2-Day Ghanaian Traditional Wedding and Modern White Wedding Features New-Age Twists

Featured in Issue 31, this Ghanaian traditional wedding and modern white wedding includes Akan culture and New-Age twists.

Everything happens for a reason… 

When Alice and Derek first met In 2017, they mutually agreed they were on independent journeys and not ready to date. Growing up only kilometers away from one another, you would think their paths would have crossed again; however, God’s divine timing was ticking. 

It was not until the summer of 2019 that they finally bumped into each other at Derek’s cousin’s house and planned their first date. Soon after, COVID-19 brought the world to a halt. The budding couple found solace in each other’s company and spent more intimate and intentional time together due to the shutdowns.   

Alice shares, “Our love story has been nothing short of complex from the first day we met, but through it all God has been faithful. In the summer of 2022, Derek planned a surprise proposal in Vancouver B.C. with breathtaking views of the Rockies surrounded by our loved ones.”

After happily exclaiming, “Yes!” the couple began planning their wedding.

Working with vendors from around the world, their elegant 2-day Ghanaian Traditional Wedding and Modern White Wedding came to life in Toronto Canada. Bursting with colorful purple details, the couple was very intentional with showcasing their shared Ghanaian culture (with new-age twists!). 

Alice adds, “Our traditional wedding showcased the vibrancy of the Akan culture; family members adorned their bodies with complementing kente outfits, folklore stories told through adowa dancing, the immersive tastes of Ghana through local food and drinks, followed by a presentation and acceptance of the dowry for the bride… Guests left having experienced a traditional wedding with no limits!”

Keep scrolling for more details on their love story.

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• Couple: Derek Arhin + Alice Afram
• Location of Wedding: The Royalton Hospitality Inc. Woodbridge, ON
• Wedding Date: August 4th and 5th 2023
• Photographer: Karimah Gheddai

Day 1: Ghanaian Traditional Wedding

Quick Facts:

• Wedding flowers: I opted for a cascading bouquet of baby pink and white roses, representing my beloved Mother-in-law
• Favorite item on the menu: Our favorite dishes had to be the authentic Ghanaian Jollof that was served at our Traditional wedding. Followed by the ever so famous Ghanaian dessert; bofrot.
• Bridesmaids gifts: Each bridesmaid received a customized box from Sprazzles which included: a custom prayer candle, a Custom hanger, a Wine Tumblr, a personalized robe, a designer bracelet, and a Traditional bridal fan. Each item was hand-picked for the bridal party, representing their unique relationships with me.
• Groomsmen gifts: Each groomsman received a personalized hanger, Whisky canter, Cufflinks, and Authentic Ghanaian leather sandals with inscriptions from Derek.
• The first dance song: Derek and I’s love song has always been “Pretty Wings” by Maxwell. Thus, it was only befitting that we started this new life journey adorned by Maxwell.

Advice from the bride:

Weddings are a lot of work and can be taxing on a couple. Thus, it is imperative that you commit every single decision you make to God for approval and direction, or else you will find yourself lost, confused, and disapproved. Staying organized through spreadsheets will be your saving grace in keeping both yourself and your vendors accountable throughout the process.

And lastly, DO NOT GIVE INTO THE HYPE. Many of us have dreamed of the day that certain fashion designers we have admired from afar would be the ones to bring your vision to life. However, if I have learned anything from this process, it is that the designers we hold in high esteem will not be the ones to bring tears of joy to your eyes. It will be the ones you did not expect. So do your research, look for honest reviews, and trust the underdog. You will be surprised by what they will do for you.

Tell us how you met and all about the proposal. 

Derek and I were first introduced to one another in 2017 by a close friend of mine, who happened to be his maternal cousin. However, we were both on independent journeys and amicably agreed that it was not the right time. Though we grew up just kilometers away from one another, Derek and I never crossed paths once. 

In the summer of 2019, Derek and I bumped into one another at his cousin’s place, where we planned our first date thereafter. COVID-19 plagued the earth shortly after we began dating, which caused us to spend more intimate and intentional time together as everything had shut down. 

Our love story has been nothing short of complex from the first day we met, but through it all God has been faithful. In the summer of 2022, Derek planned a surprise proposal in Vancouver B.C., with breathtaking views of the Rockies surrounded by our loved ones. 

