Cindy and Glenn's Stunning Traditional Nigerian Wedding -Munaluchi Bride

Cindy and Glenn first met in Houston on the fashion runway of the African Pharmacy Student Association’s annual gala party. Randomly paired together, they danced their way down the runway in the latest Nigerian attire with so much natural energy that everyone assumed they at least knew each other, if not already a couple. Later that evening Glenn approached Cindy for her number, both still feeling the vibes of their shared moment on the runway. He called the very next day and they’ve been inseparable ever since.

Continue reading all about Cindy and Glenn’s love story, proposal, and experiences in their stunning traditional Nigerian wedding in Houston – captured by MunaLuchi Coterie member Pharris Photography, and featuring Wedding Planning by MunaLuchi Coterie member Dure Events.

Full names of couple: Cindy & Glenn
Occupations: Pharmacists
Wedding date: April 20, 2018
Wedding location: Houston, TX

How did you meet? We both met in Houston at an annual gala hosted by the African Pharmacy Students Association, an organization at Glenn’s pharmacy school. At the time, I was in Dallas at a different pharmacy school and was invited to be part of the fashion show at the gala by one of my pharmaceutical fraternity brothers. During the fashion show, Glenn and I were both paired with each other and engaged in great conversation. We danced down the fashion show runway sporting some of the latest Nigerian attire and dance moves. We had so much fun that people in the audience thought we knew each other! After the fashion show, I went to sit down with my sister and friends and they kept asking about the guy and if he’d asked for my phone number. At that time he had not so I wasn’t sure if he was really into me. By the end of the night, Glenn circled back to me to chat and eventually asked for my number. I asked him “Will you even call?” and he said “Yes, I’ll call tomorrow.” I was skeptical and responded “Ok, we’ll see.” He actually did call the next day and we have literally talked every day since! We made the relationship official about one month after the fashion show while celebrating his birthday in Galveston!

Tell us your proposal story. I graduated from pharmacy school in May 2016. My family planned a party to celebrate the achievement of the terminal degree in my career, the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.). The party took place in July 2016 with over 300 people in attendance. Glenn proposed to me during the party causing an eruption of excitement by guests and a celebration worthy for two blessings. I was completely caught off guard since I had been focused on studying for my board exams all summer. I was very emotional to say the least!

Describe your wedding style: For my traditional wedding, I had three separate custom outfits and my husband had two custom outfits. My first dress was a beautiful gold and ivory dress made out of lace fabric in Houston, Texas. I accessorized this dress with a hand fan, a white cap, and a jewelry set. My second outfit was a traditional Nigerian wrapper outfit made out of red George fabric in Houston. I accessorized this outfit with a horsetail, head beads, and jewelry. My final dress was a royal sparkly emerald green dress made in Nigeria. I accessorized this dress with a hand fan, a gele (Nigerian head tie), a necklace, and earrings. All of my accessories came from Nigeria.

My husband wore a traditional Isi Agu top and black slacks accessorized with a red cap and eagle feather, an ivory flute, and an Omu Aro (cultural shawl). His second outfit was a royal white Agbada accessorized with a custom green cap to match my green dress. Most of his clothes and accessories came from Nigeria.
Culture: Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding? If yes, tell us more.
Yes! The entire wedding was done in the tradition of our heritage. The traditional marriage is called an Igba Nkwu or Wine-Carrying Ceremony. My husband and I are both Igbo and in out tradition, the Igba Nkwu must take place to recognize the union of the two families. It’s the last stage in the traditional marriage process. During the ceremony, the bride must carry palm wine in a cup and find her husband in the crowd. Once she finds him, he must sip the wine to signify that the traditional marriage is official! I had two solo entrances, my husband had one solo entrance, and the both of us had a final entrance together where we were introduced as husband and wife.

What is your best memory from your wedding? My best memory was when I came out in my second dress escorted by my asoebi ladies. All of my asoebi ladies wore beautiful custom pink and gold sequin fabric. My bridesmaids wore the same fabric but in coral and gold. All of my ladies wore gold geles as well. During this entrance, the ladies lined up on each side of the walkway and hyped me up as I came down the middle of them. I remember being surrounded by all of them and being overwhelmed with how beautiful they looked and how well they complimented my venue decor. It was magical!

What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? Do not stress about the small things because everything ends up working out at the end! It is YOUR day so be sure to enjoy it. It’ll be here before you know it!