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Chichi Chinedu E1321914696139

Chichi + Chinedu

As seen in the Spring/Summer 2010 Edition

Nigerian weddings are usually done in grand style and Chichi and Chinedu did just that.  Although they reside here in the US, their wedding took place in Nigeria and had over 1000 guests!  We love the traditions displayed here…So colorful and rich with culture.  Here are some highlights from the wedding.

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THE DETAILS
Gown: Enzoani from Harlyesville Bridal
Event Design: Azory Decor, Onitsha, Nigeria
Florist: Flowers by Mendez & Jackel
Cake: Azory Decor/Onitsha, Nigeria
Traditional Attire: Designed by Grand Memories in Onitsha
Hair & Makeup: Kira for MAC Cosmetics
Photos: MaxStudios
What are the odds of a mistaken phone call leading to a blissful union? One to nothing; according to our next couple. Apparently Chimdimma Ilonzo and Chinedu Momah have more than just their first names in common – Chimdimma (Chichi) and Chinedu (Chi) – and it was their mutual friend, Stacy Matthews who decided to play cupid and decipher their love connection after a misplaced call to Chichi that was intended for Chi. Meet the lovely couple Chichi Ilonzo (bride) and Chi Momah (groom), two young Nigerian- Americans who found love in a telephonic mishap. Nevertheless, they both credit their union to divine intervention. Chichi was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, however spent majority of her childhood growing up in Nigeria. She returned to the States to attend Temple University where she obtained her doctorate degree in pharmacy. Chi was born in Brooklyn, New York but spent his childhood years in Long Island, New York After a rewarding experience in semi-professional college football, Chi decided to concentrate on his other interest – pharmacy. He obtained his doctorate degree in pharmacy from St. John University. Fate had it that the young couple not only had common interests in pharmacy but in each other as well. Running in the same professional circles; their paths were sure to cross at some point in time! The Proposal An early spring proposal commenced their nuptial story: A proposal that commemorated their two year courtship. On April 8, 2009 Chinedu asked Chichi to be his lifetime partner, on bended knees at an exclusive Chicago restaurant, with a 70 story view of the Chicago skyline, and serenading lyrics of Savage Garden’ s ‘Truly, Madly Deeply’, (Chichi favorite song). The ring was presented in a silver dessert bowl accompanied by chocolate covered strawberries to an unsuspecting and surprised Chichi, who said yes amidst tears of happiness. “Chichi is my best friend, my queen, my diamond and my everything. She is an amazing person with a smile that makes me smile. She is beautiful, up lifting, high spirited, classy, open hearted, strong-willed and rooted in the word of God. She is a very strong woman that is precious and of true value to her parents and siblings. Just the presence of her my life gives me strength to strive to be the best in everything I do; the person I am today will not exist without her in my life. She is my better half and I thank God for creating her for me. I am the most blessed man alive to have her as the true love of my life.” – Groom (Chi). “Chinedu is very hardworking and caring. He’s the kindest person that I know, even by the way he takes care of my parents and sibling like his own. He makes me smile all the time because he would always do or say the weirdest things. I love the way he loves me. He pushes me to aspire for greater things. He believes in me. Chi is my bestest friend in the whole world. I always feel like I’ve known him for a long time. He’s a big brother to my siblings and a second son to my parents. I thank God for blessing me with a man after His heart.” – Bride (Chichi). It was very important for the couple to have a wedding and union sealed by a man of the cloth in the house of God . In the same vain, it was important to incorporate aspects of their Igbo culture and traditions. To best accommodate this, both a traditional and a white wedding were celebrated. The traditional wedding took place on December 31, 2009, at the bride’s village in Uke, Anambra State, Nigeria while the White Wedding followed right after on January 2, 2010 at the All Saints’ Anglican Church, Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria. Inspired by various elements of the couple’s dual heritage – Nigerian as well as American – both events represented a cohesive collage of their past, present and future. On the day of the traditional wedding, Chichi embodied a true Igbo princess in her culturally inspired ensemble and matching accessories. Chinedu, followed suit in his traditional two piece outfits fit for Igbo royalty. Amidst drumming, jubilations and cheers the couple celebrated their love and union, and traditions together with friends, family and well wishers. Like every bride, Chichi envisioned her wedding day to be flawless and the happiest day of her life. With much support from family and friends and more importantly with her ‘bestest’ friend (her groom) by her side Chichi remembers this day to be just that and more! A harmonizing floral combination of purple, fushcia and red highlights transformed the wedding venue into a sanctuary of bliss fit for royalty. For her gown, Chichi opted for a classic off white sweetheart cut gown with golden floral trimmings detailing the bodice and hem of the gown, courtesy of David’s Bridal. The groom was confidently clothed in a well fitted off black tailored suit, matched with a snow white vest and a bold classic red tie. The couple was declared husband and wife during a well orchestrated, simple but very elegant ceremony. The couple and their guest then proceed to the Robert Treat Hotel for the wedding reception, where the festivities continued amidst good food, music, drinks and great company.

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