From Idlewild Bar to City Hall: Uptown Charlotte Engagement Session

Classy engagement session in uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, takes us on a steamy walkabout from Idlewild Bar to City Hall.

Dr. Kevin Courts and Dr. Amaka Lawrence-Mitchell announced their engagement in a steamy editorial-inspired photo session. Captured by Monisa J. Photography, their first stop was at the sensual Idlewild Bar.

For their first looks, Amaka slipped into a short white cap sleeve dress and accessorized with sheer white, pearl adorned gloves, while Kevin sported an all black ensemble in a sleek suit-jacket, tie, and slacks. Looking fly and sexy, the pair lounged on leather couches and sipped their favorite cocktails. Changing into an off-white pants-suit and a beige suit, Amaka and Kevin stepped hand-in-hand into the streets of uptown Charlotte for a joyful walkabout to their second location: City Hall.

We can’t wait to see this fashionable power couple say “I-do” at their wedding at the North Carolina Museum of Art in May!

More sweet details on their love story below.

• Couple: Dr. Kevin Courts and Dr. Amaka Lawrence-Mitchell
• Date of shoot: Aug 20, 2022
• Location(s): Idlewild Bar & City Hall
• Wedding date: May 2023
• Wedding Location: North Carolina Museum of Art

How they met…

Kevin and I met 2019 on the dating app Coffee meets Bagel. We found out after the first few dates that we downloaded the app around the same time. We were also each other’s first date from the app. Timing truly is everything!

What makes their relationship special…

We’re self-proclaimed foodies so on any giving date night you can find us at a restaurant that serves delicious food and fun craft cocktails. We enjoy dining at new restaurants and looking for new places to try around town each month.

How they knew their partner was the one…

Amaka: I’ve know Kevin was different, in a great way almost instantly. He’s shown me through a series of actions how committed he is to me through his attentiveness, his dedication to me, his thoughtfulness. Kevin hasn’t wavered in his persistence toward me since our first date. 

Kevin: Amaka has always had pure intentions and was transparent from the first date. She is always caring and considerate. She always confirms her words with actions and I’ve never doubted her love or commitment to me.

The proposal…

We discussed that we wanted it to be intimate. I searched for the perfect spot and found the wine cellar room at a local restaurant. To keep it as a surprise I mentioned that one of my friends (an event planner) and her husband wanted to have dinner with us.

That night everything was going according to plan until my friend called me stating that she is running behind on setting up the room due to the prior reservation still using the space. In an attempt to stall, I mentioned to Amaka that the other couple was running late so we could take our time getting to the restaurant. Amaka preferred to get to the restaurant at the designated time because she dislikes being late. Thankfully she didn’t realize the true travel time to the restaurant so that allowed me to take the scenic route.

We arrived after my friend confirmed the room was ready. As the hostess lead us to the room we greeted our friends who were in on everything the whole time. Then Amaka saw the sign stating: “Amaka will you marry me?”

The bling…

I’m still in awe of my ring. It is a pear-shaped solitaire with pave diamonds around the band.

What they’re most excited about with wedding planning…

We are most excited about the food tasting. Of course we have other wedding details that are important to us. As long as our food is up to par, we’ll be more than satisfied.

Looking for more classy engagements in the city like this one at the Idlewild Bar?

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Vendors:

• Reception Venue: Idlewild Bar
• Photographer: Monisa J. Photography
• Submitted via Two Bright Lights