Maura and Derrick's Charming Storybook Engagement in New Orleans -Munaluchi Bride

Maura and Derrick’s love story began at their university’s annual spring-fest barbecue. A genuine connection was certainly noticeable during casual conversation, which later continued over social media. But the relationship didn’t truly take shape until the following year, when Maura’s usual pharmacy ran out of her medication, directing her to the next nearest. When she approached the pharmacy counter, she was greeted by Derrick’s smiling face. Serendipitously they continued to run into each other around the city until they decided to go on an official first date, and from that moment on have been inseparable ever since.

Continue reading all about Maura & Derrick’s love story, romantic proposal, and wedding aspirations in their charming storybook proposal in New Orleans – beautifully captured by MunaLuchi Coterie member Mosaic by MG.

Bride & Groom-to-be: Maura & Derrick
Occupations: OB/GYN Resident Physician & Registered Pharmacist
Wedding date: 04/19/2019
Wedding location: New Orleans, LA
Location of Engagement shoot: New Orleans, LA

Tell us how you met. We met in April 2013 during my junior year and Derrick’s 2nd year of Pharmacy school. We were on “the yard” at Xavier University of Louisiana for the annual spring fest barbecue. I had been waiting patiently in line for a hot dog when I was called over by one of my SGA advisors. I told my friend on the grill to save me that hotdog, as I would be right back. I returned 2 minutes later and of course all of the barbecue was gone. I looked around and saw a guy I had never seen before in an alpha t-shirt sitting on the terrace steps eating a hotdog. I approached him and said “is that my hotdog?” He looked at me puzzled, I proceeded to inform him that he was eating my hotdog that had just come off of the grill. I followed up by asking him if he even went to Xavier, as many Greeks from around the city hung out on campus. Needless to say he thought I was crazy, but he told me he was a Pharmacy student, we chatted for a few minutes. I thought he was cute so I asked one of my friends in Pharmacy school his name and added him on Facebook. He immediately messaged me, but it never went further than us being friends and speaking here and there. Fast forward to August 2014, I was in my first year of medical school and Derrick was in his last year of Pharmacy school. He was doing a rotation at the hospital on campus and we ran into each other. That night he messaged me on Facebook to wish me good luck with medical school and to tell me that he was praying I had a successful first year. A few months later I went to a new pharmacy to fill a prescription, as my usual pharmacy was out of my medication. I went to check out and Derrick was behind the counter, I was so embarrassed. We continued to have run ins around the city and finally decided to go on a date in May 2015.

Tell us all about the proposal. It was February 2, 2018. It was also the week of my birthday and we were supposed to be going on a double date with my classmate and his fiance. I was running late from a meeting. Derrick seemed somewhat on edge about it, to the point that I actually did my makeup in the car. I threw on a sweater-dress quickly and was ready to go. Derrick asked if I had a special birthday outfit I wanted to wear, but I declined in the interest of time. To my surprise Derrick was taking much more time to get ready, and I told him he was overdressed, but he insisted on the outfit. We got to the restaurant and our friends informed us there was a rooftop bar on Frenchman Street their friend owned, they wanted to try afterwards, we agreed. In the middle of dinner Derrick got up and left for about 20 minutes, my friend Sarah got up as well, which I thought was odd but brushed off. During the dinner, I admired Sarah’s ring, and told Derrick he needed to get some tips from our friend Jacob, I was obviously clueless. We had barely finished eating dinner when Derrick abruptly called for the check. I was disappointed as I was really looking forward to my birthday desert. We sped down to Frenchman Street. Once at the bar, our friend entered a series of codes to get us up to the rooftop, Derrick seemed really impressed, as did I, little did I know it was an act. We stepped onto a dark windy rooftop where I heard a violinist playing “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran. It was dimly lit with candles, roses, and champagne. I saw a crowd of people huddled in the corner, as well as a photographer. I turned to Derrick and our friends and whispered, “Oh my gosh, I think we walked in on someone’s engagement.” Derrick grabbed my hand and began telling me how much I meant to him and my jaw dropped. I suddenly noticed the people around us filming were our family and friends, as Derrick got down on one knee, and asked me to be his wife. Of course I said yes!

Describe your engagement session. Our engagement session was so much fun. I initially thought we were going to have to cancel because it started raining, but we shot through it, and eventually it subsided. We didn’t have a clear cut theme, but wanted to capture some of the important aspects of our lives. We love attending balls and dressing up, so of course we did a formal look. We are both healthcare professionals, so we decided to do a look in our white coats. We also are both members of NPHC Organizations, so we wanted to incorporate my sorority and his fraternity.

What did you do on your first date? Our first date was a movie date actually. Derrick was packing to move back to Mississippi, and by the time he finished that was basically our only option. I remember thinking what a gentleman Derrick was, he picked me up, opened my car door, etc. We saw Avengers and then stayed out talking until Derrick literally started to fall asleep. I wasn’t sure where things would go after this date since he was moving 3 hours away, but he continued to drive 3 hours just to take me on dates.

What’s your favorite thing to do as a couple? Our favorite thing to do as a couple is travel. We enjoy planning new trips and packing as many new experiences into those trips as possible, parasailing, hiking, catamaran tours, snorkeling, etc. I am usually the person who books the crazy excursions and then chickens out once we get there. Derrick is usually apprehensive at first and then once we arrive, he’s all in and trying to convince me to follow through. We love trying new things together.

How has wedding planning been so far? Wedding planning so far has been exciting and really brought us closer as a couple. I’ll admit simultaneously planning my graduation festivities while also coordinating a cross country move to California so I can begin my residency program, has made it stressful at times. However, It has also been extremely fun bringing our vision to light and taught us a lot about ourselves and how we function as a team.

Tell us what you’re looking forward to most on the wedding day. We are looking forward to my walk down the aisle most, we know that will be a feeling like no other for us both.