By now, I’m sure you’ve had a chance to watch this beautiful proposal video we’ve been sharing on the site over the last few weeks. As much as possible, we love to get to know the story behind the couple of a popular video or photograph. So it was inevitable that we had to track down this awesome couple so we could share their story with you. Meet Claudine and Junior. They were engaged on May 25th of this year, and have set their wedding date for May 17, 2014. The surprise proposal occurred when Claudine thought Junior was in California for work. When asked about the significance of the wedding date? Junior was born in the month of May, and Claudine’s birthday falls on the 17th of her birthday month. They also started dating in May, and, obviously got engaged in May. This couple was truly down to earth and so much fun to chat with! I hope their story blesses you as much as it did me.
Claudine: We officially met online through MySpace. He sent me a message asking if I was someone he had gone to school with. But I think he did it on purpose because he was trying to mack through the computer and I wasn’t having it [laughs]. We ended up talking back and forth and it turned out he had gone to school with some of my cousins.
He tried to date me for six years before we became an official item. I had just finished high school and college and was dating at the time that we had met. He became that best guy friend and I just didn’t want to ruin that friendship. We would hang out practically every weekend, and everyone kept asking when I was going to date him? But I just kept saying, ‘No he’s just my friend’ [insert Biz Markie song here…Oh baby youuuu got what I neeeed]. I’ll never forget Mother’s Day weekend. He came with me to my mom’s house to get her gift. My mom kept saying how crazy I was and how she couldn’t believe he was still hanging around, and I wasn’t giving him a chance. So in 2011 we officially started dating.
BMWK: How was it for you, Junior, waiting all that time? What was going through your head?
Junior: It was kind of tough but I managed to pull through and hold on tight. And of course I prayed about it and God gave me that chance. Since then, my heart has been full of joy and I’m just so happy now.
BMWK: Tell me about the proposal. How did you come up with the idea and location? What was the inspiration?
Junior: She’s always on YouTube watching the flash mobs. I remember her being online one time and showing me some [of the proposal videos], and I thought they were really nice. It took me about six months to figure out a location and a day, and I had a lot of people to help me plan it. I initially wanted to do it at the mall we have here and have people dancing. But something came up and it was going to take too long. So I decided I was just going to do something different.
One day we went to our favorite place to eat and I thought it was perfect because they had three big screen TVs outside there. So I had to track down the Events Manager to figure out how to plan the proposal there. Once everything was finalized, I had my brother and her mom go to help me pick out the ring which is what you saw in the clip.
Claudine: Everyone freaked out at that point. All of our family was there and I almost didn’t go out because I was feeling sick that day. But my mom made me feel bad saying his family really wanted to hang out with me. So it’s so funny what ended up happening and I’m so thankful that I went! He did really good because most people can’t keep a secret from me, I find out everything [laughs]. I was most surprised about my mother who can never keep a secret [laughs]! It was just the best surprise ever.
BMWK: At what point did it click that this was really happening?
Claudine: When the screen came on, I started turning around and all the TVs were playing with him talking. I couldn’t really see much because I had taken my glasses off, but that’s when I asked myself, ‘Oh my gosh, is he really doing it?’ Once the clip started playing, I almost fell out. I just started shaking and ended up having to sit down. When I heard him say, ‘I’m just going to let the video show you’, I knew right then and there it was really happening.
BMWK: What are some ways you’ve grown as a couple since you first started dating?
Claudine: I’m very independent and controlling, which caused some conflict in the beginning of our relationship. I had to take a step back, reevaluate myself and realize that this man loves me for me. I talk to him and not at him. Our communication is much better.
Junior: I am more responsible. I hold myself accountable for my actions. We’ve learned how to compromise for one another. Our maturity level has gone up.
Claudine: Relax, enjoy yourself, have fun and stop looking for Mr. Right because he’ll come to you!
Junior: Just be confident in yourself and open minded about dating. Don’t worry, you’ll know if she the one.
BMWK: What are you looking forward to the most when it comes to marriage?
Claudine: Everything! I’m excited about having our new titles/roles of husband and wife, and fulfilling those duties. I’m looking forward to starting a family with Junior because he’s going to be a wonderful dad; excited to begin this journey and start our own traditions.
Junior: The fact that I will have a best friend and an intimate partner all in one. I’m responsible for her and the children we hope to have someday. Claudine is ambitious and loves new things. I’m ready to bring her dreams to reality. Also, I get to introduce her as my wife now!
BMWK: When was the moment you realized you wanted to spend your lives together?
Claudine: I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). It’s the underlying cause of my infertility issues. I tried to push him away since I knew it would be difficult to have children in the future. I even gave him an out but he refused! Out of fear of my condition worsening and not being able to conceive, we went ahead with the help of a Reproductive Endocrinologist and tried to have a baby. Unfortunately, it failed three times and we spent a lot of money. That situation really tested our relationship, but we prayed and asked God for guidance. After all that, he still wanted me, not knowing if I can bear a child for him someday, it just solidified and made our bond even stronger. Junior truly LOVES me! We were tested and came out on top. I love this man!
Junior: For me, I loved Claudine from the first time I saw her. I just had a gut feeling that she was going to be my wife someday. I tried for six years to get this woman and eventually God answered my prayers. It’s also an added bonus that she’s very supportive, loves God and is a Sports fanatic like me!
Claudine: Honor the Lord above all things. Marriage is made up of two good forgivers and I should always speak the truth, and share my feelings. Don’t compare him to anyone else’s husband. Smile at him, play and have fun with one another.
Junior: Not to let pride or an ego get in our way. Little secrets lead to bigger secrets. Be honest and be her friend. Most importantly, chivalry isn’t dead fellas [laughs]!
BMWK: Do you have any advice you want to share with other couples?
Claudine: Keep God first, pray together as a couple and remember why you both chose this journey with one another. It’s ok to be vulnerable, it’s beautiful to have love and fall for him. Show your affection, give affirmations, be each other’s best friend. I wish you all the best my brothers and sisters!
Junior: Always have trust, communication, and respect each other. Those are the main keys in a relationship. Also, be each other’s friend. Fellas: let her know she’s beautiful all the time! Remember why you got together in the first place and listen to her. The little thing count the most, like flowers because it’s Wednesday, or a text saying I love you! Be faithful servants.
Thank you so much Claudine and Junior for sharing your story. We wish you all of life’s abundant blessings as you plan for and begin your journey into marriage.
BMWK: Be sure to leave this great couple some words of encouragement in the comments.