Uche and Irek's Romantic New York Skyline Engagement -Munaluchi Bride

Working on a project with a friend one evening, they decided to step out for dinner. Arriving at the restaurant during the busy hours of the night, they elected to sit at a common table. Upon returning from outside to use her phone, Uche noticed that a handsome gentleman and his friend had joined them at their table. Not really in a social mood that night, Uche remained mostly quiet while her friend recommended menu options for the gentleman sitting with them. As the evening progressed, Uche relaxed into the flow of casual conversation with Irek. With a noticeable magnetism between them, Uche and Irek decided to exchange numbers. The next day he called to arrange their first date, and they’ve been inseparable ever since…

Read all about Uche & Irek’s love story, romantic proposal, and wedding aspirations, in their romantic New York skyline engagement – perfectly captured by MunaLuchi Coterie member Stanlo Photography.

Bride & Groom-to-be: Uche & Irek
Occupations: Model/Actress/System Analyst, Business Owner & Developer
Wedding date: March 16, 2019
Wedding location: Cedar Grove, NJ
Location of Engagement shoot: Gantry Park, New York, NY

Tell us how you met. The best things in life are unexpected because there were no expectations. The relationship between my fiance and I is testimony to this quote, as I met my fiance, Irek, in the most unexpected way.
In 2015, while my friend and I were working on a project one night, she suggested we go to dinner. At first I declined but with further encouragement from my sister, I decided to go. I didn’t get glam’d up nor did I put on my best clothes as I would normally because I thought it would be a quick dinner, then I’d go home and rest. (Little did I know that the best surprise of my life awaited me.) Due to my reservations about going, we got to the restaurant very late. Therefore, they were busy when we arrived, so we chose to sit at a common table rather than wait for a table to become available to us. I briefly stepped outside to use my phone and when I returned I noticed that Irek and his friend were sitting next to us.
Upon taking my seat Irek leaned over to ask us if we had been to the restaurant before. I simply looked on and didn’t respond but my friend had been there with her husband a week before and she answered his questions. Irek continued to converse with us, making small talk and asked us what we recommended to drink. My friend insisted he try a few things which he ordered. At this time, I was still just looking at my menu and not participating in the conversation. I was unamused, exhausted and wanted to be left alone.
When the time came for us to order our meals Irek asked us what we recommended, again I just sat there mum and my friend proceeded to give her suggestions on what she thought was really good. As the night went by I began to relax and we all engaged in casual conversation. I was still not fully interested but did not want to sit there in silence. Later, Irek offered to buy us a drink.
As the night went on Irek and I began to ask each other questions and we also exchanged phone numbers. The next day he called and invited me out on a date. Following that date, we have been inseparable. Fast forward 3 and a half years later and we’re getting married.

Tell us all about the proposal. When I am old and sitting in my den, explaining the birds and the bees and the qualities of a good husband to my granddaughter who has decided that she is madly in love with the long-haired, leather wearing, bike riding senior at her high school, I will definitely tell her about how her grandfather proposed to me. Many months before the actual proposal, Irek and I visited my parents in Chicago, where he met with my family and my parents’ friends and asked their blessing in asking for my hand in marriage. They obviously said yes!
Irek told me that he had a wonderful surprise for my brother who had just graduated medical School. He planned a private cruise to take us (all my siblings and their significant others) across Lake Michigan in Chicago. What I didn’t know, was that I was the one who was going to be surprised and celebrated. Of course he had discussed the details with my entire family. I was the only one out of the loop.
On that very special night, Irek had ordered champagne, dinner and drinks for everyone to take aboard the boat. The captain had his wife onboard (for the amazing occasion, they were involved in the secret as well) we danced and took pictures of the beautiful Chicago skylines. After an hour, the captain’s wife told us we would be stopping to take in the scenery. Shortly after we stopped, this beautiful fireworks display started to explode in the sky, and my love got on his knees in front of my beloved family and proposed. Of course I said yes, and my siblings started applauding, capturing the moment with photographs and videos.
Just when I thought he could do no more I walked into the most enchanting, picturesque scene that I’ve only witnessed during the scene of one of my favorite romantic movies. He had transformed the hotel room into a magical wonder. There were flowers, balloons, candles – needless to say I felt like a princess who had found her Prince Charming. I said yes that night to happily ever after and I will continue to say yes, yesterday, today, tomorrow and forever.

Describe your engagement session. “Modern Glam.” When we first started thinking about our engagement photos, We didn’t want them to be ordinary nor cheesy. We wanted to make sure the deep connection we have as a couple was captured. We didn’t want any awkwardness or for us to look posed in every picture. We wanted our images to reflect our true and deep love for one another. Our session was light and fun. It didn’t hurt that our photographer is a camera genie. He is marvelous. His eye for the “perfect shot” helped move things seamlessly. He was able to direct us in ways to obtain images that we will undoubtedly treasure for a lifetime. The day of the shoot was a little windy, but we didn’t let that stop or slow us down.. The location was exemplary. We both have a deep love for NY skyline, it was phenomenal to acquire the beautiful scenery in our images. We have shown a few photos we’ve received back to our friends and family, and everyone ALWAYS comments that they are beautiful and amazing!

What did you do on your first date? I’ve been a hopeless romantic since I was a child. My dream was always for my love to pick me up, with flowers and open the car door for me like they do in the movies. When Irek arrived to pick me up for our first date, he came bearing gifts; chocolates, flowers, wine and a card. To top it off, I was pleasantly surprised and ecstatic when he opened the door for me. As a hopeless romantic these traits are what I hoped for in a partner. We went to a beautiful Italian restaurant and had an adorable candle lit dinner. As our date progressed, it was as if we had known each other forever. There was no silent moment, as I love to talk! There was also no uncomfortable moment. After dinner we followed up with a movie. We saw “Fifty Shades of Grey.” I fell asleep through some of the movie, but Irek was such a sport about that. After our date we took a little stroll. We spent the night talking, and getting to know one another. From our very first date, Irek and I have been inseparable. Irek is kind, gentle, brilliant, romantic, genuine, loving, protective, amazing, handsome, affectionate, dependable, compassionate, humorous, captivating, and my best friend. He is the definition of a real man and I am overjoyed to be his wife.

What’s your favorite thing to do as a couple? Traveling and creating new adventures, Wine tasting, finding unique restaurants to try.

How has wedding planning been so far? We have a wedding planner, thank God! I would be overwhelmed. We are both very detailed and specific. So we needed help with bringing our vision to life. So far it’s been great!

Tell us what you’re looking forward to most on the wedding day. Bride: Looking forward to fulfilling my childhood fantasy. Walking up to meet the man I’ve prayed for and been blessed with. Looking forward to seeing his expression when I am unveiled to him. Looking forward to seeing my closest family and friends witness our union and lastly looking forward to enjoying that day, taking it all in, and enjoying every aspect of our day.
Groom: Looking forward to our entrance into the reception as husband and wife, and seeing all of our loved ones cheering us on.