A Match Made on the ‘Gram: Deanna and Preston’s Enchanting Engagement Session in Atlanta, GA

Deanna and Preston first connected on Instagram in 2019 during their senior years of college. Deanna, then a student at Spelman College, came across Preston’s profile through a mutual friend and thought he was handsome so, decided to “shoot her shot” by following him—a first for her. Preston quickly followed her back, and the two spent several weeks engaging in a playful game of “Instagram tag” before they finally began talking.

Once the conversation started, it never stopped. Preston drove and flew to visit Deanna every month until they both graduated. Following their graduation, Preston moved to Atlanta to be with Deanna, where they currently live. After years of growing together from college students to partners in the same city, the couple is now happily celebrating their engagement.

Bride: Deanna Lanier, 27, PhD Student/Graduate Research Assistant at the University of Georgia

Groom: Preston Randolph, 27, Personal Trainer and Business Owner

Place of Residence:  Atlanta, Georgia

Engagement Shoot Location: Callandwolde Fine Arts Center

Photography By: Victoria Poythress

Wedding Date: November 7, 2026

Engagement story 

In 2024, Preston and I had an incredibly busy summer. We were traveling almost every week, so when he told me he wanted to plan a date night on one of the only free Saturdays we had together in a while, I didn’t think much of it. He said we hadn’t had a chance to enjoy a nice date in months and encouraged me to get dressed up. If I’m being honest, I was secretly hoping that this would be the day. I spent the entire week calling my friends and my mom, trying to get someone to spill the beans. Nobody would budge!

We started the evening with dinner at 5Church in Buckhead. Looking back, it’s actually pretty funny because I was so convinced a proposal was coming that I kept unintentionally dragging out dinner. I was thinking, “Maybe he just needs more time.” By the time dessert arrived and nothing had happened, I started to convince myself that I had completely misread all the signs. As we left the restaurant and headed toward the valet, I was certain the night was simply a beautiful date night. Then, out of nowhere, a woman took my purse, which completely confused me. When I looked up, I saw all of our friends and family waiting for us. They were holding a sign that read, “Marry Me.”

In that moment, everything else disappeared. Preston got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. It was absolutely perfect. Of course, I said, “Yes!”

What are you most looking forward to about your wedding? 

More than anything, I’m looking forward to celebrating with all of our friends and family. Preston and I have already built a beautiful life together and have been part of each other’s lives for many years, but there’s something incredibly special about standing before the people we love most and making our union a forever covenant. Being able to publicly declare that love and have our family and friends witness the beginning of this next chapter means so much to us. And, of course, I’m looking forward to the party afterward!

Congratulations to the happy couple!

Walking down the aisle this year? For more gorgeous bridal inspiration and wedding planning tips, get your copy of Black Bride Magazine.

By Associate Editor, Candice Davie

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