What qualities captivate you when you first meet someone? Well Stephen captured Courtney with his irresistible sense of humor and charm. Besides being comical, Stephen’s proposal to Courtney shows that he is also a romantic family man. He proposed on Christmas Eve at Courtney’s family dinner. They were exchanging secret Santa gifts when Stephen announced he had a special gift for Courtney. He got down on one knee and professed to Courtney’s family that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. A celebration immediately followed with family members jumping up and down and screaming “Congratulations!!”  This handsome couple knew they wanted to have their engagement shoot at a location that exuded modern elegance and the Georgian Terrace Hotel in Atlanta served as the perfect venue.  Courtney shares, “The focus of our engagement session was about having fun while being romantic, enjoying the intimate moments.”  Taun Henderson Photography perfectly captured all the intimacy and passion between these two love birds.

• Bride to be: Courtney Meadows
• Groom to be: Stephen Wilson
• Wedding Date: 11/30/2013

How They Met

We met at a Christmas function but soon realized we worked in the same location. We would occasionally greet each other at work with Hello, HI, and Very BIG smiles. One day the simple Hello did not work we let our guards down and eventually exchanged numbers and slowly became the best of friends.

I knew he was the one when I could no longer resist his sense of humor. One of the many things I love about Steve is that he continuously makes me laugh. His stories are hilarious. The attraction, the laughter and humor is what keeps us inseparable. He’s my best friend. I love this guy he’s such a charmer.

The Proposal 

Steve proposed to me on Christmas Eve at a family dinner in front of ALL my family members. We were playing Secret Santa and exchanging Christmas gifts. When my Aunt called Steve’s name I looked with an attitude like how does he get a gift before me. LOL! But he Stood among everyone and said “I would like to give a special gift to Courtney.” Me looking surprised and confused at the same time; I was trying to think of all the gifts I had on my Christmas list. So I’m sitting down watching my mother open her gift and suddenly I see Steve slide from the front of the room to where I was sitting he held my hand and got on one knee with a black box. He began his touching speech with a smile I will never forget; telling me how much he loves me and he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me. By then I’m speechless and really nervous. He opened the box and I don’t think he could even get all the words out before I could shake my head with a big YES! We stood up and I gave him the biggest hug and kiss and said I love you so much! The funny thing is that every one of my family members was jumping up and down screaming “Congratulations!! ” I think they were excited as well. I’ve always wanted to share this moment with my family. (My mother was in tears shouting, “Thank You Jesus”). I kept smiling the whole night looking at my ring feeling delighted. It has been the most memorable experience that I will never forget. The perfect proposal for me!

Engagement Session Inspiration 

Our engagement was accentuated around Contemporary/Modern elegance. We both love beautiful eye catching atmosphere that is timeless and elegant. We picked the Georgian Terrace in Atlanta Georgia as our engagement session. I absolutely love everything about this Hotel because it has so much character and it was easy for us to express who we are as a couple. The focus of our engagement session was about having fun while being romantic enjoying the intimate moments. You would say had a romantic date on our photo session.

Their Photographer

I absolutely love my photographer Taun Henderson Photography. I found him at the Atlanta Georgia Bridal show. There were so many vendors/photographers but Taun and his wife stood out from all the rest. His booth was not overwhelming, they made the Brides feel comfortable and the quality of work that was being presented was all that I wanted and was looking for. Their ideas for photos were amazing and capturing true moments that I never thought of. What I enjoyed about our engagement session is that Taun was able to communicate with Steve so he would be comfortable with the photo session. He even had tricks to loosen up the groom. From start to finish we had a great time. Of course I love the camera so every shot felt like a money shot to me.

Looking Forward to the Wedding 

Wedding day I’m looking forward to capturing all the details and hard work that we put into the wedding. The elegance, glamour, fashion, wedding decor and venue. I look forward to seeing pictures that tells a story about how much we love each other. The fun that we have together and sharing moments with our closest family and friends.

Wedding Planning Advice 

Making wedding plans is tough and challenging, but it can be fun. Most of my ideas are from Pinterest/Etsy. Pinterest/Etsy have wonderful ideas to share for any type of Bride. The only difficulties I have is sticking to a budget. Its very hard to do when you want your day to be perfect. I advise any Bride is to stay true to a budget.

Vendors 

• Taun Henderson Photography

Taun Henderson Photography is a member of The Coterie, Munaluchi’s exclusive wedding collecive, click here to view his portfolio. To learn more about The Coterie, click here.

The post Elegant E-Session in Atlanta Hotel appeared first on Munaluchi Bridal Magazine.

Dinner clubs are a great way to try delicious food, met new people, and if you are as lucky as Lindsay and William, you may even find your soul mate.  This lovely couple met while mingling and munching at a BBQ dinner club in Birmingham, AL.  After several years of dating, they were inseparable and William knew he was ready to propose.  He wanted to make sure everything was flawless, so he got Lindsay’s parents’ permission and began searching for the picture-perfect ring. A Christmas ski trip in Tennessee proved to be the perfect time to pop the question. To commemorate their engagement they wanted to have a photo-shoot that truly captured their personalities. Lindsay shares, “Our e-session gives a good summary of what our life together is like – classic, romantic, and fun!”  To start off their session, they went back to a place where they had one of their first dates, the Morgan Creek Vineyards. Elle Danielle Photography beautifully photographed the excitement this fun loving couple shares over their pending nuptials.

• Bride to be: Lindsay Reddick
• Groom to be: William Harden
• Wedding Date:  02/22/2014

How They Met

Her Story:

In February 2010, I attended my first Dinner Club with a group of people I had met the previous months at various events around Birmingham. The dinner party started to arrive at the restaurant and a handsome guy sat across from me. He introduced himself as William.

Although we officially met that February and saw each other at the monthly Dinner Club gatherings, we didn’t really get to know each other until that July. That month’s gathering was a BBQ at my friend’s house. The more relaxed setting allowed us to talk and joke more. I enjoyed being around him! We went out on (what I consider) our first date the next night. After a month or so of dating, he told me that I needed to be with him. Trusting and agreeing with him that September night proved to be the best decision of my life.

His Story:

It was at a Dinner Club where I first saw this attractive new face. I didn’t immediately try to initiate any conversion as I continued on with the normal dinner club format. Luckily for me Lindsay sat down directly across the table from me. During that time, as always light conversation was taking place, she mentioned where she attended college. I told her I knew of a few people including relatives that attended, and asked if any of the names rang a bell. Of course she knew some of them, and it was at that time I said “yea ok” in my mind “of course she would” and decided to leave it be at that. That ended our first brief conversation.

That summer, I saw Lindsay at a Dinner Club BBQ. As I was coming up the steps to bring my addition to the BBQ, I saw her talking with her friend while attempting to do something rather unsuccessfully on the grill. Lindsay was wearing a nice summer dress that accentuated her figure. As always, I was my cool self and spoke to both of them then placed my things in the house. I felt this gathering would allow for additional conversation, but didn’t want to force anything. At some point I went back outside to assist them on the grill and make light conversation to assess things I guess you could say.

After some conversation, to my surprise Lindsay in a roundabout way asked for my number under the guise of planning something else later. I saw through it completely and even joked about it, but it sounded like a win for me so I obliged. We began to date and the thing I noticed most was how comfortable and smooth our dates had been. The other thing I noticed is that whenever we were not together we always ran into each other out and about. Now I had been in Birmingham for some time and had never seen Lindsay before, but it seemed that wherever I went I randomly ran into her. At one point I felt as though she would think I was stalking her, but of course I let her know she should stop following me around. I knew there was something special about Lindsay and I had to let her know that we needed to be together so I could find out what that was.

The Proposal

Her Story:

William and I had been on many fun adventures together, but we had never been on a vacation by ourselves. In January of 2013 he expressed interest in going on a ski trip. Neither of us had been skiing before, so I suggested that we start on a smaller scale. He booked a romantic cabin in Gatlinburg, TN for the last weekend of the month. We had a wonderful, long weekend of relaxation… oh and skiing. (Let’s not talk about skiing. I had a tough time at it, but he was a natural… of course!) On the final night of our stay, we watched a movie and enjoyed some of the goodies we got from the shops while sitting on the rug by the fireplace. It felt like a normal night until it wasn’t.

