Romance and Rebellious Love: Engagement Session in Palm Beach

Lucile and Dorson’s love story began as teenagers during a Labor Day weekend church camp.

“She sat a row directly in front me and although I was supposed to be focusing on whatever was being shared on stage, I turned to another friend of mine and asked, ‘Who is this girl?’,” Dorson fondly recalls of the moment he first laid eyes on Lucile. Nervously, he struck up a conversation that lasted the entire weekend, as they utilized every opportunity to continue crossing paths until their two paths eventually became one – guiding them towards the altar of marriage this December 15th.

Featuring makeup artistry by MunaLuchi Coterie member Thalia Robinson of BeYOUtifully Made Artistry, and appearing in the Summer 2019 issue of MunaLuchi Bride Magazine. Order your copy here while available!

Bride & Groom-to-be: Lucile & Dorson
Occupations: Doctor of Physical Therapy Students
Location of Engagement Shoot: Palm Beach, Florida
Wedding Date: December 15, 2019
Wedding Location: First Presbyterian Church of Delray & Delray Beach Marriott

How They Met: We met at a Labor Day weekend church camp in 2006. She sat a row directly in front me and although I was supposed to be focusing on whatever was being shared on stage, I turned to another friend of mine and asked, “Who is this girl?” I saw him speak to her when we were coming into the building but thought nothing of it until I was actually in close proximity to her. When he told me her name I initially thought of what would I say? How would the conversation start? Would I awkwardly stare at her hoping for her to say something first? There was so much for a 16-year-old to think about. I noticed that she had a couple of gold rings on her fingers with hoop bracelets, so 90’s early 2000’s style – I know right, but it seemed like an opportunity, so I took it. I tapped her on the shoulder and she turned around, I politely and nervously said, “Hey those are nice rings, can I see one?” That was the best I could do?! I was shocked! Definitely not the smoothest line in by far, but hey, it worked. She stared at me hesitantly with a look that I presume said, “who are you? And why do you want to see one of my rings?” But when she indulged in my curiosity…I was not ready. She actually gave me one of her many rings and let me hold it throughout the camp weekend. Later that night, as we walked back to our rooms, we talked the whole way there and continued to get to know one another that entire weekend. We used every chance we were afforded, to meet up and talk or sit next to one another during different programs.

The Proposal: We planned to go on our last dinner date of the year, which we recently started doing every year for the past four years on Dec 30th 2017 to plan out our goals and discuss how the previous year went in regards to our previous goals. Dorson planned the whole entire night which wasn’t rare! As we were walking towards the restaurant, I saw a canopy filled with lights and beautiful white roses. I didn’t think much of it since I didn’t have my eyeglasses on to really see what was going on. However, Dorson insisted we move closer and take a look at what was really going on. So me being completely clueless, I took his hand and started walking towards all the action. That’s when I heard romantic music playing and cameras starting flashing. Squinting my eyes to get a better look, I realized my family and close friends were all facing me with the biggest smiles on their faces. And at that exact moment, I realized what was really going on! I froze, dropped to my knees and started crying my eyes out! I was shocked, speechless and in total disbelief! We always talked about taking “the next step” after graduation so I wasn’t expecting it at all, but this was definitely the perfect timing! Walking under the canopy, I continued to cry as he took my hand and showered me with words of love and adoration! He proclaimed how much he loved me and how much I meant to him in this world and more, as he usually did, but this time was different. I saw how choked up it was getting and how emotional the moment was for him. Then he got on one knee and said “I want to give you this ring the same way you gave me yours years ago. Will you marry me?” and I screamed, with tears running down my face, yes, Yes, YESSSS! I will treasure that moment forever!

Describe your engagement session. Our engagement session was incredible! It was a bit of glamour, modern chic with a whole lot of romance and rebellious love. Our photographer was amazing and knew exactly how to capture our love for one another. We stopped at four different locations where each place had a different vibe, a different look. Prior to the shoot, we used images and the ideas from our planner and photographer to come up with the concept of the overall image we wanted to portray for each scene. Of course Dorson wanted the muscle car and smoke, but the collective ideas to bring the shoot together made the experience amazing!

What did you do on your first date? Our first date was the typical high school teenage date. We went to see a movie and ate dinner at Fridays. I know right? Fridays?! But we were in high school and that was the perfect first date! It was my first date ever with a boy! And I was so nervous! But Dorson put me at ease throughout the night. We both laughed and talked most of the night over dinner. At the movies that night we went and saw a King Kong film, which Dorson picked of course. I don’t even remember anything about the movie, to be honest, but till this day, from time to time, we still visit that same Fridays restaurant we had our first date in.

What’s your favorite thing to do as a couple? We love to travel and we are hardcore foodies! We enjoy going to new restaurants and eating different foods. Our goal is to travel to as many countries as we can, while experiencing something unfamiliar and create new memories together. We both share a love for good music, and it does not matter the genre. I personally have a thing for Korean dramas, and Dorson reads recreationally all the time, like all the time if he gets a chance.

How has wedding planning been so far? Planning for the wedding has been nothing but amazingly stressful! It’s been fun-filled, exciting, and nonstop, but we are enjoying every minute of it. We are so blessed to have a great support system, between our family and friends, who have been there to keep us on track. Being in school and in our clinical rotations for our DPT programs, between studying and planning, our amazing planner makes the burden a bit less, which is phenomenal. This entire process is nothing but memorable! It is such a blessing to watch everything fall into place and our vision come to life, Lord willing! I’m excited to go through the most important day of my life with all of my closest family and friends! I personally can’t wait to get the “did we really just get married” feeling! We are ready to dance all night long and want it to be a celebration of everything prayed for and all the sacrifices made for this day to come.