Angela and Anthony met in Georgia, his home state and her choice for college. “We [were] working at Staples and I would always notice him smiling. Anthony says that he used to look at me through the window of the office and admire me from afar!” says Angela. “So we started as coworkers, became college study buddies, friends…and fell in love.” “She said we were supposed to be studying together, but to this day she has never seen my homework,” adds Anthony.

Anthony proposed to Angela on Valentine’s Day of 2012, one month after their youngest daughter was born. Shares Angela, “I’ve always told him I don’t consider it a great holiday because you should feel special and loved every day. But he sure changed my mind.” Although a completely unexpected surprise, Angela’s family and closest friends were already in on the secret. “He’s so charming and spontaneous,” she says. “Our oldest daughter, Anaiya, had so much excitement in her eyes when Anthony got down on one knee. She says it was the happiest day of her life. I couldn’t agree with her more.”

The couple says planning went smoother than they even expected. “Michelle and Sabrina at The Citizen Hotel were beyond amazing,” notes the bride. ”They made sure my vision came to life!” Having the ceremony in an intimate space allowed the pair to feel the love of the friends and family around them. “We wrote our own vows and had our mothers do the candle lighting ceremony, as we both were raised by our moms,” says Anthony. “It was our way of honoring them.”

The reception was held on the terrace level of The Citizen Hotel in Sacramento, overlooking the Capitol and downtown. “My most memorable moment was walking in as Mrs. Anthony Hall,” remembers Angela. “When we walked in and our friends and family were cheering, shouting and smiling, I knew I had made the best decision of my life marrying him.”

The reception room overflowed with love, joy and people who wanted to get down and celebrate. “Our DJ knew how to work the crowd and played all of our specific requests,” they say. “He played something for everyone. Our family was dancing up until the last second.”

But all good things must come to an end, and even this groom wasn’t about to put up a fight.

“At the end of the day, when it was all over, I just wanted to have her to myself,” Anthony says.

―Darren Elms