At the end of the movie, he stood me up and danced with me as we reflected on the weekend. I turned to see the credits for a couple of seconds, and when I looked back he was on one knee!!! Most of it was a blur from there. I couldn’t believe it was happening! William doesn’t joke about that kind of thing, so I knew he was serious. All I could do was make sure he knew which hand the ring should go (LOL), say OF COURSE (!!!), and cry. I was a bit concerned about whether he got permission before asking, so I asked. Like a true gentleman, he had gone to Gadsden the weekend before and asked my parents. He told me that his parents and our siblings knew as well! A strong sense of peace rushed over me, and I’ve felt that way ever since.

His Story:

I know you have just read Lindsay’s version, now it is time for the truth… haha. This engagement story started way before January. I would say it started in October of the previous year. I spent about two months learning and practicing all the knowledge I received from various jewelers. Cut, Color, Clarity was ingrained in my thinking process until early December when I found the perfect combination in a classic style I knew she would like. Then there was my attempt at correctly sizing a ring for a person who doesn’t typically wear rings; one of my only low points in the process…That’s a story for another day.

As Christmas rolled around I was debating popping the question, but my dislike of cheesy-ness won over, so I decided to work on a new plan. One evening we were sitting on the couch talking about taking a real trip together and we both blurted out skiing. So I set out to book a ski trip in Gatlinburg with the big ending being a proposal. The next step on this master plan was getting permission to pop the big question from her parents. I was clueless as to how I would accomplish this as the trip alone would have been almost two hours gone without Lindsay knowing. I could tell everything was going to work out when she mentioned she was going to be out with friends the same weekend I wanted to attempt my secret mission.

Fast forward again to Gatlinburg. The weather was perfect for skiing, but not for getting out of your mountain top cabin. We did go skiing and it was great although Lindsay had a little more trouble than I, but we had a blast together. Then she forced me to walk and shop, haha. The last night, after that movie I magically pulled that ring out and proposed and she said YES!!!

Engagement Session Inspiration

Early in our relationship, before we were officially a couple, William took me to Morgan Creek Vineyards for their annual Grape Stomp. This is where I “fell in like” with him, so we thought it would be great to have engagement pictures taken there.

Since William plays flag football and softball in a few of leagues around town, we wanted to capture that part of our lives a well.

Our session gives a good summary of what our life together is like – classic, romantic, and fun!

Looking Forward to…

The thing we’re looking most forward to is actually being MARRIED! We also look forward to celebrating with our family and friends.

Vendors

Photography by Elle Danielle Photography

Elle Danielle Photography is a member of The Coterie, Munaluchi’s exclusive wedding collective. Be sure to visit her website to learn more about her company.

The post Romantic Vineyard E-Session in Alabama appeared first on Munaluchi Bridal Magazine.

Who knew that a simple friend request on Facebook could lead you to the love of your life? Carrie came across a photo of Marcus on a friend’s Facebook page. She thought he was cute, so she went ahead and sent him a friend request.  Marcus accepted, and their relationship evolved from talking on Facebook, to texting, to phone conversations, and after a month and a half they finally met in person. They immediately knew they had a special spark and their love has been burning ever since. Marcus proposed on Christmas Day. He handed Carrie a mysterious box,  then showed her a slide show that contained celebrity couples, like Cliff and Claire Huxtable. At the end of the slide show were the words, “Will you marry me?”  So romantic! Marcus and Carrie are having a modern Art Museum wedding in June, so to celebrate their love for each other and their love of art, they decided to have their engagement session in an artsy part of Charlotte, NC nick named “No Da.”  Nicholson Design Group beautifully captured it all.

• Bride to be:  Carrie Thomas
• Groom to be:  Marcus Woodard
• Wedding Date: 06/14/2014

How They Met

As much as everyone loves an old-fashioned love story, our story is quite modern. We met on Facebook! I came across a photo of Marcus on a Facebook friend’s page, and thought, “How have I never seen this cute guy before?!” We are both from the same (relatively small) town, where everyone seems to know everyone. I added him as a friend. Marcus accepted my request, inboxed me, and told me “You are absolutely beautiful.” Over the next few weeks, I kept noticing that Marcus would post music that I like, or movies that I love, so I knew that we already had much in common.

Talking via Facebook turned into texting, then phone conversations, and about a month-and-a-half later, we met. It was pretty unromantic. I was working at a preschool at the time and had contracted strep throat. I was sickly and not looking her best, but Marcus didn’t care. We hung out just the two of us at his place. When my antibiotics kicked in, we went out with our combined friends who all gave the necessary thumbs-up approval. All was well, and we knew that something special was happening. We started to officially date in April 2010. And as they say, the rest is history! I had been living in Philadelphia, PA for six years, and moved back to my hometown to be closer to him.

Less than two years later, we moved from our hometown of Erie, Pennsylvania to Charlotte, NC. We both currently live in work in the Charlotte, North Carolina area.

The Proposal

Christmas Day 2012:

Marcus had been telling me all month that he made my Christmas gift this year. I was fine with this. I was actually expecting a nice drawing that he spent a lot of time creating, because apparently Marcus is a good artist. This, I have yet to see, however!

So Christmas morning he brings out a medium-sized box, wrapped with wrapping paper. He explains, “Well actually, your gift is kind of a two-part gift.” He plugs in the iPad to the TV and begins a video for us. I didn’t think much of it. Marcus had created a snapfish scrapbook for me for Valentine’s Day two years ago, so he’s done the “creative thing” before.

As I’m enjoying the slideshow video (set to Anthony Hamilton’s “Point Of It All”) and the photos start changing into The Obamas, MLK and Coretta Scott King, celebrity couples, and some of our favorite TV couples like Cliff and Claire Huxtable, I’m thinking, “Oh my gosh. Is this it? It can’t be… No way… Wait. Is this it?”

During the very last slide, Marcus gets out the ring box and asks, “Will you marry me?” He was nervous, and forgot to get down on one knee!

Oh, and there was nothing in that medium-sized box except his coffee mug from work (so it would have some weight to it if I tried shaking it and guessing what was inside.)

Nailed it.

Engagement Session Inspiration

We wanted to have our engagement shoot in NoDa Charlotte, which is the artsy district. On the weekends, we love going out to brunch and taking walks afterward in this trendy part of town. Since our wedding reception will be in an art museum, we thought that NoDa would be the perfect place for an e-session!

Looking Forward to the Wedding 

I am most looking forward to seeing Marcus’s expression when I walk down the aisle. He’s been involved in every step of the planning process, but he has no idea what my wedding gown looks like. I’m excited to see his handsome face at the other end of the church when I walk in with my Dad.

Wedding Planning Advice

Wedding planning has been fun! To my surprise, Marcus has been very involved, and I love that! It makes my job as a bride much easier.

Vendors

• Engagement Photographer: Nicholson Design Group- Charlotte, North Carolina

The post Artsy Outdoor E-Session in Charlotte, North Carolina appeared first on Munaluchi Bridal Magazine.

When Cornell met Juliette at a party celebrating their 8^th grade graduation, it was instant puppy love. They exchanged numbers and spoke on the phone daily for two weeks.  Although they lost contact, destiny would bring them back together at a college party. They stayed in touch over the years, and eventually became an official couple.  They had been talking about marriage for a while when Cornell decided to propose on their two year anniversary. He pretended to leave for work, but returned 20 minutes later with flowers and an anniversary card. Juliette knew something was up when her 9 year old daughter started recording them.  Juliette read the beautiful card and noticed it was signed, “Your Fiancé.”  When she looked up, Cornell was on one knee with a ring.  To celebrate 19 years of friendship and love, Juliette and Cornell decided to have an outdoor engagement session with a fall picnic theme. Joy Masi Photography perfectly captured this beautiful couple enjoying nature and basking in the love they have for each other.

• Bride to be: Juliette Miné
• Groom to be: Cornell Williamson

How They Met

Cornell and I met in 1995 at a mutual friend’s party celebrating our 8th grade graduation. We exchanged numbers that night and in true adolescent fashion, spoke on the phone daily for about 2 weeks. We wouldn’t see each other again until college, where we bumped into each other at another party. (We like to party lol). We dated briefly during winter break and returned to our respective colleges. There would be several more chance meetings over the years but the timing was never right. It wasn’t until May 2011 that we began talking again and he convinced me to meet him in Cancun for my 30th birthday in July. I agreed! I had such a wonderful time. I saw a different side of him and we’ve dated ever since.

