Shanteal and Whitney's Botanical Garden Wedding in North Carolina -Munaluchi Bride

Shanteal and Whitney’s love story began as students on the campus of A&T State University in North Carolina. A friendship quickly developed and two months later Whitney asked Shanteal to attend the Sigma Ball together. It was an evening that would place them on the path to happily ever after.
Their best wedding memories include “being introduced as “Mr. & Mrs. Whitney Whitfield” for the first time.”

Read all about Shanteal and Whitney’s love story, romantic beach proposal, and experiences in their botanical garden wedding in North Carolina. Featuring the work of MunaLuchi Coterie members Artije Photography, and P3 Weddings & Events.

Bride & Groom: Shanteal & Whitney
Occupations: Teacher & IT
Wedding date: November 18, 2017
Wedding location: Cape Fear Botanical Garden Fayetteville, NC

Tell us how you met and all about the proposal. We met each other in November, 2008 at North Carolina A&T State University campus. Whitney came with a mutual friend to visit me at my dorm room in Aggie Suites. Once we were introduced, I realized I had seen Whitney before, but of course Whitney couldn’t recall. A day later, Whitney finally realized that we had communicated before on social media. Two months later, Whitney invited me to be his date for the Sigma ball and I gladly accepted the invite.

The Proposal: We went to Ocean City beach for a weekend getaway. On the morning of Saturday, April 23, 2016, we woke up bright and early to eat breakfast. I then suspected something wasn’t right, because Whitney isn’t a morning person. Once breakfast was over with, we headed back to the hotel. It had been raining on and off all day then all of a sudden the sun popped out and Whitney wanted to go walk on the beach. We walked down to the beach to enjoy the sunshine. Next thing I knew, I turned around to see Whitney get down on one knee holding two seashells in front of the ocean and asked me if I would marry him. I looked at Whitney and said, “Stop playing with me.” So, I opened the seashells to find nothing in them. Frustrated, I turned to walk away, but Whitney reached out to grab me by the hand and said, “no for real, will you marry me,” as he pulled out a box from Jared’s. Of course, I said “YES” and couldn’t believe that my best friend had finally asked me to marry him!

Wedding Style: My wedding dress was a ball gown and the color of it was vintage rose. I already knew I wanted a ball gown. The first dress I tried on was the dress I said “YES” to. I fell in love with it. Just the way it looked on me and I loved the color. I tried on two other dresses after that, but it didn’t compare to the first dress.

Bridesmaids/Groomsmen gifts: (Bridesmaids) Personalized Plum robes with initials on the front, mini bottle of wine and a bracelet. (Groomsmen) Personalized cuff links, dragon balls and mini bottle of Crown Royal.
First dance song: “The Only One for Me” by Brian McKnight

What is your best memory from your wedding? Being introduced as “Mr. & Mrs. Whitney Whitfield” for the first time.

What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? Enjoy wedding planning because it goes by so fast. Just sit back, relax and have fun!