Shari and Christopher's Scenic City Engagement in Atlanta -Munaluchi Bride

Shari and Christopher’s love story began on dating website, Match, where both had active profiles for two weeks before ending up as each other’s favorite. They exchanged numbers, and texting led to long hours of phone conversation until they were ready for the first date. Sparks flew over dinner and a movie that night, making them inseparable ever since…

Continue reading all about Shari & Christopher’s love story, romantic dinner proposal, and wedding aspirations in their scenic city engagement in Atlanta – captured by MunaLuchi Coterie photographer Unique2Chic Photography.

Bride & Groom-to-be: Shari & Christopher
Occupations: Clinical Mental Health Pharmacist/Professor & Supply Chain Management/Logistics
Wedding date: 6/23/2018
Wedding location: Atlanta, GA
Location of engagement shoot: City Market, Cator Woolford Gardens, Atlanta, GA

Tell us how you met and all about the proposal. We met on Match! We were both on there for about 2 weeks before we “matched” He’d gone on one date and I was still sorting through potentials (LoL) until one day we were each other’s “favorite” on match. We went back and forth chatting for about a week and decided to exchange numbers. He texted me first (I don’t make first phone calls/texts) and for about another week we played 21 questions. He literally was asking me every single question imaginable! The first time we talked on the phone, I admittedly was a little let down because he spoke such proper English! And while I do too – I didn’t want someone like me. Regardless we decided to go on a date on October 8, 2017 – the day before his birthday. We’ve been together ever since.

7 months later he planned a special dinner. May 12th he had reservations for us at Aria in Buckhead. When they called us to our table they escorted us to the basement. At first I thought it was weird to be going down into a basement but when we got down there, he had reservations at the private dining in the wine cellar at Aria! We had a full course meal, took tons of selfies, and texted our friends/families about how cool this experience was. The entire time I thought it was “a lot” for a random Friday night date, but I shrugged it off. As we were leaving the restaurant he said “hold on one second.” I turned around and he was on one knee. The only thing I remember him saying is “Shari Nicole Allen” the remainder is a blur. I do remember asking if this was a joke! When he said it wasn’t I said “of course!” We hugged/kissed it out and then started to leave the restaurant. I was calling my family and friends as was he. My aunt said she wanted us to come over so she could see the ring, so we drove over there and when I opened the door all of my family and closest friends were there! We had a surprise engagement party that he secretly planned with our family and friends! It was perfect!

Describe your engagement session. Our theme was “Pinterest Wedding” LoL! I saw a picture on pinterest of a couple and went out and bought the same dress she had on. I bought Chris a new suit similar to the groom in the picture on Pinterest. From there we styled everything around this Pinterest Couple and their outfit choice. I was nervous the day of the session because I wanted to be pretty and I really don’t like taking pictures secondary to not feeling photogenic like ever. I thought the session would be awkward but our photographer made it extremely comfortable. It felt like it was just Chris and I dancing around Ponce City Market – it was fun, felt natural, and honestly I wish I could do it again.

What did you do on your first date? We were supposed to go to the GA Aquarium on our first date but when we got there it turns out someone booked the entire aquarium for a private event and they closed early that day. So instead we decided to catch a movie at Atlantic Station. The movie was starting about 2 hours after we got to Atlantic Station so we walked around Target for a while and made laps around Atlanta Station just chatting. After the movie we went to dinner and talked until midnight!

How has wedding planning been so far? Shari: It’s been okay! We have a planner, Raven, who has helped guide us on a lot of things. I discovered that I am very indecisive and Chris just wants me to be happy. I just can’t decide on things, I’m an over analyzer. I’m looking forward to our wedding but wedding planning is an over analyzer’s nightmare!
Christopher: It has been different. We have definitely had to adjust to the planning process. Once we got the venue locked in place, the stress level came down and it has been easier. I can’t wait until the wedding day. I love weddings.

Tell us what you’re looking forward to most on the wedding day. Shari: Being married to Chris! As cliche as it sounds I am looking forward to being married to Chris. I’ve waited so long for him and now that he’s here – I’m looking forward to life together. Outside of that I’m really looking forward to my dress and having an epic good time with our family and friends.
Christopher: I’m looking forward to the special moments, and having the people there that have shared in our journey up to that point, some a whole lifetime. I look forward to dancing, and enjoying the day. I also look forward to walking out of the venue with Shari as my wife.