The Proposal 

Cornell and I had been talking about engagement and marriage for quite some time. In March 2013 he moved an hour and a half away from his home, his friends and family to be with me in Southern NJ. I just knew the ring was coming so I began making plans. For my birthday he took me on a surprise trip to Jamaica however we left as boyfriend and girlfriend. I was crushed. Our 2 year anniversary came and we were to have dinner that night and I just knew that would be the moment. That morning he woke up and left for work. I heard the car drive off and everything. Yet 20 min later he appeared in front of me while I lay in bed, with flowers and a card and he said Happy Anniversary! I also noticed my 9 year old daughter recording us. I read the beautiful card, but all I noticed is that it was signed, “Your Fiancé.” When I looked up he was on one knee with a ring. I was so shocked all I could do was laugh and say, “YES!”

The Engagement Session

Our engagement session was actually our second one. We were not happy about our first session with a different photographer. We didn’t feel that the photos told our story and captured us as Cornell and Juliette. We made the hard decision to forfeit our deposit and search for a new photographer who got us. I knew Joy Masi was our photographer as soon as I saw her work and meeting her in person confirmed it. Since we are both uncomfortable being in front of the camera we felt that setting a scene would allow us to forget about the camera and just capture us enjoying each other. We decided to have a fall picnic theme complete with wine and basket. Cornell surprised me with rose petals. :-) Joy took the theme and ran with it, finding the most beautiful locations within, Washington Lake Park (NJ). Cornell wanted water and she found several bodies of water we didn’t even know existed! The process was easy and we couldn’t believe the results!

Looking Forward to the Wedding

Juliette: I am looking forward to seeing Cornell at the alter and finally calling him my husband! It will truly be the best birthday present ever. The culmination of 19 years of knowing each other, seeing each other through highs and lows and ending up as husband and wife is surreal!

Vendors 

Joy Masi Photography

The post Gorgeous Fall Picnic E-Session in New Jersey Park appeared first on Munaluchi Bridal Magazine.

Were you surprised when your partner proposed?  Well, this proposal raises the expectations for surprise proposals. Supermodel Quiana Grant, who has appeared in Sports Illustrated and Michael Kors ads, believed she was shooting an editorial for Neiman Marcus. Little did she know, the entire shoot was fake. Her boyfriend Dr. James Pinckney, planned the fake photo shoot for weeks to pull off a remarkable proposal. He walked in during the middle of her shoot, hugged her and got on one knee and saying,  ”God truly sent me an angel. Quiana Nicole Grant, will you marry me?”  Quiana giddily screamed, “Yes!” and of course the super prepared Dr. Pinckney had champagne waiting in the wings! Watch as Dr. Pinckney gives Quiana the surprise of her life that leaves her crying tears of joy and excitement.

The post Supermodel Quiana Grant’s Photo-Shoot turns into Surprise Proposal appeared first on Munaluchi Bridal Magazine.

Almonia and Demetrius met through mutual friends, although they lived hundreds of miles apart in different states.  They had long conversations about long distance relationships and over the course of one year, those long conversations blossomed into love. The night before Super Bowl XLV, Demetrius asked Almonia to be his lady and a long distance relationship commenced. After many miles between the putting a strain on their relationship, Alomina decided to to move to Kansas City, where Demetrius had accepted a new job.  On a flight back to Houston, to visit Almonia’s mother for Mother’s Day, Demetrius surprised her and the rest of the passengers by getting down on one knee and asking her hand in marriage, 30,000 feet in the air!  This beautiful couple have been flying high from Houston to Louisiana from the beginning of their relationship and it was just befitting to that their e-session was taken at a flight museum, which was captured by James Willis Photography.

Like Alomonia and Demetrius, we’re looking to the beginning of your new chapter.

How We Met (Almonia’s Version):

Demetrius and I met in July 2010 through a mutual friend. Since he lived in Houston and I was living in Dallas we didn’t physically meet until September 2010 in our hometown of Shreveport LA. Afterwards, we remained friends until Febuary 2011. I remember us having a few LONG conversations on a serious topic regarding long distance relationships.

Chapter 1…The Beginning. A true love story began on the night before Superbowl XLV when Demetrius asked me to be his lady. We dated long distance for a year and four months. Many things happened within that time. Demetrius took a job offer in Kansas City Missouri and I was laid off. The distance started putting a strain on our relationship. We both were ready to be next to one another and in each other arms so we agreed that I move to Kansas City. I DID and that was the beginning of Chapter two!

The Proposal (Almonia’s Version):

Chapter 3…The Proposal. Whew! I don’t know where to start! I continue to replay the day in my mind over and over again. May 9th 2013 to be exact! We had been preparing to take a trip back home for Mother’s day. So we boarded the plane, settled in our seats and prepared ourselves for take off. As we were flying, Demetrius stated that he was going to the restroom. At that moment, I should have known something was up because he NEVER leaves his seat while flying! A few minutes after he left for the restroom, a flight attendant made an announcement stating that she had a gentleman upfront that needed a question answered. I was looking to the front at him like what in the world have you gotten yourself into now. That’s when around 30,000 feet above air Demetrius was on one knee asking me if I will spend the rest of my life with him. Clearly, I don’t have to tell you what my answer was, right?! Of course I said YES!

The Engagement Session:

To say the least, our engagement shoot was last minute. Demetrius and I both were home for the Christmas holidays when “I” (Demetrius blames me for the last minute notice) decided to contact James Willis Photography for an engagement session. We didn’t really have a theme in mind however we did agree to incorporate planes since we dated long distance and he proposed on a flight. I contacted the Cavanaugh Flight Museum in Addison Texas and it was a GO.

We are both into fashion so for the flight scene we incorporated some ideas from our favorite fashion magazines. We love to have fun and it was definitely all FUN! Not to mention, it was cold also but that didn’t stop the show. I’m a huge fan of anything black and gold! Classic, elegant and timeless are the three main things we wanted from this session! JW Photography definitely captured every detail and made our vision a reality.

For the second scene we just wanted to keep it simple and laid back just like we are. Family and friends say that we were getting our “Jay & Bey” on in this scene. In our case it was “Mo & D”! The saying goes, “a picture is worth a 1000 words”, so we truly wanted to capture the essence of our relationship and present the gift that God has bestowed upon us…Love!

About the Author

The post A Flying High Houston Engagement Session appeared first on Munaluchi Bridal Magazine.

What better place is there to receive a proposal than in a classic city that exudes love and romance? During their second stop of their tour of Europe, Louie decided to propose to Kendra in the most romantic city in the world: Paris, France!  When these two love birds approached the Eiffel Tower, Kendra was so mesmerized by the beauty of the breathtaking landmark that she was oblivious to the fact that Louie’s friend, Amy of Amy Anaiz Photography, was secretly photographing them.  Louie started professing his love for Kendra, and she soon realized he was proposing. The tears flowed immediately, but eventually Kendra composed herself enough to do a photo shoot in front of the Tower. Afterward, the couple headed to the famous “Lock Bridge” where Louie presented Kendra with a custom engraved lock to commemorate their unbreakable bond. We wish this lovely couple all the best!

• Bride to be: Kendra Daye
• Groom to be: Louie Antuna

How They Met

The first time we met was truly fate or at least I believe it was. I was six months out from foot surgery and moving out of the apartment I shared with my roommate. At my roommates request, we went out for our “last night on the town as roomies night” It was a Thursday night, and anyone who knows me knows I never go out during the weekday, but I couldn’t refuse. Not to mention my toes were still healing, I was happy to be out of my post-opt shoes and finally able to wear some flats. Louie had recently moved to NY and had a friend in town visiting. One of his clients canceled and he got invited to a sponsored event at a nightclub, the same event my roomate invited me too. I first saw my fiance walking through the crowd and he definitely caught my attention. Later on that night we ended up in the same area. I noticed, however that he was with a group of friends and from the way it looked to me, he was with someone. I turned my attention back to my roommate who had turned her attention to an ex boyfriend. Here I am on a Thursday night, feet throbbing, feeling like a third wheel, when I could have been home watching Law & Order. I decided to give the event 10 more minutes before I left and as I watched the crowd from the balcony. I felt a tap on my shoulder and to my surprise there he was and the rest was history.