Our forever began long before then and continues to grow each and every day, which we are grateful to the Almighty God for.

How did you know they were “the one”? 

Having weathered unprecedented tragedy during the pandemic together as a unit, we knew that God had handpicked the other to take on this life journey together.

Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding?

Derek and I were very intentional in wanting to showcase our Ghanaian culture but with a new-age twist. We entrusted all local Ghanaian designers with the entire bridal party attire for both the traditional and church wedding.

Our traditional wedding showcased the vibrancy of the Akan culture; family members adorned their bodies with complementing kente outfits, folklore stories told through adowa dancing, the immersive tastes of Ghana through local food and drinks, followed by a presentation and acceptance of the dowry for the bride.

Describe your wedding style: 

My wedding style was without a doubt ‘everything chic’. I wanted it to scream originality in every area. From the high-elaborate floral stage set-up to the dual runners encapsulated by a circular dance floor, to the customized tables, I wanted every guest to be fully immersed in this once-in-a-lifetime union.

Mabel worked with me tirelessly over the 12 months, designing, crafting, and sketching what would become my ‘Wonderland’ in real life.

Day 2: The White Wedding

Describe your wedding dress and your favorite wedding accessory. 

Since I was a little girl, I always envisioned myself in a beautiful ball gown on my wedding day. And as such, that is exactly what Sima Brew and her team brought to life. My wedding dress was everything regal: off-the-shoulder, satin, bright white, and elevated with a beaded bodice accent.

I opted for a multi-faceted look that would be transitional from the ceremony to the reception. Sima created a perfectly fitted mermaid gown that was concealed by a voluminous princess-cut overlay skirt with an extra-long train.

My favorite wedding accessory had to be my cathedral wedding veil which was hand-beaded by the one and only Sima Brew and her team, complementing my princess gown perfectly.

The groom…

Their first look…

Portraits…

The ceremony…

Mr. & Mrs…

Reception details…

The cake…

What is your best memory from your wedding? 

The best memory from our wedding was our first dance as a family; Derek, myself, and our daughter. As a blended family, this moment signified the love and unification of our two families coming together as one.

What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? 

If there is anything you can do to ensure a successful wedding and marriage, is to pray as a couple.

Reflections from the bride: 

As a Type A personality, I knew that the only person I could trust in planning this union was myself. Many thought that I was crazy, but with an inner circle like mine, I knew that if I could make this happen, it would be with my bride tribe behind me. And so the journey began. With the help of my Maid of honor, we journeyed from Toronto, Canada to Accra, Ghana to ensure that every detail was handled with care. Though there were a few disappointments, God was faithful in bringing new talent our way, and thus we journeyed back to Canada with everything in tow. Was it easy? No. But was it worth it? Absolutely!

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‌Vendors:

• Venue: The Royalton Banquet Hall
• Photography: Karimah Gheddai Photography 
• Second Shooter: Shubila K 
• Videography: Infinity Films 
• Decor: Designz by May 
• Hairstylist: Hair by Estylez 
• Bride’s MUA: Avaya Noelle 
• Traditional Kente Dress: House of Oath 
• Wedding Dresses: Sima Brew 
• Groom + Groomsmen Suit: Maison Hardman
• Bridal Robe: Adwobal 
• Traditional Robe: Avant La Robe 
• Bridesmaid Robes: PNJ Events Ghana 
• Thanksgiving Dresses: Mcbel GH
• Tradsmaid Dresses: Mcbel GH 
• Bridesmaid Dresses: Amoasi Official  
• Bridal Fans: Mizafaah Florals and My Trends Ghana  
• Family Hair: Art Hur Hair 
• Bridesmaid MUAs: Ms Philly 21| Class Makeup | Bella B | The Glam Life Co. | Tracy K 
• Grooms Traditional Slippers: JJ Professional Shoes 
• M.C’s: Mr. King 1 and Fortune Ibare Jones 
• DJ: DJ Fiiasco  
• CAKE: Mecairo’s Cake Co. 
• Photobooth Ineffable Views 
• 360 BOOTH: 6ix Photobooths