For this South Carolina couple, it paid to be consistent

Which is more important when choosing a potential mate: chemistry or consistency? 

While some say chemistry is essential for a good relationship, Chelsea and Stanley also know the value of consistency. It’s what got them engaged! 

Bride: Chelsea Surles, 29, kindergarten teacher and native of Columbia, South Carolina

Groom: Stanley Stewart, 28, Logistics at TQL and native of Spartanburg, South Carolina

Current residence: Charleston, South Carolina

Wedding Date: July 9, 2022 

Venue: Britt Event Center-Columbia

How They Met

(Chelsea) Stanley and I met in 2013 while attending college. We went to Claflin University and met through mutual friends. The school was very small, and we knew many of the same people. We first met at a party. We were just talking, and one thing led to another. He got my number, and we just hit it off from there. It went from hanging out to going out to ea to going to the park and different things like that.

First Date

Chelsea) Our first date was in 2014 at Ruby Tuesday, in Orangeburg. We just randomly went there. I wanted some pasta and he said, “Oh, you know, Ruby Tuesday has great pasta.” So, that’s where we went. He ordered the food for me, and we had a great time

This is “The One”

(Chelsea) I knew that he was the one because he was very consistent. In college some people take relationships seriously and some don’t. He was very consistent with calling me, texting me and just spending time together. After a few months of dating, he asked me to go to Charleston with him, to meet his family. That’s when I knew that he was serious. Although I was a very low-key girl in school, I was also consistent with texting and calling him. He said my personality was great. 

The Proposal

(Chelsea) Stanley proposed at an Airbnb in Columbia. The proposal was very much a surprise for me. We had been seeing one another for about six years. When we got up that morning, he said, “Let’s go to brunch and then I’ll take you to the mall.” I was thinking, “Dude, it’s the weekend before Christmas. The mall is going to be packed.” He didn’t care. He insisted that we were going to have brunch and then going to go to the mall. He promised to get me whatever I needed. I was thinking, “So, I am okay with that.”

As we were leaving for the mall, he got these blindfolds out. I kept wondering what they were for. He told me to put them on and I complied. I thought he was planning to get our parents together. That’s what I had been asking for, but it had been kind of hard. 

We ended up going to an Airbnb. When we got there, he told me to remove my blindfold. My mom, dad, godmother and all of my best friends were there. They surprised me with flowers and balloons. Music was playing in the background, and Stanley got down on one knee. He said, “I appreciate you everyday and everything you’ve done for me. I just want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?” I was bawling my eyes out! I said, “Yes,” of course. We spent the rest of the evening celebrating.

The Engagement Session

(Chelsea) Our photographer did a great job. Our engagement shoot was in two different locations. We had one photo shoot at the state capitol in Columbia. The other was at a downtown park. It was so much fun. It was very intimate and sort of out of our comfort zone. We were photographed while walking in the woods and sitting on the ground. We had never taken photos in the woods. The intimacy really was my favorite part. Now we have beautiful pictures that I am proud to hang on our walls as well as give to our family and friends.

Wedding Planning

(Chelsea) Wedding planning has been going great. I booked almost everything in 2021. My venue, caterer, decorator, DJ and bartender are already booked. My last major thing to do is getting my dress, and I plan to get that next month. 

Looking Ahead to Our Wedding Day

Chelsea) Stanley and I are just really excited to get married and spend the rest of our lives together. We are also looking forward to celebrating with our family and closest friends. I’m very excited.

Are you recently married, engaged, celebrating an anniversary or vow renewal? Do you want to share your love story and stunning photos from your event? We want to celebrate with you. Contact me at helen@QcityMetro.com .

Their Vendors

Photographer:
Gadson Photography & Design

Venue
Britt Event