Shara and Michael's Stylish Fun and Formal Atlanta Engagement -Munaluchi Bride

MunaLuchi Bride Magazine Winter 2017 Feature: Shara & Michael
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Shara and Michael’s love story began during a random encounter at work, where Michael first noticed Shara walking down the Atlanta sports stadium corridor; “I’ll never forget the striking red dress and modelesque stature she possessed. She caught my eye but I did not know who she was.” It would be a few months still before crossing paths again, this time Michael would not let opportunity pass him by, working up the courage to ask Shara out on a date. That lunch date would start them on the path of happily ever after…

Read all about Shara & Michael’s love story, romantic proposal, and wedding aspirations in their stylish fun and formal Atlanta engagement. View the complete gallery by MunaLuchi Coterie member, Fotos by Fola here.

Bride & Groom-to-be: Shara & Michael
Occupations: Bookings/Event Contracts Manager & Sales Consultant
Wedding date: 05/26/2018
Location of Engagement shoot: Westside provisions district & Mercedes Benz Stadium
Wedding location: Atlanta, Georgia – Private Residence

Tell us how you met and all about the proposal. We met through the most taboo place ever – work! Michael worked in sales for the local NFL team and Shara worked on the new NFL stadium construction project. In fall 2015 while hosting a client on NFL gameday, I first noticed Shara walking down the stadium corridor by herself. I’ll never forget the striking red dress and modelesque stature she possessed. She caught my eye but I did not know who she was.

Months later in March 2016 we would cross paths again. Shara hosted a training and stadium construction tour for the company’s sales team. I attempted to start a conversation by asking her silly questions about the cranes and other random fun facts. Unfortunately, she barely noticed me at the moment, being in her full work-mode mindset. Being an extremely busy and independent woman, it was going to take God’s divine intervention to slow her down long enough to notice the compassionate, intelligent, and God-fearing man standing right in front of her.

After the tour, I worked up the courage to reach out to Shara through e-mail. March 16th, we set a date to meet up for lunch at Yard House at Atlantic Station. To Shara it was a colleague simply reaching out for a work lunch but I had other plans. Before the appetizers were on the table, it became clear I had other interests and we hit it off immediately. By the end of the lunch date we had made plans to hang out the very next night. Our first official date was a casual night on Edgewood Avenue playing pool at the local pub followed by a “romantic” meal at Harold’s Fried Chicken.

From there, we began to spend lots of quality time getting to know one another. It became very apparent to both of us that God had purposely placed us in each other’s lives at the perfect time for the perfect reasons. Over the next four months, I asked Shara several times to be my girlfriend but she still wasn’t ready to make that step. Finally, on July 4th, Shara worked up the courage to ask ME to be her boyfriend!

Ten months later, I knew I was ready for the next step and had to be tricky to surprise Shara for the proposal. I asked her parents for their approval a few months prior when they could make it to Atlanta. I wanted our close family and friends to be there too, so I rented out a rooftop in Midtown Atlanta for the dozens to gather. I previously took her there early in our dating and remembered how much she loved it. To throw her off of the surprise, I told her we were going to a Chris Rock comedy show and we’re going to meet another couple at a rooftop bar until showtime. As soon as we arrived at the rooftop, she was shocked to see everyone who traveled from around the country. Speechless with eyes full of tears, she turned around and saw me one knee. I have no clue what I said, but she said YES!

Describe your engagement session. We wanted our session to represent a few things we love: food, sports, and style. For the first look, we chose a local Atlanta destination we frequent often so we had to include a tasty treat to show how much we enjoy good food and each other. We even waited an hour in line during the session just for ice cream but it was well worth it!
Secondly, we incorporated the stadium as the perfect way to showcase our love for sports and the place that ultimately brought us together. This location gave us the most anxiety because what’s not shown are the dozens of tours going on and maintenance staff that were prepping the playing field for the game the next day! Trying to juggle in between them made it challenging but our photographer, Afolabi worked around it effortlessly.
Lastly, to contrast the casual and fun looks, we included the lounge scene to reflect our bold and elegant side.
We couldn’t be more happy with the end product from our photo session! Our photographer, Afolabi thoughtfully guided and captured emotion in each shot while allowing us to include ideas and vision of our own.

What did you do on your first date? Our first official date was a casual night on Edgewood Avenue playing pool at the local pub followed by a “romantic” meal at Harold’s Fried Chicken. Once Michael saw me devour every last piece of my meal without hesitation, he instantly knew I was being genuine and he appreciated it.

What’s your favorite thing to do as a couple? EAT. Some people eat to live, we live to eat! The diverse cultures that make up Atlanta offer countless restaurant options with different themes and atmospheres. We like to immerse ourselves in the dining experience and bond over thoughtful conversation and laughter. We both come from families that center their gatherings around good food and fellowship so it’s an emotional thing for us as well.

How has wedding planning been so far? Initially it seemed like a chore with the overwhelmingly long to-do lists but after hiring a planner who is an expert at wedding planning, we are both able to step back and let her guide the process. We’re enjoying the freedom to compare and select vendors and bounce our ideas off of the planner. The hardest part by far has been keeping the guest list within our desired range. So far we’ve secured a date, venue, photographer, videographer, dress, and DJ. Next up is to send out our save the dates!

Tell us what you’re looking forward to most on the wedding day.
Groom- I’m looking forward to becoming one in front of our friends and family and sharing this special day together.
Bride- I’m most looking forward to having my father walk me down the aisle to my future husband to say the words “I do.” There’s only a few occasions in life where we are able to gather with all of our closest friends and family in the same place. I’m counting down until Michael and I join in this covenant between ourselves and God in celebration with everyone.