The Proposal 

Louie proposed on December 2nd in Paris, France. The second stop on our Europe trip. He told me that we were going on a tour that day and as we approached the Eiffel Tower, I was blown away on how beautiful it was. I was so caught up in taking pictures of this landmark that I was completely oblivious to the fact that he had one of his best friends, Amy, secretly photographing us. He took my hands and looked into my eyes and started to tell me how amazing I was, that’s when it clicked in my brain that he was proposing and I completely lost it. Lost it, so much that he didn’t even get to finish his speech, so much that I backed up almost a foot away from him, so much that all I could utter was “What? Wait What?” My freaking out, freaked him out, so he got down on one knee so I could grasp what was happening. I didn’t even look at the ring LOL what woman doesn’t look at the ring? At this point I’m crying hysterically not to mention that my nose was running from the crying that he told me to “get it together” because Amy was taking pictures of us. I did get it together finally and we did a photo session right in front of the Eiffel tower. He had one more surprise for me and had a lock made with our names and the date which we locked on the lovers bridge. It was truly one of the most magical day of my life.

Looking Forward to the Wedding 

I look forward to walking down the aisle and seeing my future standing on the other end.

Vendors

Amy Anaiz Photography

The post A Perfect Paris Proposal appeared first on Munaluchi Bridal Magazine.

When Sharon was partying with friends in Nigeria, she did not know that an unfortunate confrontation would bring her to the love of her life.  Sharon’s night was almost ruined when she got into a verbal conflict with a disrespectful male partygoer. Luckily, the night was saved when her hero Oyintari, put the man in his place, while simultaneously getting Sharon’s number. When Sharon returned to New Jersey, they kept in touch, but sparks didn’t fly until Oyintari took drastic measures.  After some begging, he got Sharon’s address from her “bestie” and sent her a Valentine’s Day package from across the sea, declaring that he knew from the day they met that Sharon was his future wife.  Sharon couldn’t resist his charm, and three months into their relationship Oyintari was ready to propose.  However, they waited until the time was right and Sharon found the prefect engagement ring. For their e-session, the couple wanted to be surrounded by beauty and architecture, so they teamed up with S67 Photos by Omojesu and chose the National Museum of Women in the Art in DC to serve as the backdrop for their lovely photo shoot.

• Bride to be: Sharon Ugbo
• Groom to be: Oyintari Oborokumo

How They Met

Oh God! Lol….
We met in December 2009 while on Christmas vacation in Nigeria, My bestie and I were headed to a club with some dudes we met that afternoon and they wanted to make quick stop to pick up friends. We went to the hotel’s Poolside and a bunch of Guys were hanging out… Apparently they were told some ” out Of town Girls” were stopping by. Hilarious! While talking with the guys, one rubbed me the wrong way, we sort of exchanged words and Tari jumped in and saved the day- My Hero. Of course he slips me his phone to put my number in, right in front of the guy I came in with … it was so ballsy, I loved it. I asked him to come out clubbing that night. He said he wasn’t dressed appropriately, and we kept in touch via Phone calls, BBM and Emails. I returned back home to New Jersey but I wasn’t really interested per se even though we kept in touch.

On Valentine’s day I came home to a huge package outside my apartment with no sender name. When I opened it I think it said ” Chum” it was so cute except I didn’t know who “Chum” was.  I think I called/texted a bunch of folks trying to figure out who had sent it to me. Finally Tari calls and asks if I got his package. I was like, “What package aren’t you still out of the country?” He said he was but he sent me flowers….Lol!Iit hit me that the package came from him, so sweet but now I was worried that I had to ask him how he got my information since we never exchanged house addresses, I mean he was in another country for crissakes. He told me he’d gotten my bestie’s number from a friend of his that knew her and asked her for my address, and she had sworn to let him surprise me. Later I found out from my bestie that he’d called begging her for my address, she refused of course, shes a big Mama bear but he kept calling and she finally gave it to him after he told her he was going to marry me Lol. We laughed about it but this dude even told HIS Besties in 2009 after we’d met that he had met his future wife as we later found out. I know its cliche, and I am queen of cynics, but I guess when guys know they know.

The Proposal

Three months into the official relationship around August/September 2010 we went to a friend’s wedding and afterwards he asked me to marry him – mind you he was more than a little buzzed. Of course I acted like it never happened, but as the months progressed he would ask me about what type of wedding I’d want, where I would want it, etc. so I think I knew it would happen, I just didn’t know when or if life and its craziness would allow us get to that point. He asked me a few times after that usually in very compromising situations Lol! I still don’t count them as a proposals, I think you have to be sober and without raging hormones. Fast forward to February 2012, he calls and says, “Babe, I think we can pull December off for our wedding ” – two months afterwards we go ring shopping and it took us one full year to find a diamond I loved and find a jeweler to custom make the setting, which meant moving the wedding to January 2014- but in the end it was perfection.

The Engagement Session

We initially wanted something architectural, not just focused on us but on our surroundings. I think our photographer Funmi captured that, amidst the fact that we couldn’t stop laughing. My Fiancé kept us very entertained by his crazy sense of humor. We started off In the National museum of women in the art in DC, almost got locked in because we didn’t want to leave, they literally turned he lights off while we were still In there shooting. That was the more controlled aspect of the shooting. Then we moved onto the streets and sidewalks of Dc. It was a fun shoot and we all had an amazing time.

Looking Forward to the Wedding

Seeing the hubby’s expression when he sees me in my dress.

Vendors

S67 Photos by Omojesu

The post Romantic Art Museum E-Session in DC appeared first on Munaluchi Bridal Magazine.

JiMiesh and Sean met in college and got engaged in the Dominican Republic during a romantic dinner on the beach.  This handsome couple’s love for travel was expressed in their charming engagement session. Their photographer Dana of Dana Lee Jones Photography shares, “JiMiesh and Sean picked the Southeastern Railway Museum in Duluth, GA. They are very interested in American and Georgian history, and wanted to incorporate that into the theme of their engagement session. They brought along luggage as props to go along with the theme.”  We wish this couple all best, and we can’t wait to see pictures from their upcoming wedding, which will be planned by the fabulous Eliana  Baucicault of ellyB Events!

• Bride to be: JiMiesh Green
• Groom to be: Sean Crane

How They Met/The Proposal

We met at Meharry Medical College through a mutual friend. Sean asked JiMiesh the big question on her birthday in the Dominican Republic during dinner on the beach.

The Engagement Session

We wanted our engagement session to be outside and something related to traveling. Therefore we had a train, railroad tracks and a bus :). Although it was freezing that Saturday morning, it was extremely fun working with Dana- our photographer.

Looking Forward to the Wedding

Saying “I DO” & celebrating the beginning of our lives as one with family and friends.

Vendors

Dana Lee Jones Photography

The post Travel Themed E-Session in Georgia appeared first on Munaluchi Bridal Magazine.

Between studying and pledging for a fraternity and sorority, college kept Aaron and Sharissa very busy. However, Aaron wasn’t too busy to notice the huge crush Sharissa had on him. So he politely asked her out to breakfast, and they instantly knew they were a match made in heaven.  Eventually, their young crushes blossomed into a mature and lasting relationship, and Aaron knew he wanted to make it official with a romantic proposal.  First, he surprised Sharissa with a pair of tickets to see a Broadway show.  After the show, he took her to the top of the Empire State Building overlooking the captivating New York City skyline, got down on one knee and asked Sharissa for her hand in marriage. To commemorate this special time in their lives, this fashionable couple teamed up with MP Photography to shoot a vintage themed engagement session.  Sharissa shares “We plan on having a rustic/vintage wedding, so we decided to have our engagement shoot set the tone for the big day!”  Sharissa is MunaLuchi’s beloved Editorial and Marketing Coordinator, and we are so excited about her upcoming June nuptials. We wish these two love birds all the best!

How They Met

We met in college through our sorority and fraternity: Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. We actually crossed into our organizations the same day! Because of this both of our lines formed a close bond. I have to be honest though, I had a crush on Aaron before he even took a second look at me. When he actually noticed my little school girl crush, he asked me out for breakfast. A few months later we decided to make it official January 12, 2009! It was all history after that!

The Proposal

Christmas 2011, Aaron surprised me with a pair of tickets to see Spiderman on Broadway for the January 7, 2012 show.

The night of the play, Aaron and I along with two close friends of ours caught a train to New York. As we finally arrived in New York, it was just 15 minutes shy of the beginning of the show! We sped walked through the streets, and while passing one of the blocks, I looked and noticed the Empire State Building. I pointed the building out to Aaron and he replied, “Oh we’re going there afterwards.” Pregnant and always hungry I quickly responded, “No I’m fine, I’d rather go get something to eat afterwards!” Aaron simply responded, “No you would really want to go there.” In my head I thought, “What would I rather do more other than eat!?” Putting my hunger aside I focused my efforts back on getting to the play on time.

