When you’re an award-winning actress, model, film producer/director, and brand ambassador in Africa’s most populous country, Nigeria, with intercontinental crossover appeal, you probably don’t need much introduction. However, if you’re new to Nigeria’s booming movie industry (reportedly the world’s 2nd largest film industry), you most likely have some catching up to do on celebrity actress, Stephanie Okereke (now Linus). With scores of movie credits under her belt – both in front of and behind the screens – and having shared a stage with such greats as Meryl Streep, Stephanie is certainly poised to take on the entertainment industry.
However, Stephanie took on her most rewarding challenge thus far, when she planned a wedding for the ages to the man of her dreams, international media consultant and PR guru, Idahosa Linus. Folks, this wedding will take your breath away. Inspired by the idea of a “royal fairy tale wedding”, the final results of this celebration of love were breathtaking. From the bride’s perfect “Euterpe” by Elie Saab wedding dress, to every element of the decor and insanely beautiful centuries-old French abbey venue, no detail was left to chance. What makes this even more perfect is the obvious love, friendship and partnership these two share. Nothing is more special than that!
Enough words, though! This is a feast for the eyes, with images by Ian Holmes of Ian Holmes Photography. :) Also, keep an eye out for the perfectly shot video of this very special day!
Bride: Stephanie Linus (nee Okereke)
Groom: Idahosa Linus
Location: Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay, Cernay-la-Ville, France
Wedding Date: 04.21.2012
How He Proposed ….. “He had a surprise birthday party for me and proposed in front of my friends and family. It was really beautiful!”
Wedding Details ….. “It was a challenge, but God was faithful! From traveling back and forth to source for the particular location we had in mind (because we knew how we wanted our wedding to look and feel), to meeting our wedding planners – who were awesome by the way- to choosing all the wedding details, getting through the visa process, flight charters, and hotel reservations, and the anticipation of everyone arriving and getting back safely, it made for a very intense but quite an amazing experience. Wow! Overall, our wedding theme and inspiration was to have a Royal Fairy tale Wedding with an African and Parisian feel.”
Incorporating Culture ….. “We incorporated culture in almost everything: from the church service to the menu, music and even some of our guests’ attires.”
The Most Unforgettable Moment ….. “Wow! It’s really difficult to pick one because there were numerous memorable moments. From our vows to each other, walking out of the church as husband and wife, and our first dance, to the amazing fireworks that got everyone crying, hugging, and reaffirming their belief in love, the atmosphere was filled with love. That was really beautiful and lovely, and the most exhilarating experience we’ve ever had.”
Click here for even more photos
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What the Bride knows for sure
“I know he loves me completely and deeply. I know that I will keep loving him.”
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Vendors
- Wedding Dress: Elie by Elie Saab 2012 Collection
- Wedding Planning: Fête in France
- Hair: Nicole Permbrook
- Makeup: Cecile Nida Nida
- Wedding Cake: Sugarplum Cake Shop
- Lead Photographer: Ian Holmes
- Second Photographer: Catherine O’Hara
- Assistant Photographer: Jerome Treizexactly
- Venue: Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay, France
- Cinematographer: Studio Artifice
- Stationery & Stationery Design: Ceci New York
- Florist: Sol y Flor
- Favors: Longchamp
- Publicity: Yetunde Taiwo, ICY PR
@munaluchiBride
ON THE BLOG: Nigerian Celebrity Destination Wedding in {France}: Stephanie Okereke + Idahosa… http://t.co/73TojVzp
Mrs. Aminata Sesay
I love the wedding photo
oluchy
WOW, STUNNING, BREATHTAKING …………………….BEAUTIFUL.
Petronella
Gasp! They both look so regal! Fabulous job by all involved!