Chine and Nnaemeka originally contacted me to photograph their wedding in Spring of 2020. Unfortunately, they had to cancel their beautiful wedding day plans because of COVID, like so many other couples. After rescheduling the wedding we decided capturing a portrait session in DC to showcase both their African culture and love of DC would be perfect, I was ready! We planned a beautiful Lincoln Memorial engagement session, where they would wear their traditional Ankara attire. I know they’re anxiously awaiting the day they can have their beautiful and big African wedding in Nigeria, celebrating with their loved ones!!

How They Met

While attending a summer internship in 2017, Chine met Nnaemeka for their first date. It wasn’t long after that, that they made everything official before Chine had to move back to Boston. They survived the long distance relationship before Nnaemeka proposed in the winter of 2019.

The Proposal

In November 2019, Nnaemeka proposed to Chine while they were visiting his family in Arkansas. He got her to go on a walk around his alma mater, which had a gorgeous Christmas display up. They even sat on a bench that had story – telling students if they swung on it 3 times, they would have a ring by the spring. Of course Chine thought it would be funny to swing on it! Not long after that, Nnaemeka got down on one knee, surprising Chine with the help of his family! She was able to call her family back home in Nigeria and share the happy news (although Nnaemeka had already asked them for their blessing!).

Lincoln Memorial Engagement Session

For their session, it was important to Chine and Nnaemeka to showcase their heritage and love story. While we were planning, the idea of royalty was at the front of everyone’s minds. They wanted to showcase the Igbo culture that they share as well as their strength as a couple. I loved working with them both to tell their unique and powerful love story around the Lincoln Memorial. Their gorgeous outfits stood out perfectly against the stone of the memorial and around the other monuments. Everyone we passed was in awe of them and their traditional outfits!! We even had one little girl call Chine a princess!

This session is a reminder to ALL of my couples: whatever makes you and your love story unique, let’s celebrate it. Whether it’s your favorite place or activity, or the clothes you wear, let’s honor what matters to you.

Thank you, Chine and Nnaemeka for trusting me to tell your story. I loved every moment of your Lincoln Memorial engagement session. I’m also honored to share that this beautiful couple was featured on Black Bride in December 2020. Take a look!

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Hair ChiChi Hair Braiding | Make-up Artist Nefertiti Cooper