Michelle and Emeka had a romantic engagement session with cultural flair at the historical Italianate Armour House in Illinois!
Michelle and Emeka met in undergraduate school through mutual friends.
Emeka proposed to Michelle after an exciting and romantic hot air balloon ride over Las Vegas. When their ride was finished the pilot opened a bottle of champagne. Michelle turned around to find Emeka on one knee. The following day, Emeka whisked Michelle away to Hawaii to celebrate their engagement.
Incorporating details and attire from both of their cultures, Michelle and Emeka wore Western and traditional Nigerian attire to give their romantic engagement session a cultural twist.
The engagement session was meant to be romantic with a cultural twist. I wanted to incorporate American attire because I’m African American with his Igbo traditional attire (he’s Nigerian).
– Michelle (The Bride-to-be)
Michelle and Emeka look forward to bringing their families together to celebrate at their wedding this summer!
See more details from Michelle and Emeka’s romantic e-session below.
- Couple: Michelle & Emeka
- Occupations: Board Certified Behavior Analyst | Business Owner
- Wedding date: June 1, 2024
- Wedding location: Canvas Venue
- Location of Engagement shoot: The Armour House
How did you meet?
We attended undergraduate school and met through mutual friends.
Tell us about the proposal.
We flew to Las Vegas where Emeka scheduled a sunset hot air balloon. After riding in a balloon, the pilot opened a bottle of champagne and I turned around to find Emeka on one knee. Then he surprised me with a trip to Hawaii the next day. We vacationed there for a few days and he planned all the activities and excursions.
When did you know they were “the one”?
Michelle: I knew Emeka was the one when he assisted me with relocating all of my belongings across the country during the pandemic. I thought he was a supportive man willing to take the lead for his woman.
Emeka: I knew Michelle was the one after speaking on the phone with her every night and realizing how caring she was.
What did you do on your first date?
We celebrated New Year’s Eve with my family and friends
Describe your engagement session.
The engagement session was meant to be romantic with a cultural twist. I wanted to incorporate American attire because I’m African American with his Igbo traditional attire (he’s Nigerian).
What do you like to do as a couple?
We love to travel.
How has wedding planning been going so far?
It’s been great but a little overwhelming at times. It’s helped us to focus on each other’s cultures and family traditions.
What are you looking forward to most on your wedding day?
I look forward to bringing both of our families together as we celebrate this special day.
Looking for more engagement session inspiration?
Click here!
Vendors:
- Photographer: Bozena Voytko
- Venue: Armour House
- Beauty: @beautyengineer_mua
- Florals: Jewel-Osco
- Vintage Car: Michelangeloef
- White Dress: Alieva
- Woman Silver Shoes: Sam Edelman
- Suit: Tommy Hilfiger
- Man Shoes: Balmain
- Igbo Traditional Attire: Chicago Local Tailor
- Woman Gold Shoes: VERSACE
Beautiful wedding