We made it with just minutes to spare! The play began at 8:00 pm and lasted until about 10:45 pm. We soon learned afterwards the Empire Stare Building observatory was closing at midnight so we had to rush from the theater to the building. By the time we got there it was about 11:30 pm and one of the last elevators were going up.

Taking two elevators up and many ear popping moments later, we finally made it to the top. It was a small yet cozy observatory over looking both the city and New Jersey. Taking in the beauty of the night scenery, I had no idea what was about to take place!

Looking out the windows, all I heard next was Aaron asking me to turn around. Completely oblivious I turned around to see Aaron on his knees with a small jewelry box with a ring inside it. With tears of joy I happily said, “Yes!!!!!”

The Engagement Session

The day we chose to take our pictures felt like one of the coldest days in October! However, we didn’t let that stop us! We chose to take a vintage direction for our shoot. We plan on having a rustic/vintage wedding so we decided to have our engagement shoot set the tone for the big day!

Looking Forward to the Wedding

Our wedding is scheduled for June 14, 2014. We look forward to sharing our love and having our close friends and family witness us finally becoming one!

Vendors

• MP Photography
• Reverie Vintage Rentals

The post A Stylish Vintage E-Session in New Jersey appeared first on Munaluchi Bridal Magazine.

When Kellie Oviosun and Trey Washington enrolled at the University of North Carolina (UNC), they had no idea they were going to get schooled in the game of love.  This cute couple met during an early-enrollment program, and they haven’t left each other’s side since. On the day of their 7th year anniversary, Trey decided to make Kellie his lady forever. He planned a romantic picnic for two in a nice secluded spot in the park.  After he laid out the blanket and all of their food, he told Kellie, “There is one more thing,” and he asked her to be his wife! To celebrate their engagement the couple headed back to where they originally met, the campus of UNC. Luckily their photographer, Lauren Cowart Photography, was very knowledgeable of the campus and helped this couple capture some timeless intimate moments. We wish this couple all the best on their wedding day.

How They Met

Trey and I first met on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in June 2006. We met in an early-enrollment program before undergrad. Both of us were reluctant to give up our summers, but as fate would have it (or force, because our families left us with no choice) our paths crossed.

The Proposal

It was the day of our 7th year anniversary. Trey had planned a picnic for us at a local park. We wanted to do something low key since we were flying out for an extended weekend in New York the following day. We met up after work at a nice secluded spot in the park by the gazebo. He had packed an picnic basket with sandwiches from a local deli, a blanket, and a portable speaker. He even brought me my wide brimmed straw hat. I was pretty impressed. After he had laid out everything, he turned to me and said there is one more thing. He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. And I gladly accepted.

The Engagement Session

Since we originally met on the campus of UNC it only felt right to revisit for our engagement session. Our photographer who we have both worked with before is very familiar with the campus. And the entire session felt so entirely effortless. We started at the dorm where we first met, and made our way across campus to some of our favorite spots.

Looking Forward to the Wedding 

Trey is looking forward to seeing his bride walk down the aisle. And we both are looking forward to sharing the day with our friends and family.

Vendors

Lauren Cowart Photography

The post College Sweetheart E-Session in North Carolina appeared first on Munaluchi Bridal Magazine.

When Errol met Rayen during his first day at a new high school, it was love at first sight.  All of his anxiety about moving from the Cayman Islands, melted away when he looked into her eyes. Sadly, when Errol graduated, this handsome couple broke up. They ended up reconnecting later when fate would place them at the same university. They rekindled their teenage love affair, and Errol knew he couldn’t let Rayne slip away again.  So he planned a romantic proposal. First, he planted love poems around Rayne’s house that she had to find and piece together. Then he took her on a surprise trip to New York City. On the night of Rayen’s birthday, Errol took her on a sunset date to the top of the Rockefeller Center! He read the last piece of his love poem and proposed while the golden city skyline sparkled all around them. To make things even better, Errol hired William Thomas Photography to capture their proposal, and the next day the couple had a romantic e-session as the explored the rest of the Big Apple.  We wish this couple all the best on summer nuptials.

How They Met
His Story… It happened some 8 years ago. Fresh off of American Airlines, wide-eyed and filled with wonder, I was clueless. I walked the corridors of my new school wading aimlessly through a sea of unfamiliar faces. You could practically smell the newness wafting off of me. Before me led a fellow classmate of mine. I accepted his offer earlier to give me a tour of the school and its people – a decision I had come to regret. As my over-zealous “tour guide” waved his arms maniacally in an effort to part the crowd many things were running through my mind…but the amazing encounter I would soon experience was certainly not one of them.

A few hours had passed and things were quieting down. It was lunchtime and most of the students had gone to their respective corners to either avoid the heat or engage in juicy gossip. I was tired but my friend, sizable as he was, didn’t seem to be phased. “Ok thanks for the tour but I think I’m going to head back.” I said. He insisted that he had one last group of friends that he’d like to introduce me to. I let out a silent sigh and followed. What happened next I would never forget. My friend brought me over to a set of picnic tables where several girls were seated. Somewhere in my friend’s introduction to each of these girls I lost track of his voice and everyone else’s. As my eyes locked onto what I was convinced was the most beautiful being I had ever seen, my feet became stone. Her soft brown skin shimmered incandescently in the 12 o’clock sun. Her dark hair cascaded down her shoulders like an ebony waterfall. Suddenly I could hear again, “Hi! I’m Rayne’. ” As the words echoed in my mind I smiled and took her hand. “A pleasure to meet you. I’m Errol.” Our courtship blossomed from that point forward but as fate would have it, my graduation inevitably brought our story to an abrupt end – or so we thought.
Years later, during my college years, our paths crossed once again – an event I’m convinced was orchestrated by God. Things would not be so simple this time around, however. She had just narrowly escaped the clutches of a rather unscrupulous fellow and consequently closed her heart. We spent the next several months doing the tango, as it were. Slowly but surely, however, I broke away her shell, healed her tattered heart and reminded her of the noble man she met years prior. It was at that point that she made what she recalls “The best decision of her life” – to open her heart to me once again. The rest my friends…is history.

Her Story… Errol and I met in high school through mutual friends. The word around campus was that a new student had arrived from the Cayman Islands. As sociable as my friends were, it was no surprise that we knew who he was by noon of the first day he arrived. We were introduced, and I found his British- Caymanian accent to be rather cute.

A few weeks later, Errol expressed his interest in me to one of my friends. We had become good friends, and with his strong persuasiveness, we courted. Our relationship came to an abrupt end when he graduated at the end of that year.

Years later, our paths crossed again when we ironically ended up at the same university. Things were a little different this time around. After dating a rather insidious guy for a few months, I had completely given up on love. As fate would have it, Errol and I reunited over dinner one night. I was relieved to learn that he was still the same sweet and respectful guy I had known in high school. The familiarity of his kindness and compassion was very comforting during such a turbulent time in my life. Although I was slightly hesitant at first, I eventually allowed Errol to open up my heart again. This time our bond was stronger than ever. We dated for three amazing years before he popped the question. I strongly believe that opening up my heart to Errol was the best decision I’ve ever made.

The Proposal

A few months before my birthday, Errol informed me that he wanted to take me on a week-long trip for my birthday, but the destination would be a surprise. The only hints he gave me was that it was a location I’ve never been to and instructions to pack warm clothes and coats. The suspense was killing me! Being the romantic charmer he is, I had no doubt that this trip would be amazing.

Errol is an amazing writer and poet. A week before my birthday, he planted parts of a love poem he had written for me in different parts of my house. He sent me on a scavenger hunt to find and connect the missing parts of the poem. However, the final part of the poem had yet to be found.

When we got to the airport the Sunday before my birthday, Errol revealed that he would be taking me to New York City- the destination I had been dying to visit since my obsession with the Sex and the City movie. I was overjoyed! He arranged for us to stay at the Hilton in Manhattan, which gave us a beautiful view of Times Square.

