The Future Mrs. KNIGHT and our "Raindrops from Heaven!"

Monday, August 6, 2007

All of my clients have two of the same questions: Since you are a photographer, how will you propose and who will shoot your wedding?

On August 5, 2007 I proposed to the love of my life (and my photographer assistant), Brandi.


The story goes like this:

I set up a fake photo shoot. Since Brandi attends so many of my photo shoots this was something that was not out of the ordinary for her. I told her I needed some head shots for a new magazine article. I enlisted the help of Tempest Bleu to coordinate the afternoon.

The day started with us going to church as usual. After church we usually go to brunch but I asked Brandi to give me some time to work on a client's project. That's when I enacted "Project GNIR," the secret title for the proposal I used with all of the vendors. "GNIR" is RING spelled backwards. Little did Brandi know, in about 2 hours she was in for the surprise of her life!

Before the photo shoot I asked Brandi to wear a dress I bought her recently so we could get a few shots of us if time permitted. I also told her we would take the photographers to dinner afterwards. The dress so happened to coordinate with what I was wearing perfectly (ok I planned it). We all met at the King Plow Arts Center and the shoot began..with just me. A few minutes into the shoot the photographers asked her to join me. After a number of candids (well, a few poses mixed with some improv), the shoot was supposed to end. I asked everyone if they had ever seen the art gallery (usually closed on Sundays) that was located down the hallway. We all "snuck" into the gallery and the photographers continued to shoot as we looked at the artwork. As we were getting ready to leave the gallery I asked her to look at one particular piece of artwork to see if we had heard of the artist before. When we walked away from viewing the painting I took her hand and led her to the middle of the gallery (perfect lighting!!). When I got down on bended knee she thought it was a joke and tried to get on the floor with me?! She figured I wanted the photographers to do more pictures. But instead I popped the big question. She said, Yes! Thank goodness or I was going to have to go home with a bunch of pictures and a rock in my pocket...

After a few tears, we continued shooting with the photographers outside in a court yard. That is when I presented her with a t-shirt "The future Mrs. KNIGHT." We took a few pictures near a swing that I had seen a month earlier while visiting the site with one of the photographers. Next we walked through an alley leading to an event facility one of my friend's, Chris Ruffin, owns (The VIEW at King Plow). I asked the group if they would like to see the facility since I "saw" his car there.

Once we entered the facility we went up the stairs to his office directed by his assistant, Shannon. As we reached the top of the stairs, we were greeted by a personal chef, waitress, and the music of John Coltrane ("In a Sentimental Mood"). We continued on outside to the deck where we had a foot washing ceremony and then a dance over looking Midtown, Buckhead, and Downtown Atlanta. We came inside to enjoy the four course meal prepared by Chef Suzanne and spoken word by artist Adam Beane. After dinner, we watched a dvd (thanks Julian) that I prepared which featured the Love Story of our lives - "Her Temperate Spirit", words by Te-Erika Patterson. The dvd was full of pictures, starting with the first time that I ever met Brandi on Morehouse College Campus (she went to Spelman) up until we officially started dating in 2004 (5 years later!). We enjoyed chocolate covered strawberries and discussing our future lives together. In the end, we were blessed with a rain shower outside...in the words of Te-Erika Patterson - "Raindrops from Heaven."

I will tell you that I can't express enough thanks to God for allowing this wonderful occasion to come to life and blessing me with such a beautiful woman who will now be my queen!!!

Thanks and gratitude to the people involved with bringing this momentous time together:

The Extraordinary Event Planners - Michele and Venetia of Tempest Bleu

The staff of King Plow Arts Gallery and Catering - Stacy Zeigler and Laurie Smith (who lit like 120 candles hanging from the ceiling in like 15 min. before we walked in!)

The best VIEW in Atlanta - The VIEW at King Plow Arts Center - owner and good friend of mine - Chris Ruffin - also thanks to Shannon for coordinating

Food fit for a King and Queen - Personal Chef Suzanne and waitress Conner (who did a great job shooting additional candid pictures after our photographers left)

Spoken Word Artist (a surprise from Tempest Bleu and fellow Morehouse Brother) - Adam Beane


The Physics Class Where I first met Brandi - Morehouse College

My Life's Savings on her Finger!

An End to a Perfect Evening and the Beginning of Our Lives Together


- rk

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111 comments:

alterna180 said...

finally! i've been waiting for this post for a while. :) congratulations you two! beautiful engagement.

John "Kato" Akingbola AKA Mr.Sticks said...

WOW! WOW! WOW! I'm so happy for you man....It's great and I was wondering when exactly this would happen last week! And yes perfect timing which God gave you. I pray that you both shall fulfill your calling together here on earth and continue to put smiles in the face of others.

