College sweethearts revisit their hometown of Tampa, Florida for a cheerful downtown engagement photoshoot

Real Engagements: Shanaika & Javen

Black African American bride to be Shanaika fiance fiancee Javen proposed proposal engaged engagement colorful photoshoot ring downtown Tampa Florida college sweethearts

A mutual friend in college introduced Shanaika and Javen to one another while both were attending the University of South Florida for undergraduate school. The two hit it off and spent many a late night “studying” organic chemistry – the kind you learn about in books as well as the kind you learn about in relationships. There was no doubt Javen and Shanaika had organic chemistry in their attraction to one another. Each knew they were each other’s person and had the privilege of finding that love early in life. The Floridians, who hailed from Tampa, FL had to spend time doing long distance, as Shanaika was accepted into Emory University for her master’s program. She moved to Atlanta while Javen, who is now an orthopedic physician’s assistant, continued on at USF in Tampa, getting his master’s degree. After four years of being apart, the couple could finally reside in the same place.

In 2019, Javen orchestrated a heartwarming proposal for Shanaika, who now works as a health communication specialist contractor with the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. During what she believed to be a graduation photoshoot at the Ponce City Market in Atlanta, Javen got down on one knee and asked Shanaika to be his wife. Overwhelmed with joy, she eagerly accepted. As a tribute to the city that brought them together, Shanaika and Javen decided to incorporate their favorite spots in Tampa into their engagement photoshoot. From Bayshore Boulevard to vibrant downtown Tampa and charming Hyde Park Village, every location held significance in their love story. The couple was wed on October 2, 2021, in Tampa, FL.