After an eventful day in the city on my birthday, Errol insisted we catch a great view of the sunset on the rooftop of the Rockefeller Center. I had always wanted to see the gigantic Christmas tree and skating rink at the Rockefeller Center in person, so I completely supported the idea. Once we got to the Top of the Rock, we spent a few minutes trying to get the perfect view of the sunset. I wanted to capture a few pictures of us and the beautiful scenic view, but Errol seemed a little distracted. After taking in the gorgeous view of the city, Errol took my hand and pulled me towards the middle of the rooftop. He looked me in the eyes and recited the final verses of the beautiful poem he had written for me. Once again, Errol wooed me with his magical words. Then he began to profess his love for me, took a step back, took the ring box out of his coat, then got down on one knee and PROPOSED! At that very second, I felt as if time stood still. Words can’t describe how excited and happy I was. Through my tears of joy I managed to scream out “YES! YES! YES!” At that point a large crowd of onlookers gathered around us and cheered and clapped with excitement. Errol had hired a photographer to capture the entire proposal. I was simply elated- to say the least. I screamed, cried, and hugged him for at least 20 minutes.

Once I was able to regain my composure, Errol then announced that he also hired the photographer to take engagement pictures of us all over the City the next day. I began my bout of screams and crying again. I didn’t know which relative to call first! I found out that my entire family had known about the proposal, and was anxiously waiting to hear how it turned out. That day I felt as if all of my dreams had come true. I had never had a birthday so amazing.

Later that night, Errol took me to a luxurious restaurant in Tribeca. Once we arrived to our table he arranged to have a dozen pink roses waiting for me, along with a beautiful note expressing his love and anticipation for the bright future ahead of us. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day. We spent the rest of the week touring the city. We visited the Statue of Liberty, the Met Museum, Central Park, Madame Toussaud’s Wax Museum and we even got to watch the Lion King on Broadway.

I couldn’t have dreamt of a better way to celebrate my birthday. Errol’s proposal is certainly one for the books! Just when I think he can’t outdo himself, he does! He is an incredible man, and I can’t wait to be his wife.

The Engagement Session

Our engagement shoot was a complete surprise! Once I was able to regain my composure after the proposal, Errol announced that the photographer he hired to capture the proposal would also take engagement photos of us all over the City the next day. At that point I was glad I had packed an extra dress and heels. We spent the next day shooting our engagement session with some of the most beautiful sights of New York City as our backdrop. The theme that seems to suit our engagement session the best would be Love and the City.

Looking Forward to the Wedding

I look forward to saying “I Do” to the man of my dreams and celebrating our special day with our closest friends and family.

Vendors

William Thomas Photography

The post New York City Engagement Announcement: Rayen and Errol appeared first on Munaluchi Bridal Magazine.

There are thousands men living in New York City area, but Shadé found her Nigerian Prince in London, far from the Big Apple. She and Ogonna’s love affair is a bit of a modern-day fairy tale, they met on OkCupid during her trip to London in 2011. While staying at her aunt’s house she described the popular dating app to her cousins who asked her to show them how it worked. Ogonna was the first person to show on her feed, she messaged him and they agreed to hangout when she made the trip back into the city. When they met, it was if they had known each other for years, things went so well they spent the rest of her visit spending time together. Two years and thousands of airline miles later, they are planning a destination wedding in London. They had two e-sessions, one in Liverpool and the other at the Tower Bridge in London. Their photographers Photography Unknown (Liverpool) and Candid Creativity (London) helped showcase the love these two have for each other even with an ocean between them.

First encounter

While backpacking around Europe with my sister, we stopped in London for a week to stay with family. I was hoping to get swept off my feet by some British bloke, but my cousin was so much younger than me, she had nobody to hook me up with!

Jokingly, I asked her, “Don’t you guys have OkCupid in this country?!” She had no clue what I was talking about, so I pulled out the app on my phone (don’t judge me, lol), which was defaulted to show me my matches within a 50 mile radius. Well, lo and behold, not only did they have OkCupid in London, but the first match on the list was a cutie! “Send him a message!’ my cousin prodded. So, I did. I told him that I was visiting for the week and asked if he’d be interested in showing me around. The next day he wrote back, asking me out for drinks. We agreed to make it a double date and I brought my sister along.

From the moment we met, we hit it off, laughing and joking like old friends. I loved how thoughtful and attentive he was to my sister and I, and most of all, the way he took my hand when we were crossing a busy intersection. We agreed to meet again the next day at Buckingham Palace for some sightseeing. At the end of the day, he walked us to our train, but this time, I was leaving for good. We hugged, agreed to keep in touch, and I left, thinking I had probably just made a new Facebook friend. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Proposal

After nine months of four hour (and up!) daily Skype sessions and a few more trips back to London, Ogonna popped the question at our favorite Indian restaurant where we had our first one-on-one date when I first came back to visit him.

The engagement session…

We had two engagement sessions. The first was on Ogonna’s birthday at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool and in the park next door. The Liverpool Football Club is Ogonna’s favorite, so I booked a tour for us and our photographer, and they allowed us to take all the pictures we’d like. It was a birthday gift to remember, for sure! We scrambled around Liverpool that morning to find someone to personalize our jerseys for us. I think they came out alright :)

Our second session was a little more sentimental. Tower Bridge is the bridge we walked across on the night we met, sharing stories about ourselves and building our own little bridge. I hadn’t been back to the bridge since we met, so I found myself getting a little mushy as we recollected our first encounter and how far we’d come since.

Looking forward to…

I am looking forward to my father finally meeting my husband-to-be in person!

Vendors

• Photography Unknown (Liverpool)
• Candid Creativity (London)

The post Fun, E-Session in London appeared first on Munaluchi Bridal Magazine.

Dotun and his bride, Oyin have been together since they were teenagers. When they were 15, Oyin was hobbling around on crutches at a conference feeling miserable when Dotun came walking over. “I saw this guy with a big shiny forehead walking towards me with his blue jean outfit on and flashing all 32s, she said. “He came to me and sat next to me as if I had extended an invitation.” He asked for her number, but she couldn’t receive calls from boys so they came up with a signal that would allow them to talk. A decade later, they are still in love. Oyin said the day he proposed was just a regular Friday; he called her to go to lunch at the St. Regis Hotel, and they headed back to his apartment. While in the kitchen she turned around to see him on his knees, ring in hand, she was beyond excited. Their wedding planner Mide Events helped put together the photo shoot with Fotos by Fola, who beautifully captured the teenage crush that grew into true love.

First encounter

Dotun and I have actually grown together from our adolescent years and attended college together. However, our first encounter started in summer of 2003 during an Eko Club Atlanta conference at the Hilton Hotel; I was 15, going into the 10th grade. I was on crutches from an injury I’d acquired while running track, dreading the fact that I had to be there. He came and sat next to me as if I had extended an invitation, started making small talk and out of nowhere, says to me “I love you! Will you marry me?” LOL…just kidding….. but really he was sweating me though. He asked me if he could have my number and I replied, wide eyed “Ha! Nooooo my father will kill me- boys can’t call my house!” But being his clever self which is one of the things I still love about him today, he replied to me “Well what if I just call your house and let the phone ring one time and hang up, you will know it’s me and you can call me back. Just like that he convinced me and that’s how our system and ultimately, our love story started together.

Proposal

First let me just say Dotun knows me very well. He knows that I am analytical and I can sense when something is up. Therefore, he didn’t dare try to orchestrate something big with my friends and family because I would have simply ruined it with my inquisitive nature. Shame on me huh?? “Amebo” tinz….Anyways, so on a regular Friday he casually called me to meet him for lunch at the St. Regis hotel. We ate lunch and had a few drinks. Since we drove separate cars, we trailed each other as we talked and flirted on the phone on the way back to his place. Upon arrival at his home, we were having a conversation across the apartment, as I was in the kitchen and he was in his room. My back was turned. When he came into the kitchen, I simultaneously turned around to carry on our conversation and found him descending to his knees. Then I saw this NICE rock in his trembling hands as his eyes seemed to be piercing so deeply through me that I almost descended to my knees to keep from falling. But instead, I ran away jumping and screaming in excitement around the apartment! So to say the least, the proposal was highly unexpected, exceptionally spontaneous and blissfully private, I loved every moment of it. The more we grow as an engaged couple, the more I appreciate his sentimental method of proposal. I’m a lucky gal!

The engagement session…

Our engagement shoot was nothing shy of the best! We had a blast! We had a three-themed E-session coordinated by our wedding planner, Mide Events. We started the shoot at a college campus grounds while we sported our sorority and fraternity paraphernalia, then we headed for lunch and a shoot at the theater – which was tons of fun! We ended our night at the Fernbank Museum for a romantic and sultry shoot. The day felt very natural, like an outing with my fiancé, and accompanied by Fotos by Fola and Mide events, only that the task at hand was to capture awesome pics, which we definitely did!

