Ayodeji “Deji” Otufowora found Aderonke ‘Kiki’ Okusanya, the love of his life in a most unconventional way. He found her in a magazine! Kiki graced the pages of a magazine that featured her brother’s wedding, and luckily Deji just happened to pick it up. She recalls, “He could not take his eyes off the picture, so he asked my cousin who was a friend of his for my number.” They talked on and off for a year before they met in person, and when they did they clicked instantly.
After years of dating, Deji knew that a private weekend getaway would be the perfect time to pull off a proposal that was the epitome of romance. KiKi shares, “After a night of fine dining and dancing, I woke up with a room filled with 6 different types of roses. These roses depicted the number of years we’ve known each other – Lavender, White, Yellow, Orange, Pink and Red.” She then noticed a wrapped box next to her pillow, and she instantly knew what was happening.
Their wedding was nothing short of amazing. Soft hues of pink with silver and cream accents were infused throughout the décor. They had a traditional church wedding and headed to the Hilton for their reception. Guests danced the night away on a custom white dance floor and marveled at their amazing five tier wedding cake that included intricate sugar flowers and silver accents. As if the amazing music and food weren’t enough, Kiki and DJ treated their guests to belly dancing performance. Incorporating their Nigerian culture into their wedding was very important for both Kiki and DJ. Kiki shares, “We are of Nigerian descent, so that culture was dominant in the wedding especially in our family dress code with the immediate family wearing the full Nigerian wedding regalia and also in the food and drinks.” You will love all of the luxurious details of this wedding that were so exquisitely captured by K & K Photography.
- Wedding Date: 11/23/2013
- Wedding Location: Hilton Tampa Downtown
- Wedding Theme: Elegant ,Sophisticated and Romantically Beautiful
- Wedding Flowers: Peonies and Roses
- First Dance Song: ”A Couple of Forevers” – by Chrisette Michele
- Wedding Cake Flavors: White Almond cake with Strawberry buttercream and Red Velvet with Cream cheese buttercream,
- Wedding Menu Favorite: Fried Yams with spicy sauce & the peppersoup
- Bridesmaids Gifts: Nadri Earrings. Personalized Robes.
- Groomsmen Gifts: Cufflinks.
How They Met
Deji first saw me in a picture from a wedding magazine that covered my brother’s wedding. He could not take his eyes off the picture, so he asked my cousin who was a friend of his for my number. I had ignored his initial calls because I rarely pick up numbers I do not recognize, and he didn’t leave a message either. I admit , I screen my calls. We finally had a conversation and we talked off and on for about a year. We got to meet in October 2008 when Deji came to Florida for a medical conference and we clicked instantly. We had so much fun , it was a refreshing experience for both of us.
The Proposal
Deji and I decided to have a private get-away for the weekend to spend some time together. After a night of fine dining and dancing , I woke up with a room filled with 6 different types of roses. These roses depicted the number of years we’ve known each other – Lavender, White, Yellow, Orange, Pink and Red. I loved the romantic gesture , then I noticed a wrapped box by my pillow. Trying to keep cool, I just smiled. He then, took my hand, got on one knee and asked me to marry him. I said, “Yes!”
Wedding Style
There were different culture elements in the wedding. We are of Nigerian descent, so that culture was dominant in the wedding especially in our family dress code with the immediate family wearing the full Nigerian wedding regalia and also in the food and drinks. We enjoy and are intrigued by the middle eastern culture so we also did a belly dancing side attraction show for the guests as an intermission.
Most Memorable Moment
Our first dance – I felt like I was floating . It felt so beautiful.
Wedding Advice
Enjoy the planning process. Get the groom involved too, he will appreciate it when everything comes together. Try to stay calm but assertive especially with your bridesmaids because yea, at least one will act up.
Vendors
- Wedding Dress Designer – Vera Wang
- Bridesmaid Dresses – Tadashi Shoji
- Hair / Makeup – Colette Brew
- Shoes-Christian Louboutin & Jimmy Choo
- Ceremony Location- Northwest Church of God , Tampa
- Reception Location- Hilton Tampa Downtown
- Photography- K & K Photography
- Videography- Lucky Lemon Films
- Wedding Planner – Simply Divine Events
- Florist – La Vie En Rose
- Cake – Cake Zone
WOW this wedding was stunning! From the dress, cake, decor! I love it! And congratulations to the couple. I love the advice the bride gave about being assertive. I have all sorts of bridesmaids drama.
So many stunning details in this wedding! Love the bridesmaid dresses!