Have a wonderful life together.
Mr. Ross! You've been blessed with something good. Don't let it go!

Unknown said...

And to think I was checking the blog for pictures from Saturday! OMG!!! I am so excited! I feel like you are my son! I am so proud! The love and respect you have for her is so evident. She is one lucky girl! I wish you all of God's blessings and I will keep you in my prayers. Keep walking in the fog! (Those photographers are AWESOME!)

6 of Four Creations said...

Ross and Brandi-

Thank you AGIAN for just the honor to documet your special day. We cannot say it enough! We pray blessings over your future marriage and pray endurance for the love that is alive in you guys!

Chris and Katie

Anonymous said...

May God Bless the two of you with many years of peace and happiness together.

Unknown said...

What a beautiful engagement, congratulations to you both

Waneque' Amen-a Christmon said...

This is so amazingly sweet congrats!!!!! I pray that God continues to bless your love and the beauty of the convinent you are getting ready to enter never fades. Love like Christ loved the church and all will be well always

Chris Cooper said...

Ross & Brandi, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!! we are so very happy for the both you and we know that God will bless your union. Marriage is a wonderful thing and we are so happy to cheer you on as you make this amazing step!!! Be Blessed and we love you both!

- The Coopers (Chris & Keisha)

Arlene Hope Photography said...

Outstanding!!!

I'm so happy for you both. Simply wonderful.

I feel like I'm reading a marvelous love story and we all get to cheer you on.

Wear that ROCK BRANDI !!! Praise God.
You are both beautiful people doing beautiful things in life....King & Queen indeed! Yeah!!

Wow....First an unexpected Photography Extravaganza, then a new Doctor announced
and now a beautiful Engagement.
This is the best life story ever.

Thanks for sharing it with us all, Ross.
We all wish you the very best.

~Hope

Anonymous said...

Ross and Brandi:
May the Lord BLESS your union as we know he will. Make him the center and all else will fall in place. Eric and I are soooo happy for you and know that we rejoice with you. When a man findeth a wife he findeth a GOOD THING.
Be Blessed
Eric & Tracy Pickett

Anonymous said...

Ross and Brandi,
Congratulations to you both!
I know you will find many years of joy together.
Have you set a date?

plez... said...

Ross,
Congratulations! I am very happy for you and your fiance'. You did good, Nupe!

Brandi,
You have a good one... he's a keeper! *smile*

plez...

Anonymous said...

Ross and Brandi,
Congratulations to you both!
I know you will find many years of joy together.
Have you set a date?

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! I wish you two the very best!

Anonymous said...

congrats!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful! You know what...I thought you all were dating but it kept slipping my mind to ask the question. You all make a beautiful couple and Brandi has such a warm and calm spirit. Congratulations to the both of you.

Anonymous said...

Ross,

Kongratulations Big Nupe! I'm sure you and Brandi will make it last forever!

I want an invitation....

PDiddy

Anonymous said...

Very nicely done. We look forward to watching you guys grow old together. We’ll be a part of it with you.



Jwyanza

Anonymous said...

That was incredible!! Congratulations. 6 of four creations couldn't have done a better job. My wife and I have been together 18yrs and married 12yrs. I wouldn't trade 1 of those years for anything. Congrats again!!

Anonymous said...

Congrats and I wish you two the best. Excellent slide show.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! to YOU AND THE FUTURE MRS. KNIGHT. She is beautiful, but, I already knew that. Wow! You have me in tears it is so beautiful. I am sending my best wishes your way now. You are so romantic, someday I will find a guy like you and then have to hire you to take the pictures. :)

Your friend in KC. Val

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! I am so happy for the two of you!

Anonymous said...

Hey Ross,

I was on pins and needles all day yesterday wondering how things were going! It looks like everything went as planned and I am soooo happy to see the slideshow it was marvelous! You washed her FEET! Wow!


All my Best!

Te-Erika

Anonymous said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! You two are a great looking couple. Best wishes on that journey to the aisle.

Anonymous said...

Yes sir!!!!! Good work man! Congrats!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Ross!! Great job having the moment captured too….

Anonymous said...

Ross,

That is beautiful man. Congrats to you and the Misses! If I can ever get there I am going to have to get some advice on the romance thing from you. I wish and pray for the best for you both. Looking forward to big things from both Knights!

Anonymous said...

congrats bruh! I needed a smile today! Another beautiful production!

You're entering an amazing world. I wouldn't trade what I have for the world. I truly believe that you don't experience you're true level of success until you have that soldier on your arm. You're about to take of even more bruh. Congrats again. I'm very happy for you two.

