Ola and Obinna's Enchanting Engagement at the Historic Drake Hotel -Munaluchi Bride

When Ola’s friend contacted her about a “cute Nigerian nurse” at her work, Ola was at first on the fence about letting her pass on her number. Just having completed grad school and preparing for her board exams, she had a lot to focus on. Eventually she decided to take the leap and within a week they were on their first date. Even though she wasn’t looking for a relationship at the time, something kept her continuing on to the next date, and the next, and so on – until she realized that something was her heart… Two years later they were on their way to Cuba for a surprise proposal.

Continue reading all about Ola & Obinna’s love story, romantic proposal in Havana, and wedding aspirations in their enchanting engagement at the historic Drake Hotel, Chicago.

Bride & Groom-to-be: Ola & Obinna
Occupations: Occupational Therapist & Nurse
Wedding date: September 15, 2018
Wedding Location: St. Philip Neri Church, Chicago
Reception: The Drake Hotel, Chicago
Location of Engagement Shoot: The Drake Hotel

Tell us how you met and all about the proposal. Obi and I met four years ago; I had just finished grad school and was preparing for my board exam. My friend Iesha told me about this “cute” Nigerian nurse she works with and asked for my permission to pass on my number. At the time I was not in the mind space to date but I figured it wouldn’t hurt to get a free meal! He called me rather quickly and within a week we went on our first date. I came home that night not sure how I felt but for some reason I kept going back on dates.
Two years into our relationship we planned a trip with family and friends to Cayman Islands and Cuba. While we were in Havana I was excluded quite a bit from some activities. I would wake up and everyone would be gone from the AirBnB. After two days of this I was visibly upset with everyone; unbeknownst to me Obi had solicited the help of my sister, my son and friends to stage a proposal.
On our last night in Havana we took a short walk to the restaurant which was right by the sea. After dinner, we took a stroll over to the seaside and my friend walked over and gave me a dozen roses. I was clueless as to what was happening and as I turned around Obi was on his knees with a ring, with the sunset and the Atlantic Ocean as his back drop. It was beautiful. To say I was surprised will be an understatement; I also made the ugliest cry face known to man and forever ruined the pictures of that moment!

Describe the engagement shoot. We wanted something that would capture the essence of our personalities. We chose the historic Drake Hotel because it embodied much of what we were looking for.

Where did you go on your first date? For our first date we went to dinner at an Italian restaurant.

What’s your favorite thing to do as a couple? We love to spend time with our family, travel, visit museums and the Zoo.

How has wedding planning been so far? It’s been great. We have a wedding planner and that has made planning somewhat easier.

Tell us what you’re looking forward to most on your wedding day. I look forward to sharing this moment with Obi and also with my family and friends.