Rochanda and Willie's Modern Chic Wedding in Washington DC -Munaluchi Bride

Rochanda & Willie met on Tinder, swiping right into each other’s hearts. After spending a month getting to know more about each other thru social media they decided it was time for that first date. The conversation flowed like old friends over a charming lunch, leaving them both ready to see each other again. In time Rochanda realized Willie was “the one” for all of his unwavering love & support. In her own words, “he wants me to be the best version of myself in my professional & personal life.”

Read all about Rochanda & Willie’s love story, proposal, and experiences in their modern chic wedding in Washington DC – featuring hair styling by MunaLuchi Coterie member Renata Lynette Makeup + Hair.

Bride & Groom: Rochanda & Willie
Occupations: IT and Obstetrician Gynecologist
Wedding date: September 16, 2017
Wedding location: Washington DC, Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center – Pavilion Room

Tell us how you met and all about the proposal. We met on “Tinder!” We chatted on the Tinder App for about a month before we actually met in person for the first time to have lunch.
For the proposal, we planned a trip to Philadelphia for a friend’s surprise birthday dinner on October 8, 2016. The next day, after enjoying dinner with close friends that weekend, we visited one of my favorite restaurants in Philadelphia, Buddakan. During dinner, Willie joked and told me that he told a “white lie” to the waiter saying it was my birthday so that we could have cake for dessert. To my surprise, when the waiter came out with the “surprise” birthday cake it said “Will You Marry Me?” instead of “Happy Birthday!” Will went down on one knee and said “Will you marry me?” After tears of joy and laugher about the “joke” I said YES!

How did you know they were “the one”? Will supported me in all aspects of my life. He wants me to be the best version of myself in my professional & personal life.

Describe your wedding attire. Modern Chic with a Twist of DC!

What was wedding shopping like for you? I only liked shopping for my wedding dress! The other parts where ancillary! Will liked shopping for wedding cake and cupcakes!

Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding? We are members of a Sorority and Fraternity in the Pan Hellenic Council – Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. Each of our respective organizations traditions were incorporated into the wedding.

Wedding Party gifts: Groomsman – travel/toiletry bag. Bridesmaids – silk robes for the wedding day and candles.
Favorite item on the menu: Crab Cake!
First dance song: “Why I love You” by Major.

What is your best memory from your wedding? Being introduced as Mr. & Mrs. Ponton for the first time! (It still makes me giggle!)

What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? Don’t let the minor or major decisions of the wedding ruin your relationship with your future spouse. Don’t lose site of the main objective of the wedding, which is to spend the rest of your life together!