Keila and Durken's Classic and Carefree Engagement Session in Washington, DC -Munaluchi Bride

Looking back on the day they first met Keila is shocked she almost let Durken get away. From the moment they started talking conversation came easily and their attracted to each other was evident. They have a undeniable chemistry which shines through each photograph.

Read all about Keila and Durken’s romance as well as their classic and carefree engagement session in Washington, DC.

Bride & Groom: Keila & Durken
Occupations: Global Business Program Manager & Construction Company Owner
Wedding date: October 14, 2017
Wedding location: St. Gabriel Catholic Church, & The Billingsley House in Washington, DC
Location of Engagement shoot: National Gallery of Art, National Mall, Archives of the United States, Smithsonian, Marvin Gaye Mural, United States Navy Memorial all located in Washington, DC

Tell us how you met and all about the proposal. We met on the eve of Easter in 2015. I was out celebrating a friend’s birthday and Durken was looking to unwind after a long work week at “The Society Restaurant” rooftop lounge in Silver Springs, Maryland. Without a doubt, I thought Durken was the most handsome man there that night. There was an instant chemistry! He initiated a conversation on the rooftop that was so comfortable and exciting. We both realized we shared the same birthday and a passion for traveling. While everything seemed to be going in a great direction, we almost missed out on this opportunity of love when it came to exchanging numbers. Durken, in an attempt to be a gentleman, thought I should take his number, but being “old fashioned,”I believed he should have taken my number. I began to walk away until he convinced me to stay and we both mutually agreed to take each other’s numbers. I laugh at how easily I was prepared to walk away from such a great man. We later agreed that God led us to the rooftop to meet “the one.”

On a relaxing summer day in 2016 Durken invited family and friends from NYC, Philadelphia, and the DMV area to our DC home for drinks, hors d’oeuvres, games and music. On this day, encircled by loved ones, Durken proposed to me in the middle of dancing to the tunes of Patti Labelle.

Describe your engagement session. Our photographer helped out a lot with our theme. We wanted our engagement shoot to represent historical Washington, DC; the monuments, the architecture and the murals. Our photographer chose the locations for us and we just enjoyed the session. We went with the motion of the day. Some of the locations worked out, some did not, and we stumbled on some new locations throughout the city. We were carefree and had so much fun.

What did you do on your first date? During our phone conversations, I mentioned that I loved Mexican food having grown up in Oakland, CA, so Durken arranged for our first date to take place at a Mexican restaurant right outside of DC. We ate, talked, laughed, and had a great time. Not wanting the night to end, Durken took me over to his favorite sports bar for a drink where we shared our first kiss.

What’s your favorite thing to do as a couple? Our favorite things to do as a couple is either travel or enjoy DC. We love to travel to other countries just as much as we love seeing a show at the Kennedy Center or Howard Theatre.

How has wedding planning been so far? It has been going smoothly with very minimal kinks. My bridesmaids and matron of honor have helped out tremendously.

Tell us what you’re looking forward to most on the wedding day. Sharing our day with family and friends.