( Photos by Jess Raynoha, All Things Creative)
When Shamaria Motley-Valentino was called on stage during a “Hocus Pocus” show at The Abbey, she wasn’t expecting a marriage proposal from then-girlfriend Riley Valentino.
“I knew I wanted to marry her one day, but I really didn’t see that coming,” Shamaria says. “She always knows how to surprise me. What I know now is that she built this elaborate plan to completely fool me and she knew it was going to work because I am so gullible.”
Jennica McCleary, who was playing Winifred Sanderson, called her up as a volunteer to “cast a spell.” A video montage of Riley and Shamaria began to play instead.
This video had been filmed by the couple a month prior, but Riley left a secret message in it that Shamaria hadn’t seen. While Shamaria was standing in front of the camera, Riley was stood behind her, opening a box to reveal an engagement ring.
After the video ended, Riley took the microphone to make an emotional speech to her girlfriend.
“I love you beyond what any words can express or define,” Riley said in her speech. “I want you to know that I’ll love you in your weakest moments to your strongest moments. I’m going to love you until I take my last breath in this world. But truth be told, not even the afterlife can stop me from loving you.”
After the speech, Riley got down on one knee and proposed. Shamaria kissed her, happily accepting.
The couple met at Pulse nightclub, where Shamaria used to be a go-go dancer. After catching each other’s eyes, Riley reached out to Shamaria through Instagram. They hit it off and the rest is history.
Three years after their engagement, Shamaria and Riley tied the knot in the backyard of their home.
Riley stayed at a hotel the night before the wedding, so seeing Shamaria walk down the aisle was one of her favorite moments from the day.
“I definitely was sobbing and crying when I saw her,” Riley says. “She was so beautiful.”
“The moment before we were about to be able to kiss did it for me,” Shamaria says. “The feeling I got inside my body was like a putting Alka-Seltzer in coke. And when it finally happened, I was sky high.”
Another one of Shamaria’s favorite moments was her mother Francisca walking her down the aisle.
“My mother raised me as a single mother, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without her,” Shamaria says. “Her practically carrying me down the aisle is something I’ll never forget. She means the world to the both of us.”
At the reception, there was lots of dancing and speeches from the couple’s loved ones. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some guests came in-person while others celebrated virtually.
“Everyone partied safely, because you know, COVID,” Riley says. “But everything worked out perfectly.”
Seeing all of their family and friends having a good time brought them even more joy as they began their journey as a married couple.
“One thing I can say that’s special about our relationship is that Mari and I are constantly evolving together and individually,” Riley said. “Finding a lover and a best friend in one person is such a blessing. Never stop dating the person you love, even when you’re married already.”
“When it comes to Riley and I, when you got something good, nurture it,” Shamaria said. “A love that is as deep as the soul deserves your all.”
Engagement Date: June 19, 2017
Wedding Date: Nov. 22, 2020
Officiant: Blue Star
Venue: Home backyard
Colors: Jewel tones
Wedding Song/Artist: Daniel Cesar – “Best Part (Ft. H.E.R.)”
Florist: Michaels, Hobby Lobby, Mother Earth
Caterer: Over Rice & Tamale CO.
Cake Flavors: Vegan vanilla cake with fresh strawberries
Bakery: Dolce Couture Cakes
Photographer/Videographer: All Things Creative by Jess Raynoha
DJ/Entertainment: Kraig Mathews
Do you have an interesting wedding or engagement story you’d like to share with Watermark readers? If so, email the details to Editor@WatermarkOnline.com for consideration as a future feature on this page.
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