Johnanika and Clarence's Unique and Affectionate Engagement Session in Atlanta -Munaluchi Bride

The moment you realize you don’t want the night to end is the moment you know you have something special. The exhilaration of immediate connection with endless conversation is intoxicating – creating a world in which it seems only the two of you exist… Time appears to rapidly pass you by in what feels like the blink of an eye. Reality sets back in and you become aware that you’re the only two left in the restaurant which has long since locked its doors for the night… Resisting the clock, and with few other options, you decide to simply walk long into the night, never wanting it to end…

It is this ideal initial connection that Johnanika and Clarence shared on their first date night together after having met through a mutual friend at a 2015 Superbowl party. And it is this type of rare connection, clearly felt in their affectionate and unique engagement session, that they will carry with them throughout their life together.

Read all about Johnanika and Clarence’s love story and surprise birthday proposal!

Bride & Groom-to-be: Johnanika & Clarence
Wedding Date: 04/29/2017
Wedding Location: City Club, Birmingham
Engagement Session Location: Goat Farm, Atlanta

Tell us how you met and all about the proposal. We were introduced at a mutual friend’s super bowl party in February 2015. It’s very funny how we linked up because I had no intentions on going anywhere for the super bowl. Once I had gotten to the house, it seemed as if everyone was there with their significant other and I was told that Clarence was married as well. So I barely gave him any eye contact when he spoke to me. The very next day, my best friend called me excited saying that the host of the party thought that he was married and that she was wrong. My friend took it upon herself to give my number to her friend so that it could be given to Clarence. I thought to myself that she was being extremely bold, but what the hell. The next day I received a text from Clarence with small talk but ending it with asking me out on a date. Clarence and I have been together for one year and eight months!
He proposed to me on my birthday May 17th of this year. We had already made plans to celebrate my birthday in Miami so the morning of my birthday, before leaving to go to the airport, he got on one knee and professed his love to me. He first handed me a beautiful card that read all these beautiful things about love and knowing when you have found the one. As I was reading, I saw him kneeling and by the time I was finished reading he looked me into my eyes and expressed to me how he didn’t want to live his life without me in it. He said so many other things but I was excited and shocked and full of emotion I don’t remember everything else. After that, we kissed and headed to the airport and stayed at a luxury hotel and spa. We had a really good time!

What did you do on your first date? Our first date was at the restaurant Twist in Buckhead. It was really cold that day and I didn’t feel up to driving so I did something that I never do. I allowed him to pick me up from my home on the first date. He was such a gentlemen. He opened my door, he was playing soft R&B in the car, and he was on time. Oh and I can’t forget how extremely handsome he looked. We arrived to Twist and talked and laughed over dinner and cocktails. I remember our conversation being very interesting and thinking to myself that we had a lot in common. Once dinner was over, I remember not wanting the date to be over so we sat and talked more. Our first date was on a Saturday and by Wednesday, he had asked me out again to the movies. We met each other there and he later told me that he wanted to kiss me so bad but he didn’t. The next weekend was Valentines and he had to be out of town with his job on the actual day of Valentine, but when he came back, he had a sweet card and gift certificate to a massage salon. I thought that was cute considering we had only known each other for about week.

What’s your favorite thing to do as a couple? I would have to say our favorite thing to do is have a picnic on food truck Tuesday. That is when we get our quality time in with no phones just he and I and conversation.
Tell us what you’re looking forward to most on the wedding day. I am looking forward to having a fun time surrounded by family and friends! I look forward to dressing up and looking fabulous for my groom! I hope to capture every special moment that I have with my mom and dad. I also can’t wait to get ready with my bridesmaids while we are in our suite. The feel of my wedding will be very romantic and I would like for my pictures to show that. Every little detail to my wedding has to be captured from my shoes, nail polish, make up, wedding dress, food etc. LOL!