Simplistic & Romantic Engagement Session in Washington, DC: Charo + Antoine -Munaluchi Bride

2013 was the year that Charo met Antoine. At the time, Antoine worked for the Wounded Warrior Battalion at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. While Charo worked at the Wounded Warrior Regiment on Marine Corps. Base in Quantico assisting wounded Marines with their recovery and transition. Once a week, the two made rounds together at Ft. Belvoir Community Hospital visiting the wounded, ill and injured Marines. Long work hours, coupled with friendly phones conversations offered leeway for the pair to develop a partnership that ultimately led to an amazing friendship.

As Charo’s romantic interests began to pique, she was still slightly puzzled as to whether Antoine was also interested in being more than friends, considering he had never asked her out. As Charo grew tired of waiting, her strong willed personality kicked in causing her to take control of the situation. So, she asked him out. And of course, Antoine obliged.

That was in July 2014 and the two have been inseparable ever since. Antoine, whom is an Officer in the Marine Corps. is currently stationed in Italy and following their wedding Charo will be joining him there. The two selected the scenic Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center in Washington D.C. for their engagement photos because the pair hoped to capture the effortless ambiance of Italy while remaining stateside. Their e-session was gorgeously captured by Coterie member, Iris Mannings.

Bride-to-Be: Charo Kent
Groom-to-Be: Antoine Bates
Occupations: Charo: Clinical Coordinator | Antoine: Officer in the Marine Corps
Wedding Date: 9/3/2016
Wedding location: Home of the Commandant of the Marine Corps in Washington D.C.

Describe your engagement session! Did you have a theme?
We didn’t have a theme, we knew we wanted to have a dressy look and a more relaxed effortless look. So we focused on complimenting each other and having fun! We really enjoyed this shoot, our photographer was amazing, and has such an infectious energy that evoked laughter and love.

What did you do on your first date?
On our first date we went to SAX in D.C., which was pretty amazing. It was my first time there, and the experience is unlike any other, afterwords we went to a cigar bar; during several phone conversations I had mentioned to him that I had always wanted to go to a cigar bar, and try a cigar. The cigar was terrible, but the fact that he remembered and helped me create a desirable memory of mine was perfect!

What’s your favorite thing to do as a couple?
Watch movies together snuggles on the couch with wine!

How has wedding planning been?
Planning so far has been pretty smooth. I have incredible wedding planners, All In Heels LLC. between them and my family the process has been really exciting! Of course there is some stress, there always is, but its been good stress not bad stress; so I am eternally grateful for that.

The theme of our wedding is Old Hollywood Glam/Great Gatsby. We wanted to go for a theme that represented elegance, class and partying until dawn.

Tell us what you’re looking forward to most on the wedding day!
I am looking forward to seeing the expression on my fiancé’s face when he see’s me walking down the isle towards him; nothing will beat that moment.