Anonymous said...

Ross!!!!!!!!


Do you understand how happy I am for you and Brandi?!@?!?@!?!@? Of course I love her because she also bears my name. And the proposal…the washing of the feet…the mock photo shoot…the traveling down memory lane…The View….this tops anything you have ever captured through your lenses. I am truly elated for you and the Future Mrs. Knight.

Anonymous said...

Kongratulations Ross!

Wow! That was in true Nupe fashion.

Can't wait to see the wedding pics!

-Mike Green

Anonymous said...

CONGRATULATION ... It's about time!

Willie

Anonymous said...

I am so happy for you, I wish you all the best and always keep God First and in the center of your lives. If there was one thing I would say it would be always remember this day when it looks like your other half doesn't understand you, are even if it seems like they are working against you. Just ask yourself this question what Whole body have you seen, ever worked against itself to hurt itself. Remember you are for one another. Now it's great to have the Knights join the arena of marriage. Welcome. The pictures were great!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! Looks like a memorable proposal.

Anonymous said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

May God continue to bless your union!

Anonymous said...

Kongrats Brother Knight,

That’s some excellent photography.

You sure you didn’t produce the “Thriller” video?

Anonymous said...

Ross,

That was FANTASTIC!!!!! I sat in awe of you and God's partnership as I watched the slideshow. I am so proud of you and extremely happy for you!

Love to you and Mrs. Knight-to-be!

Raine

Anonymous said...

Congrats!!! I wish you the best in this next step of spending your lives together FOREVER!!!

Anonymous said...

Congrats lil bro,

Tell Brandi we're excited for her.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! I know you will have a blessed life together.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!!!! You are da man! J

Anonymous said...

CONGRATULATIONS! But who is going to photograph your wedding?

The Re-inventing of C. said...

Congratulations!!! You are a beautiful couple!!

Unknown said...

The pictures of Brandi's surprise and all of your smiles just radiate the love between you.

Congratulations!

Anonymous said...

Many Blessings!!! and great thanks to Him for giving the two of you (Ross and Brandi) the wonderful idea of sharing your joys with us. congratulations!!





asm
"washing the feet" makes me cry everytime!

Anonymous said...

Wow Ross... Congratulations! And you already know, if you need a wedding planner I'm here for you. :0)

p.s. Great taste... she's beautiful

Anonymous said...

Congratulations to you and Brandi !!

alterna180 said...

ok, i commented before watching the slideshow because i was in a place i couldn't watch and i was too excited to keep quiet.

i just watched the slideshow.

oh my gosh, ross you are amazing. i have mascara all over my face from crying. the photos are amazing and you both look so blissful. the foot washing ceremony had me bawling.

A+!!!

Anonymous said...

How sweet it is. I am happy to see folks who believe in love, engagement, worship, marriage and long lives together. It's a recipe for happiness. Judging by the smiles on your faces, the mission is underway ; ) I know that you will have a wonderful life together. Here's to you!!
With our blessings & congratulations to Ross and Dr. Brandi Future Mrs. Knight.

Venetia said...

Ross

Thank You for choosing Michele and I to coordinate yours and The Future Mrs. Knight’s special day.

We really loved seeing the excitement and anticipation of the future in the eyes of you and Brandi. I tear up just thinking about how perfect you guys look together.

Congratulations and God Bless!!!

Venetia

Anonymous said...

Ross,

I just saw your proposal...Congratulations!! The pictures of you and Brandi
were beautiful, I got caught up in the emotions just looking at them.

Anonymous said...

WOW... Did Ross give Billy Dee a call or what??? Kongrads big NUPE.

Anonymous said...

Wow! Nupe you got me wanting to renew my vows! Kappa Style all the way! Kongrats!!!

Spencer

Anonymous said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
what a sweet and romantic way you pulled it off! She must have been
over-joyed. And the pics came out awesome!! really. You must have
been sooo happy to see it all come together after so much thought and
planning. And so perfectly documented. AND of course the ring... Well
done!

Anonymous said...

A lovely proposal indeed :-) Thank you for sharing and reminding us that romance is still alive!

Anonymous said...

That is so beautiful!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!
You guys look great!

Marlem

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your engagement!! You guys look beautiful.... I didn't know
you were the infamous photography for Rob and Keisha... Good work!

Hope all is well otherwise.... Congrats again!

Anonymous said...

Too fresh. Leave it up to Adrian to keep everyone updated.



Another successful Spelhouse couple... Beautiful photo shoot ya'll!

Anonymous said...

i'm so happy for you both! my brother and my sister... congratulations on looking towards a beautiful life together.
i love you both and wish you the best FOREVER...
love, Andrea Jackson

Anonymous said...

