A Classic Outdoor Engagement Session in Lake Wales, FL

In the early part of 2019, Cortina and Dunchy both swiped right on the dating app, Bumble, and sparks flew! From there a beautiful love story began.  Read more of their love story and check out their outdoor engagement session captured by Rasheeda Conner of R & R Productions.

Bride: Cortina Peters, 39, Emotional Wellness Group Practice Owner

Groom: Dunchy Louis, 44 , Engineer 

Place of residence: Orlando, FL

Engagement Shoot Location: BOK Tower Gardens, Lake Wales

Wedding date: October 15^th, 2022 in Cancun, Mexico

Engagement story 

We’ve faced some terrifying moments together, and with every trial, test, and tear Dunchy was always right by my side. Within two months of dating, I had to have a tumor removed which presented other medical challenges. There were numerous doctor visits, but I could always count on him to be there despite it all. One day I told him, “I understand if this is too much for you and if you don’t want to deal with me and the overwhelming medical challenges I face.” 

He then looked at me and said, “I know I don’t have to be here, but I want to be here for you, and I would not ever leave you because of your medical issues; we are in this together.” 

Last year, we decided to take family pictures during one of these trying moments. As we smiled for the pics, the thoughts ran through my mind were, “will these be the last pictures of all of us together”? We were snapping it up when the photographer asked us to face each other and look into one another’s eyes. He softly whispered to me, “marry me,” as we were gazing. It was so random and unexpected; however, at that moment, it felt right, and I said “yes.”

I had my over-the-top idea of what I wanted; however, life came and allowed me to see just what I needed. After all of this, I was able to design my ring. A few months later, he surprised me with an official proposal.  While in Cancun, at what would become our wedding venue, he got down on one knee and asked me officially to be his wife with the ring I designed. It was absolutely beautiful. The weather was perfect, and the view was stunning.

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

I wanted my official proposal to be special and represent our perfect balance. The calm of the sea and the romance of the proposal’s location were just right. I always tell her she made it very easy for me by designing her ring, so all I had to do was secretly communicate with the designer to ensure she wasn’t being her controlling self and ruining her surprise. She inquired if I had reached back out to him, and I would always throw her off. I had the ring for two months before presenting it to her. When the day came, I was nervous but excited. Her mother and daughter were there to help assist, and it was intimate and just right. She was happy, and that was what mattered. I am lucky to have a woman like her in my life. 

Were there any memorable moments during the shoot? 

There was a memorable moment, but not for good reasons. Once we both had gotten dressed, Dunchy asked me for his shoes. At that moment, I realized he had forgotten his shoes which were over an hour and a half away. It took the entire beginning of the photo session for me to calm down and get into the shoot. I was so distracted and upset because my vision had been crushed. 

What are you most looking forward to about your wedding?

I’m most looking forward to the beauty of the day. I am very big on details both big and small. With the planning and attention to the intricacies of the detail, I can’t wait to see how it all comes together. The location of the venue, celebrating with our family and friends, and the turn-up will be epic. Bringing two cultures together for the sake of love will be worth the wait. 

Congratulations to the happy couple! We wish them many years of wedded bliss!