Nancy & Shabaka's Intimate Riverfront Engagement in Wilmington -Munaluchi Bride

When Nancy’s college friend asked her to host a gathering on super bowl Sunday, she was reluctant at first, but ultimately agreed. It was a decision that would end up positively changing her life forever. Accompanied by her boyfriend, Nancy’s friend also brought her boyfriend’s best friend, Shabaka. Impressed with Nancy’s wit and charm, there was a noticeable magnetism between her and Shabaka. Before the end of the evening they were exchanging numbers, placing them on a path would lead to a romantic Christmas party engagement…

Read all about Nancy & Shabaka’s love story, proposal, and wedding aspirations, in their intimate riverfront engagement in Wilmington – featuring makeup artistry by MunaLuchi Coterie member Sheena Marie Makeup Artistry.

Bride & Groom-to-be: Nancy & Shabaka
Occupations: Nurse Educator & Sign Language Interpreter
Wedding date: 11/2/2018
Wedding location: The Waterfall, Claymont, DE
Location of Engagement shoot: The Riverfront – Wilmington, DE

How did you meet? It was Super Bowl Sunday, and unbeknownst to me also Shabaka’s 30th birthday, when a college friend begged me to host a social so that her boyfriend could attend with his friend Shabaka. I was reluctant because I did not want to be bothered. Moreover, I was not too fond of her boyfriend! However, being a good friend, I obliged.
When they arrived, I was totally uninterested, but I ended up playing the “wing man” for my girlfriend. Her boyfriend and I had a love/hate relationship, so later during the “party” he had the nerve to crack a joke about my feet. This was not wise, since I always have comebacks for things people think are flaws. I gave him a run for his money and he became so upset he wanted to leave. I guess Shabaka was impressed with my quick-witted mouth and my resolve not to back down. Before the party ended, Shabaka and I exchanged phone numbers, and he asked to see me again! For a few weeks we talked, and then our short-lived love affair dwindled and became nonexistent…
I moved back to Delaware and started my life as an RN. I also became a member of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. My determination to return to Baltimore paid off when I found a job at Sheppard Pratt Health System.
Upon my return to Baltimore, my college friend Aven Houston invited me to his party. You guessed it! There was my nemesis – Shabaka’s best friend!
Someway, somehow, during the party Shabaka entered. We clicked like time had never passed. The rest is history!

Tell us your proposal story. Every year for the past 3 years I hosted a Christmas party at my apartment. This party is typically for my age demographic 25-35. Like every other year I invited several of my friends and he invited all his friends. I thought it would be a big turnout because 30 people RSVP’d on hobnob. The day of the party it was a “sausage fest” (more men than women) and all my friends flaked who RSVP’d except for 3. I was trying to get the party started and make the best out of it but Shabaka kept blocking me saying “it’s not the right time!” Annoyed and sober I got with my friends that did come and took a couple shots. Around midnight I heard loud banging on the door. Scared it was the police, I quickly turned down my music. When I opened the door, to my surprise it was not the cops, it was my parents and uncle with champagne, screaming, “where the party at?” Of course, I’m like, “WTF,” I know I didn’t invite them! This party is ruined! When I go to close the door after my dad trails into my apartment, I turn around and my fiancé is on his knee asking me to marry him! Of course I said, “I DO!”

Describe your engagement session. I wanted to do an intimate shoot from my hometown, Delaware. One of the biggest highlights and attractions in Delaware is The Riverfront and we wanted to shine light and beauty on that part of the city. Most people do not know much about Delaware, so it was nice to do a shoot with my soon-to-be husband at a place that has created a lot of memories for me and now us.
We wanted to exemplify a vision to start our lives and partnership as a power couple, growing and building together. We have come a long way and I feel this shoot is preparing us for our elevation in the future.

What did you do on your first date? Went to a comedy show at the Improv in DC ( I love to laugh).

What’s your favorite thing to do as a couple? We love to travel and experience new things and places with each other.

How has wedding planning been so far? The planning has been stressful, but exciting! My Fiancé’s family has helped a lot as well as people I grew up with and friends of the family coming together to make this a great event. I am so excited with the support I have been provided during this time.

Tell us what you’re looking forward to most on the wedding day. I look forward to celebrating with my family and friends, and starting our life together