to be a part of this special chapter in your lives. May your journey together be filled with endless happiness, laughter, and a lifetime of beautiful memories.
