Featured in Issue 31, Muna Coterie photographer Chip Dizárd wed the beautiful Connie Gilmore at the hotel at the University of Maryland. Read their inspiring love story below.
For better or worse, love and loss are inexplicably intertwined in our lives. For Chip and Connie, their relationship was built on these two elements combined with compassion and unwavering understanding.
After finishing an Instagram live video on “Dreaming Big,” Chip decided to shoot his shot with his online crush, Connie Gilmore, and slid into her DMs. Little did he know, this first message would be the catalyst for their love story.
Their first date was at a restaurant called Woodmont Grill in Bethesda, Maryland, where Chip asked Connie countless questions (almost like an interrogation) and even filmed some of her responses! Thankfully, Connie found it all amusing, and Chip’s passion for film and photography was inspiring.
Reminiscing on their first date, Chip shares, “We had a great time and we found out that we enjoyed each other’s company.” Connie adds, “We saw each other the following day as well which was a good sign.”
From that day forward, their budding romance would be joyous, yet complicated, and steadily built through incredible understanding and compassion.
Connie shares, “Nine years ago I became a widow, and to say the journey has been difficult is a grave understatement. Chip has been so supportive, so comforting, and understanding of the space I was in.”
Connie knew Chip was the one when he showed her how thoughtful and intentional he was about her. Chip knew Connie was the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with when he was photographing a wedding overseas: “I missed her so much and I knew I couldn’t live one day without her in my life.”
Following Chip’s surprise Superbowl Sunday proposal in 2023, the couple officially tied the knot early this year on January 14th, 2024 at The Hotel at the University of Maryland. Their elegant and classy wedding featured white flowers and greenery with gold decor accents. Chip sported a bold red tux by Stanlion and Connie wore a beautiful custom off-the-shoulder gown by Ese Azenabor.
Seeing each other for the first time walking down the aisle was a moment they’ll cherish forever. Connie shares, “Tears were flowing and my heart was racing but locking eyes with him calmed me in a way I couldn’t explain.”
We wish the lovely couple eternal happiness and wedded bliss! Keep scrolling for more wedding day details.
*Purchase a copy of Issue 31 on our Muna Shop.
- Couple: Chip & Connie Dizard
- Occupations: Photographer & Program Manager
- Wedding date: January 14, 2024
- Wedding location: The Hotel at the University of Maryland
- Photographer: Peculiar Images
Quick Facts:
- Gifts for one another: Connie gifted Chip with a memorial pendant for the inside of his jacket with his late father’s photo inside of it. Chip gifted Connie an acrylic map of the date and location of their first date.
- Ceremony entrance song: “DaButt” serenaded live by Suga Bear
- First dance song: “Anything For You” by Ledisi & PJ Morton
How did you meet?
We met on Instagram. Chip slid into my DM’s after he finished an inspirational IG live post on “Dreaming Big”.
Tell us about the proposal:
Chip proposed on Superbowl Sunday 2023 at our wedding officiant’s home with our close family and friends. I was so surprised and didn’t know what was happening. My adult daughter Ashley helped Chip organize everything, and it was wonderful.
Describe your wedding attire:
Elegant and Classy.
What was the wedding shopping experience like for you?
Connie: Custom gown by Ese Azenabor and the shopping experience was one of a kind. I met Ese in person and she was amazingly kind and gracious. Her craftsmanship is second to none!
Chip: Tux by Stanlion Clothier and it was so easy and seamless.
The ceremony:
What is your best memory from your wedding?
Connie: My best memory was walking down the aisle and seeing Chip. Tears were flowing and my heart was racing but locking eyes with him calmed me in a way I couldn’t explain.
Chip: Seeing Connie for the first time and knowing that she will finally be my wife. I was so happy to see her walk down the aisle.
Mr. & Mrs. Dizárd…
Reception Details:
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples?
Be Flexible and be ready for the unexpected. There will be last-minute cancellations and people who can’t make your wedding and that’s ok and you probably will go over budget. Take it in and date, and don’t just focus on the wedding, but make sure you focus on the marriage and the relationship.
Cheers to the bride and groom!
Looking for more inspiration like this wedding at The Hotel at the University of Maryland?
Click here.
Vendors:
- Planner: Dot Every i Weddings & Events
- Decor and Design: Lady Victoria Designs
- Photographer: Peculiar Images
- Videographer: Templeton Image
- DJ + Uplighting Floor wraps: DJ Max Powers
- Stationery and Signage: Devine Designs by Diesha
- Officiants: Reverend Phillip Jones & Daphne Jones
- Cake: Velvet Cakes by Gwen
- MUA: Legally Beat
- Brides Hair: J’Wiafe Hair
- Hair Install: Chrissy J
- Bridal Gown: Ese Azenabor
- Bridal Suite Decor: Brooke Pilar Event Stylist
- Grooms Attire: STANLION CLOTHING
- Ballerina: Nya C
- Saxophone Player: Tony Craddock, JR.
- Venue: The Hotel at the University of Maryland
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