Looking forward to…

I am looking forward to pure bliss on my wedding day. I just want to experience an indescribable euphoria! I want to enjoy our families and friends celebrating our union while we’re just into one another!! Im not worrying about things going wrong! My wedding planner’s got that in a bag!!

Vendors

•  Mide Events
•  Fotos by Fola

The post Atlanta Engagement Annoucement: High School Sweethearts Dotun and Oyin appeared first on Munaluchi Bridal Magazine.

Stephanie and Peter met through friends, but it took them about a year to go out on an official date. However, good things come to those who wait because this handsome couple has been inseparable ever since. Peter pulled off a stunning proposal that could have been plucked straight from a romantic movie.  He proposed through a series of 23 letters during a trip to St. John’s Newfoundland. Peter shares “Some of the letters were information on sites we were going to visit; others were letters about our first kiss, the first ‘I love you’s.’  There was a series of 23 letters that led up to being on top of a tower on a hill overlooking the entire city where the last letter revealed the question as I knelt behind her.  The answer was obviously a yes!”  The couple trusted Aron Goss Photography to help them create an amazing engagement session, which took them through rustic spaces such as Toronto’s “Brickworks” and their favorite restaurant Mill St. Brewery.  The love this couple shares shines in each picture, and we wish them all the best!

How They Met

We met through friends.  Over a period of a year or so, we’d run into each other at different places and eventually went out for dinner.

The Proposal
The proposal was a series of letters while on a weekend trip to St. John’s Newfoundland.  Some of the letters were information on sites we were going to visit; others were letters about our first kiss, the first “I love you’s”.  There was a series of 23 letters that led up to being on top of a tower on a hill overlooking the entire city where the last letter revealed the question as I knelt behind her.  The answer was obviously a yes!

The Engagement Session

Our engagement session wasn’t really ‘themed’ but we did make sure to dress for the occasion.  We knew Aron’s style for photos and let him guide us through the process.  We went to an old “Brickworks” in Toronto which is amazing for photos.  The different contrasts of colour and texture, and being an interracial couple seemed to work quite well.  We ended up later in a restored “Distillery” area with one of our favourite restaurants Mill St. Brewery

Looking Forward to the Wedding

The thing most looked forward to on our wedding day (other than the moment of knowing we were married) just simply experiencing it with our close friends and family.

Vendors

Aron Goss Photography

The post A Rustic Outdoor E-Session in Toronto, Canada appeared first on Munaluchi Bridal Magazine.

True love cannot be planned or forced.  When Ralph Patrick met Erin Hamilton on the steps of the Benson auditorium at Harding University, they had no idea that this chance meeting would grow into a life long commitment. Even when job opportunities took Ralph to the Turks and Caicos and Erin stayed in Atlanta, they stood firmly rooted in their love. Their dedication to each other is paying off, because in July of last year this artsy couple got engaged! Ralph kept his proposal very intimate and sweet. He booked a romantic hotel suite and took Erin out to an amazing restaurant. Afterwards, the couple returned to the hotel and Ralph got on his knee and pledged his devotion to Erin forever. This handsome couple teamed up with Creative Soul Photography to create a timeless engagement session that had a vintage, yet modern feel.  With an e-session this lovely we can’t wait to see pictures from their August wedding!

How They Met 

It’s hard to believe that it has been over 5 years since Ralph an I first meet, and even harder to believe that we have less than year to go before our wedding. Ralph and I meet over 5 years ago on the steps of the Benson auditorium at Harding University. Ralph was an accounting major and I was pursing a degree in graphic design. As it often happens with love, nothing was planned nor were either of us planning on beginning in a new relationship. After meeting we hung out as friends for a while before dating a few months later.

Unfortunately, after about 2 years our careers made it so that we could not be in the same location. With that being said, we quickly found ourselves in a long distance relationship. Ralph was in the Turks and Caicos and I in Atlanta, GA. As it is with all relationships we had our fair share of ups and downs mainly due to distance; however, we stood strong through the toughest moments and saw our relationship strengthen because of it.

The Proposal

On July 9, 2013 we got engaged, it was one of the most amazing nights of my life. Ralph booked a romantic suite for us to stay at that night and we went for dinner at an amazing restaurant in Atlanta . Once we were done with dinner we returned to the hotel, that’s when Ralph got on his knees and proposed to me. It was a very private and intimate moment that I will remember forever. We are now in full wedding planning mode and shooting to have our wedding in August of 2014. I must say that if our wedding is as half as exciting as our journey thus far then I can’t wait until we say our “I do’s”.

The Engagement Session

For our engagement session we wanted to try and incorporate both of our personalities. Ralph is more of the business side and I am more of the creative. We also wanted our photos to feel timeless. With that being said we went with a modern vintage look that could incorporate both of our styles. When paired with the rustic and vibrant locations for the shoot and awesome photographers, we couldn’t have been more pleased with the results.

Looking Forward to the Wedding

We are looking forward to dancing!

Vendors

Creative Soul Photography

The post A Soulful Urban E-Session in Atlanta appeared first on Munaluchi Bridal Magazine.

Congratulations to Erica and Don on their recent engagement.  This beautiful couple met in college and got engaged at Magic Kingdom in Disney World.  To commemorate this special moment in their lives, they braved the elements and teamed up with Erica Johnson Photography for a winter wonderland engagement session at Valley Green Inn, in Philadelphia, PA. We wish them all the best!

How They Met

We met in college at Indiana university of Pennsylvania. We had mutual friends and we had a movie night. my friends took apart the dvd player thinking they could fix it. When Don stopped by and offered to let us use his DVD player. The rest is history!

The Proposal

When he proposed- We took a trip to Florida and our last day there we went to magic kingdom. He proposed during the fireworks show at the end of the night. It’s memorable!

The Engagement Session

Well our engagement session was planned for a Saturday but it snowed. So we pushed it back a day. we are so happy we did the scenery was beautiful. We love or pictures. We really didn’t have a theme because we don’t like the winter, but we are happy we took them when we did.

Looking Forward to….

Seeing each other and finally being Mr.&Mrs. Boone.

Vendor

Erica Johnson Photography

The post Philadelphia Engagement Announcement: Erica and Don appeared first on Munaluchi Bridal Magazine.

If someone had videotaped Christina and Hamed’s love story, it would be reminiscent of Love & Basketball, the quintessential black romantic comedy of the early 2000s. After Hamed moved to her hometown 23 years ago he became best friends with her older brother and soon was at their house almost every day. They began building a friendship when Christina began playing basketball with him and her brother, then during her junior year of high school they began dating. As in the movie they separated for some time, but a little more than a decade later rekindled the love affair that began when they were so young. For her 31st birthday, she planned a fun birthday shoot, but he had a secret plan of his own. He conspired with the photographer to surprise her doing the shoot with a proposal, you can see the look of sheer joy and bemusement on her face as she agreed to be his wife. Their second e-session was a Love & Basketball themed shoot, which is one of their favorite movies; the bride-to-be said the court is nostalgic of the time they spent together as kids. We wish this couple all the best on their October wedding!

How They Met
23 years ago, Hamed moved from Lexington Park, MD to Brigadoon Trial, Baltimore County, MD. He became a very close friend my my brother, one of his best friends to this day, Ron Junior. Hamed became like family, always coming around, playing basketball with Ron Junior and Senior, as well as the rest of the crew Kirk, John, Mike, Ryan, and Kevin. The Williams’ home became the Kool-Aid house of the neighborhood, where all would come to find refuge and hangout. At a young age Christina took an interest in sports. You’ll hear stories told by her brother Ron, how she was the only girl on the court at times, tagging along to watch, sitting on the side eating sunflower seeds, and eventually ended up playing ball with the fellas. Well as they got older, they took a little more notice of each other and during Christina’s junior year in high school, their friendship blossomed into something more and began dating. But as divine providence had it, they went their separate ways, only to reunite 13 years later. Their wedding marks twenty plus years of laughs, smiles, breakups, tears, heartache, and maturation. This is *pretty much* their story 20 years in the making!

