Having clients that trust us to photograph lifetime memories, has been a priceless experience. Hearing about how our couples met, listening to the story of receiving the brides father’s blessing, and let’s not forget the proposal; is always exciting. Marilouise and Frank were no different; we met with Marilouise and her mother along with the amazing Elana of Elana Walker Events at one of my favorites, Rye in Downtown Raleigh. I’m not sure who was more excited, me or the bride, about discussing all of the wedding details, as well as, discussing all of the odds and ins that go on first-photographer bride meeting. We are so thankful to have to opportunity to work with Marilouise and Frank, and we look forward to the couples big day. Please check out their love story, a few of our favorite images and some fun facts from the couple.

Wedding date: November 4, 2017

Wedding location: Raleigh Marriott City Center Hotel, Raleigh, North Carolina

Wedding Planner: Elana Walker Events

Make Up: Sharon S. Davis Makeup Artistry 

How did you meet?

We went to the same high school in Raleigh, North Carolina. We knew each other throughout high school, but became close friends in 2006—our junior year of high school. We went to senior prom together in 2008, and have spent the past 9 years madly in love.

For the Groom: Walk us through the behind the scenes of creating this special day.

I thought long and hard about the best way to surprise my bride-to-be without being too obvious. It was important to both of us that we had photographs to document the proposal, so that was an aspect I had to consider. My original plan was to have a romantic walk in the park and set up a special spot with flowers to pop the question—all while a hidden photographer followed us. However, the day of the planned proposal, it was pouring rain. Luckily, the photographer and I had created a plan B. Instead of having the photographer secretly follow us around, I set up a fun photo shoot just for us at the Dayton Art Institute  I told Marilouise that we would be doing a couple’s photo session to help a “friend” expand his portfolio for his up-and-coming photography business. She loved the idea! Towards the end of the photo session in the museum, the photographer gave me our planned cue to “tie my shoe”. After getting down on one knee, pulling out the ring from my sock, and grabbing Marilouise’s left hand, I popped the question while the photographer captured the moment. It went off without a hitch!

Have you started planning your wedding? If so, share a few details about your big day:

Yes, we have started planning our big day! Our wedding ceremony and reception will be held in the heart of downtown Raleigh—our hometown—at the Marriott City Center Hotel. We are expecting approximately 150 of our closest family and friends to celebrate with us all evening long. Our wedding planner, Elana Walker with Elana Walker Events, has been invaluable in helping us create our wedding day vision.

What are you most looking forward to about your wedding?

We are so excited to see all of our wedding planning come to fruition! We are looking forward to seeing our family and friends who have traveled from all over the country to celebrate our special day and support our marriage. And of course, we are looking forward to seeing each other, as we say, “I do” to spending forever together.

Donnell Perry Photography is an Award Winning Raleigh Wedding Photography company based out of Raleigh, North Carolina. Please view our portfolio to see more of our work. We are available to travel for wedding and portrait photography, please contact us through the contact form on our website for more information.