The Lucky Lady: Tai Green, 33, Public Relations Executive
Her Leading Man: Calvin Wingfield, 33, Attorney
The Big Day: May 16, 2015
Where and how did you meet your man?
We were both born and raised in Washington, D.C. but never met until we moved to New York City in 2006. While in college, we briefly connected through AOL Instant Messenger (before the official start of the social media era) thanks to mutual friends. After graduating from undergrad, we lost contact. Years later, we met in person within weeks of one another (unknowingly) moving to New York City. Years of friendship blossomed into love, and the rest is sweet history.
What was your past dating life like?
I’d had a pretty active dating life before Calvin and it wasn’t until Calvin that I’d realized what I’d been missing. Meeting a lot of Mr. Wrongs taught me about the qualities I most wanted in a man. Calvin is the only man I’ve ever felt was made for me, and, me for him.
Were you looking for love at the time?
No. When Calvin and I initially met, I’d just moved to New York City was focused on adjusting to the move and new gig. God took time preparing us for one another. And, when it hit me, it hit me! I haven’t been the same since.
Did you play hard to get?
Unintentionally, I guess I did. I can be pretty oblivious to guys trying to get my attention. He’d invite me to basketball games and plays and he even sent me flowers on my first day at a new job. I just thought he was being a good friend. Unbeknownst to me, he had ulterior motives. I’m glad he did.
Weirdest date you’ve ever been on?
I live in NY but I am a D.C. girl. I love Maryland crabs. Calvin knows my love of crabs and he ordered a bushel to have delivered to NYC. He ordered cooked crabs but the company mistakenly sent us live crabs. Neither of us realized they were live until I prodded, poked and tried to rip the leg off of one. We quickly learned, once they thawed a bit, that they were indeed alive. After we both freaked out a bit, I gave Calvin a lesson in steaming crabs with beer and old bay. It was actually a pretty hilarious experience.
Who said “I love you” first?
He did, though I’d also felt it when he said it.
Did you have a hunch he was going to propose?
No. He was so sneaky! He told me earlier in the week that he had to go to Boston for the day for work – which is pretty common. He, instead, went to Washington to ask my parents for permission to marry me. I love that he did that and I was totally shocked.
How did he pop the question?
The night prior to him proposing, he later told me, he couldn’t sleep and sat up all night debating whether to wake me up and propose in the middle of the night. He decided to hold off and move forward as planned. The next morning, we started our Saturday as we do most other Saturdays: On our way out to brunch, in the middle of his New York City apartment, he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. It was a very private morning shared by just the two of us in the location where our love blossomed. Of course I said yes. He planned a romantic dinner that evening at one of my favorite restaurants, and after dinner he surprised me by getting all of our closest friends together (including my best friend from D.C.) for champagne and a celebration. This was really the icing on the cake to what had already been the best day of my life. He knows how important friends are to me and made sure to incorporate them into our special day.
Photos: Leonard Poteat Photography