The photos where awesome,it's good to see Morehouse & Spelman love, Congrats and hopefully i'll be calling you for my shoot!!!!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! Wishing you a lifetime of happiness together!

Anonymous said...

OH MY GOD!!! I am sooo happy for you. What a blessing it must be to find someone who has a passion for the same things that you do. She is absolutely beautiful Ross. You guys look so good together. I pray that God just keep blessing you two in all the things that you do, your business, your life, your marriage, and one day your little mini photographers.

God Bless.

Anonymous said...

Congrats Ross!!! This is a very nice photo shoot and video.

Anonymous said...

CONGRATULATIONS, ROSS!!!! MAN, I MAY BE NEXT...WHO KNOWS. I WISH YOU NOTHING BUT HAPPINESS AND GOD'S BEST! YOU DA MAN!!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Ross! This is what life is all about!

-P-

Anonymous said...

Beautiful Ross!

Love is a grand and mighty call...it is the one journey that connects all things unto itself.

In the words of John Coltrane,

" No Matter What... It Is With God.

He Is Gracious And Merciful.

His Way Is In Love, Through Which We All Are.

It Is Truly - A Love Supreme"

We are so happy for you both. Let God be Great .
Elizabeth and Harry Yates

Anonymous said...

Congrads, good brother.



William

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Ross! You're still doing big things.

TNJ said...

Awesome!! Congratulations and may your love continue to be blessed!!

Triby and Reggie

Anonymous said...

DUDE. CONGRATS!!!!!

We definitely need to get together!!!

Jamayca00 said...

Ross and the Future Mrs. Knight....CONGRATS. Ever since I got the email of Remember the Ritz, I've fallen in love with your work. I wish you both all the BEST. Remember as you plan for your Wedding, don't forget to plan for your marriage. Once again, my BEST to you both!!!

Anonymous said...

Man, congratulation! I guess after covering all of those weddings and engagements, it was time to make your on slide show.

I wish you and Brandi blessing and longevity. I want an invite to the wedding. You know I would like to bring the camera.

Take care, stay blessed, and keep smiling!

Cliff

Anonymous said...

I do not think i ever saw you look happier

Congratulations!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

congratulations!
wow!
lovely....& God made..yeah!
soo happy for You two.
cheers!
Uzee

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Ross! We are so happy for you and your future wife.

John & Michele

Anonymous said...

CONGRATULATIONS!
CONGRATULATIONS!
CONGRATULATIONS!

How bad will it look if I forward the link to your engagement pictures to my boyfriend 20 times? hahaha - think it will be too much of a hint? :)

Congratulations and may God bless your union and have you live the true meaning of marriage like he intended it to be.

Stay blessed,
AB

Anonymous said...

Hi Ross!

Congratulations!!!! Im so happy for you.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations. Gorgeous set up. Totally fits your personality. And, you know I loved the foot washing. That’s the best way to start, my friend.



Wishing all of His best!

Anonymous said...

CONGRATS ROSS!! I am so happy for you - you look beautiful together!! Best Wishes!

~Nadya

Anonymous said...

Congrats! The photos are beautiful and you both make a great looking couple! Cheers!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!!! You both deserve goodness and blessings and she is so sweet.

And…the photos are wonderful….just awesome. Please tell the future Mrs. Knight I said hello and God Bless your engagement.

Anonymous said...

I am so happy for you Ross!!!! I can't wait for your day Big Day!!!

JaNay

Anonymous said...

I am so happy for you both. Much LOVE Aunt Dee

Anonymous said...

Mr. & Future-Mrs. KNIGHT,

I am over-over-overwhelmed, with joy, hope, tears, smiles & pride!

Do not EVER doubt how blessed you two are... You are an inspiration to everyone who's laid eyes on you... That is powerful!

I don't even know you two and I am not afraid to say that I love you... I love you guys because of how you love yourselves & each other... I am certain you will cherish one another for life...

Compliments to those who have raised you two!

And my MOST, SINCEREST, CONGRATULATIOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONS!!

~FCD~
Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Anonymous said...

Hey Ross -

Congratulations on your engagement (as well as your awesome website)!! I knew at the random LEAD dinner
you hosted that it was just a matter of time for you two. I wish you lots of happiness!

Becky

dlove said...

To Ross and the FUTURE Mrs. Knight I am so happy for you and I send you both so much LOVE.

Ross I do hope to meet you soon

Anonymous said...

Ross and "The Future Mrs. Knight" congratulations!!!! The pictures are absolutely beautiful and tell the story of how you two love one another just as beautifully! May God bless you both as you journey down the path to your happily ever after with one another.

