High school sweethearts celebrate their upcoming nuptials in an upscale hotel engagement session at the Eliza Jane Hotel in New Orleans.
Denise and Virgil’s love story began a lot like the movie Drumline. In fact, they claim to be the inspiration for the movie itself!
Virgil explains, “She was an Eaglette, the city’s most envied high school dance team, and I was the co-section leader on T-drum in the Funk-A-Holics (FAH) drum section; We’re revered to this day!”
Their romance unfolded in the hallways of their high school and on the sports fields where they performed. They were inseparable ever since! Fast forward to Christmas day 2020, and Virgil finally asked Denise to be his wife; of course she said yes!
For more details on their love story, upscale hotel engagement session, and upcoming nuptials, keep scrolling below.
- Couple: Denise T. Martin, Virgil M. Mills II
- Occupations: Nurse Practitioner & IT Specialist
Quick Facts:
- Wedding date: March 19, 2022
- Wedding location: St. Leo Catholic Church, The Cannery
- Location of Engagement shoot: Eliza Jane Hotel
How they met…
While he could go on about the parallels between their love story and the movie Drumline, he focuses on how he met the love of his life.
“I spotted her in the hall one day and made a sly comment to see how she would react: JACKPOT! From then on, we would spend lunch together and other times around school.”
He admits he may have cut a class or two, as well as practice, to be with his girl, but it was worth it; they’ve been together ever since!
The proposal…
As Christmas is a special holiday for their families to spend the day together sharing family stories, eating food, and exchanging gifts, Virgil thought it was only right to ask Denise to be his wife on Christmas Day. So, in 2020, he coordinated with Denise’s family to surprise her.
Before heading to his parents house, the pair prepared dishes and gave each other gifts. Denise received the coat and purse she’d been wanting and Virgil was elated to finally get his drone! In less than an hour he crashed it, but luckily Denise purchased insurance and they laughed about it. After getting dressed they finally headed to their family’s house (where the real magic would happen!).
Leading up to the big moment, Virgil felt he was ready; or so he thought. While he had already received approval from his mom, sister, and brothers, he had also confided in Dana, Denise’s maid of honor, who almost spoiled the surprise! Originally crying when he showed her the ring, she initially made her own plans for him to propose and said “she didn’t know if she could hold the secret any longer.” Moments before the proposal, she even accidentally dropped the ring in the kitchen while Denise was nearby! Luckily, Denise didn’t notice.
After final gifts were exchanged, Denise noticed there were a few mysterious unnamed gift bags remaining. On queue, Dana told Denise that her niece, Neema, had a gift for “Tee Tee.” Already puzzled, she opened the bag to an elegant box. She asked, “what’s this?” and when she opened the box the house erupted!
In shock, Denise asked, “why did you do that.” Denise’s brother, Brodie, whipped out his phone to capture the moment, exclaiming: “Virgil we’ve been waiting for this, you gotta get on a knee”.
More phones came out, Virgil takes the box and a knee, gives a short speech and pops the question!! And of course, she said yes.
“We took pictures galore! And here we are,” Virgil says smiling. In Denise’s words, she “was truly shocked and overjoyed with excitement. It [was] a Christmas to
remember.”
Their first date…
As high school sweethearts, their first dates were a lot more casual.
“We would meet at the park to hang out and talk. At school dances we’d take pictures together. Our actual first date was most likely a night out to see a movie premiere.”
Engagement session & theme…
Their upscale engagement session was captured against the beautiful art deco ambiance of the Eliza Jane Hotel in downtown New Orleans.
The shoot was intimate and took place mid-day “without the hustle and bustle of hotel guests.”
“It felt as if we had the entire hotel lobby to ourselves,” Virgil says. “We were able to capture beautiful pictures in the literature themed lounge, garden courtyard, bar, and front desk. The rich tones of the décor and furnishings complemented our wardrobe choices.”
Their favorite thing to do as a couple…
Together, the pair love to travel and experience new places, cultures, cuisines and meet new people.
“Our new normal has put a hold on us seeing the world right now, but hopefully we’ll get back to traveling soon.”
Wedding planning so far…
Overall, the beginning stages of wedding planning have been a breeze for these two.
“With the big day nearing, more decisions are being finalized so it can be stressful at times. But we are just enjoying the flow and looking forward to seeing all our hard work and vision come to fruition.”
What they’re looking forward to most on their wedding day…
They are most looking forward to sharing their special day with all of their family and friends.
“We’re elated to begin this new journey as a married couple!”
Looking for more upscale hotel engagement inspiration?
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Vendors:
- Photographer: @ShagariGerard
- Bride’s hair: @Nolabeauty
- Bride’s makeup: @Aptmua
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