The Proposal
On my 31st birthday we planned a birthday photo shoot. I had the day all planned out. Hair and nail appointment, then home to get ready for the photo shoot. Little did I know that Hamed had another plan. He had been acting weird all day. I tried to pay him no mind because it was “MY DAY”. Well at the photo shoot Hamed and I were looking great! Our wonderful photographer Arica said, “Ok let me just get a few pictures so that I can check the lighting and stuff”. (By the way, she was in on what was about to go down). As Hamed and I were taking test pictures he got on one knee purposed and that’s how my birthday photo shoot turned into our first engagement session!

The Engagement Session
Our engagement session was really about celebrating how we met and grew up. We took pictures right in front of my childhood home. It was like our lives came full circle by taking picture there and then by him proposing was the cherry on top. I chose the color combination based off a pair of sexy heels I had in my closet but never wore Sole Obsession from DSW. He decided to go with grey and yellow to compliment my bright yellow dress by Shabby Apple. My accessories brought the shoes and dress together. My custom made necklace (Etsy/kirstenann) matched the sparkle in my heels and my simple red dot earrings were very simple and my watch was by Guess. Hamed had on a grey vest & pants from H&M and his tie was part of his personal collection!

The second half of our session was on the basketball court, something that we both grew up playing, together sometimes. Love and Basketball is one of our favorite movies and that was our theme. A playful game of b-ball between two people that love each other. Simple black and white, with a hint of red. I chose this color because of this cute blazer I found at Charlotte Russe, simple skinny jeans from Macy’s and a cute sparkly tank top. Shoe by Shoedazzle. Love necklace and rings from Forever21. Hamed wore Sean John cardigan and jeans, H&M v-neck tee, shoes were by Aldo, watch by Movado. We did not go shopping together it just looks that way…lol!

Looking Forward to the Wedding
We are most looking forward to becoming husband and wife on the beach of Jamaica this October, with some of our closest family and friends!

Vendors
Etsy-KristenAnn
Shoedazzle

The post A Surprise Proposal and Love & Basketball Themed E-Session in Maryland appeared first on Munaluchi Bridal Magazine.

Who knew four years after meeting at an engagement party Ashley and Brittny would be planning their own nuptials. She was not looking for anything romantic when she traveled to Florida for an engagement party, she just wanted to have fun and enjoy the beach. As fate would have it her Mr. Right would be right under her nose. While stopping to meet the groom’s friends at a local store she saw Ashley, but did not think anything of it until he introduced himself when they got to the beach. Soon everyone was jumping into the water; it was then that she started paying attention. The partygoers went to another beach to watch fireworks it was there that he expressed his interest and they have been connected ever since. Last February during a on the last day of their trip to D.C. for Valentine’s Day they visited the National Zoo after much prodding from Ashley. Brittny was a bit annoyed that he had not taken the chance to propose during the special weekend, unaware that he already had a sweet proposal planned. They walked around for a bit, eventually ending up at the sea lions, he prompted her to record them on her phone and when she turned around, he was down on his knee ring in hand. Their wedding planner Nekia came up with a brilliant idea to do a Love & Basketball themed engagement shoot, which happened to be Brittny’s favorite movie. With the help of their photographer, Crystal Stokes, they created a chic, yet, sentimental photo shoot.

How They Met

Ashley and I (Brittny) met in Deerfield Beach, Florida. I traveled with one of my best friends to Florida to attend an engagement party. I wasn’t looking for anything or anyone special. All I wanted to do was have a good time. On July 4, 2008, we made our way to the beach for the party and we made a stop at a store to meet some friends of the groom. I noticed Ashley but like I said, I wasn’t really looking for anything. When we got to the beach, he introduced himself to my friend and I. I got a closer look and was thinking…hmmm he is cute! We all got in the water and the more he talked the more excited I got lol. Finally, we went to another beach to watch the fireworks and while I was standing on the bridge, he came over and asked me the famous question: “So is your man treating you right?” From that point on I was amazed at our connection. It was strange because I didn’t understand why I felt so linked to him. He was so honest with me and I saw such an amazing person in him. He is a dreamer, encourager, and achiever. That’s why I love him.

The Proposal

He proposed to me at the Washington D.C. Zoo on February 17, 2013. We were in D.C. for Valentine’s Day weekend and I just knew I was going to get my proposal! Well on Sunday, we were packing our bags to leave and all I kept thinking was I cannot believe he let this entire special weekend go by and did not propose to me. He kept mentioning that we HAD to go to the zoo. On Sunday when he mentioned the zoo for the millionth time, I was thinking wow he really wants to see those animals! I love the zoo too so I didn’t mind. We made it to there and walked around for a while taking pictures. We ended up by the sea lions and I LOVED THEM! There were two that seemed to be really playful and he said, “Look babe that’s me and you.” I said I wanted to take a picture and he said no you should record them. I started to record and when I turned around he had the ring in his hand. My mouth dropped and I said what is that? He asked me if I wanted the ring and I said YES! Then he said well will you marry me and I said YES!

The Engagement Session

We have an awesome planner, Nekia from Posh Affairs, LLC, who knows us very well, which is crazy because we didn’t know her before she started planning our wedding. We were trying to come up with a theme for our shoot and when I spoke to her on one of our monthly conference calls, she said she had a great idea for a theme…the movie Love Jones. I screamed because that is my absolute favorite movie! I thought it was a great idea so Nekia talked with Crystal and did all the leg work. She found a record store, a club, and everything. Crystal was so easy to work with. At some points, I kind of forgot she was there and just enjoyed myself. We have gotten tons of compliments on our shoot and I can’t wait for our wedding!

Looking Forward to the Wedding

The first dance

The post A Chic Love Jones Themed E-Session in Charlotte, North Carolina appeared first on Munaluchi Bridal Magazine.

Amid the loud music and hordes of people, John spotted Elizabeth at the Nigerian Day parade six years ago and she enchanted him with her smile. She admits that she wasn’t prepared when he came up and introduced himself, but his good looks and charming attitude one her over. In the eight years that have passed their relationship has flourished into something wonderful. John planned a grandiose proposal with the help of Emma, Elizabeth’s friend, while keeping her totally in the dark. Under the guise of a relaxing dinner to take he mind off of school he coaxed her into coming out for a romantic evening. When she got there, she became confused as to why so many of her friends seemed to be there as well, as she turned around to question John, he was already down on his knees. Although in shock she managed to scream her answer…YES!

How They Met

While attending the Nigerian parade in NYC 2006 with his boys, John noticed a beautiful Nigerian Young woman. With more than 3,000 people in the crowd, Elizabeth stood out to him, “her smile and her beauty captivated me.” He made his way to Elizabeth and introduced himself. She was definitely taken off guard however, she was intrigued by Johns charm. “I remember a fine tall handsome guy coming up to me, he literally had me at Hello,” and the rest was history!

The Proposal

Since Elizabeth was so focused on her studies in becoming a Nurse Practitioner, John thought this would be the perfect timing to take Elizabeth out for a “relaxing dinner for just the two of them,” (so she thought). Elizabeth didn’t suspect anything. John just told her , “get dress and wear something nice.” As Elizabeth needed the break and some time with her beau, she did just that. She enjoyed getting dolled up so she took full advantage of this moment. In the meantime, Emma, the planner, arranged everything and all their friends and family waited in excitement for the couple to arrive. Upon arrival, Elizabeth still had no idea what was going on. “I just thought we were going to a nice restaurant for dinner”. Once the couple arrived to the restaurant, the hostess escorted them to the private balcony area where there guests were waiting for them. The first person that Elizabeth saw was her friend Emma. She was in shock that they were in the same place at the same time. Still not realizing what was going on, Elizabeth noticed some more of her friends. Utterly confused she turned back to John to find him on his knees with the ring in hand. John popped the question! Still in shock and shaking Elizabeth screamed YES! All of the friends and family were cheering and the celebration officially started! They incorporated their Nigerian culture into their fun outdoor engagement session, their photographer Karin Morin, captured the couples playful nature.

The Engagement Session

Being that Elizabeth and John have fun and free personalities, an outdoors scenery was ideal. Kristin Morin, the photographer found the perfect park in Westfield, NJ; the fresh air, natural lighting, and the beauty of natures best creations painted the perfect background for the shoot. The theme was to show their relationship, natural, full of love, and fun!

Looking Forward to the Wedding

We are looking forward to seeing all the pieces of the planning put together to create our special day and spending the rest of our lives together.

Vendors

The post A Nature Inspired Nigerian E-Session in Westfield. New Jersey appeared first on Munaluchi Bridal Magazine.