Latrice Furlow said...

This slide show was beautiful! You are truly blessed to have friends that love and support you. I pray that God continues to show you (the two of you) favor in the work you fulfill for HIM. I look forward to seeing how you will grow in Him as One.

1

Anonymous said...

You are your beloved's and your beloved is your! Congratulations RK and B (future to be) K. Thank you for sharing your intimate moments. May God continue to bless you!

Mizz Closet said...

PRAISE THE LORD!!!!

I am sooo very happy for the both of you! Brandi and I were in the 40 Days of Purpose class together @EBC. That is where I learned what a jewel she is. I wondered when the 2 of you would finally make it official....God always knew from the beginning! My prayers are with you......Kendra

Anonymous said...

Ross, congratulations to both you and your new bride. Also congrats o having the nerve to step away from the comforts and stability of corporate America to pursue your passion. You've come a long way artistically from the haircuts in the restrooms of Brazeall!

Anonymous said...

AMAZING!!! I have been an admirer of your work for about 2 months now and was totally blown away with your engagement slide show. I was impessed even more with the spiritual significance in the feet washing. God has truly blessed you both and I offer you my warmest congratulations!!!

Now that you 've made us all part of the engagement, you will have to show us the wedding slide show too!!

Thanks for sharing so much of yourself with us :)

Peace and blessings!

Anonymous said...

Ross and Brandi, I received the link to your engagement slide show from a fellow Spelmanite. I can't tell you how touched I was not only by the beautiful photography but by the love that is captured therein.

Ross, I am also inspired by your pursuit as a photographer. I took my mother to a gallery talk with Gordon Parks, at the Met here in NYC shortly before he died. I remember thinking that it was amazing that he did so many beautiful and powerful things, and all without training or confirmation that he would be successful. Purpose and calling are powerful motivators. Hats off to you for pursuing your dream, boldly and with conviction. Truly inspirational.

May you both continue to be blessed in all your endeavors. Congrats!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!
Mercedes Harris

Unknown said...

"Congradulations you two"
I was totaly blown away and left hopeful:)
I'am soo happy for you guys and I pray God continue to bless and favor your union, Also the foot washing was a great idea to suggest servitude.
The Makeup Artist,
La-Shawnda

Anonymous said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! This was the announcement you had in 3 weeks- 3 weeks ago, wasn't it!!! I thought so... well thought out & beautiful right down to the foot-washing. never met ya'll but i am always happy to rejoice with those who rejoice!

Anonymous said...

Ross, what a great couple you guys make. God has blessed you both. I pray that you guys have a great life togehter. Btw, you got talent dude! Mark Tibbetts

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!!!!!!!! Finally.

Unknown said...

Hi Ross & Brandi
I saw an email a friend sent showing another engagement that you did and then I saw yours - awesome. Congrats and all the best in your marriage. You are very gifted I love your work and you have inspired me to pick up my camera again. God's Blessing on your marriage (my husband and I have gone 5years) and all the best. PEACE.

Anonymous said...

That was a beautiful engagement story. Thank you for sharing this special moment in your life with others. Grace, peace & many Blessings to both of you. - Violet B

Shellye said...

TRULY BLESSED!!!!!!!

Congratulations, on your engagement. Keep believin in each other and everything else will fall into place. Just remember to enjoy life together and I hope your story can be inspiration to others. Love to Brandi & Ross.

Shellye - Miami, FL :-)

Ms. May said...

God Bless you and continue to direct your path. May it be a forever union and may your love and lives continue to be an inspiration to others. Keep doing what you do, Ross. You are changing the world for the better!

Unknown said...

Cheers from Chateau Elan!

TOM

still waters said...

CONGRATULATIONS !!!!

Absolutely Beautiful, the foot washing was a special touch!!

one love still

Anonymous said...

Both of u have been truly blessed by God..God Bless your union !!! Amen and CONGRATULATIONS! :-)

~ C ~ said...

Congratulations to you both!!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations to the two of you, may God bless and shine his light on the two of you.

Anonymous said...

An engagement that dreams are made of!

Our Dallas Life said...

Beautiful. Just beautiful. Congratulations!

Anonymous said...

wow, wow, wow man I know I 'm a little late for this but I just found out about this. I'm so happy for you, I love your pictures na dto see you on the other side of the camera this times was a little different but man wow. She is beautiful I pray that the Lord continues to bless you and keep you. I go t o your site once in while to check out your new pictures so you guess you can say I'm a fan, but this, this man wow. Cograts, congrats. May the Lord bless and keep you

Kim said...

Beautiful pictures and engagement story