The Lucky Lady: Julienne Brown, 32, IT Consultant
Her Leading Man: Saeed McLean, 31, Financial Services Consultant
The Big Day: September 13, 2015
Location: Brooklyn, NY
How did you meet your man?
It was a ‘First Saturday’ dance party at the Brooklyn Museum. I was looking for my friends during the let-out and a friend of mine, Brian, was standing with three guys (including Saeed). Brian introduced us and it felt like he was trying to connect Saeed and I.
What were your first impressions of each other?
At the museum Saeed (being the man he is) played it too cool and nonchalant. Even though he was smiling, I didn’t think he was interested. It felt as though he was being polite since Brian introduced us. After about four questions, I pulled the, “I see some friends of mine from college and it was great meeting you” routine. We actually went our separate ways without exchanging information. The next day on Twitter, I got a tweet from Brian connecting us again. Saeed sent me a direct message right away asking for my phone number.
What was your dating life like before you met him?
It’s particularly hard to find the right guy in New York City. Like most women, I met my share of immature, unqualified men. However, I remained optimistic that the right one would come my way and he did.
Describe your most romantic date ever.
It was hands down, the time we went to this ‘hole-in-the-wall’ reggae club in Flatbush, Brooklyn. We were already out at another party, which ended at 4:00a.m, and I recommend this place since I wasn’t ready to call it a night. We had so much fun dancing to old school reggae, dancehall and soca. The party was not over until 7:00 in the morning and the sun was coming up. I found the simplicity and authentic ambiance extremely romantic.
Your best vacation yet?
Our trip to Thailand for Thanksgiving holiday was my favorite. We traveled to Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket. We took a cooking class, visited many ancient sites, and got massages together. Not many people spoke English there, so we felt like we were in own world.
How long did you date before you got engaged?
We dated for three years and one month.
How did he pop the question?
It happened to be Saeed’s last day on a stressful client engagement at work. He sent me a text to see if I was still at work and if I wanted to meet up. I was already home, so after getting off the subway, he asked, if I wanted anything from Popeyes. (Laughs) When Saeed got home, he started telling me about his day and went to the coat closet to hang up his stuff. I’m literally in sweats on my laptop doing work and he walks over and tells me to stand up. He got down on one knee and asked me right then!
Did you have a hunch he was going to propose?
No idea. I was extremely shocked.
Photos: Kesha Lambert Photography
/ www.keshalambert.com