Happy Friday!
We’ve got a treat for you today. If you’ve been following along on the blog and our social media feeds, you’ll know that we absolutely LOVE showcasing the amazing videographers in our wedding collective, The Coterie. Today, Thomas Vision Films has a heartfelt wedding video to share. The couple, Okechi and Chike celebrated their wedding this past June in Atlanta with an outstanding team of vendors led by Robyne of Carrie Belle Events. Okechi met Chike back in 2009 at a church. Yes, a church! And where did Chike propose? A church. So get your Sunday’s best ready for this Sunday’s church service cause you never know! jk
Scroll below to read more details about this Nigerian power couple, and make sure to show some love by sharing this video or leaving a lovely note for the newlyweds in the comments below.
Thanks Okechi and Chike. Wishing you the best of marriage!
Bride: Okechie Ogbuokiri
Groom: Chike Ibeabuchi
Occupations: Attorneys
Wedding date: 6/18/16
Wedding location: Atlanta, GA
Okechi + Chike #CHEEKSGREATESTKECH from ThomasVisionFilms on Vimeo.
Quick Facts:
Bridesmaids/Groomsmen gifts: Bridesmaids: Jewelry // Groomsmen: portable chargers
Favorite item on the menu: Shrimp and Grits, Stuffed Chicken
First dance song: All of Me by John Legend, At Last my Etta James (sung by my sister Amarachi Ogbuokiri), My Woman (played on the saxophone by Mike Jones)
The proposal:
“I had no idea that Chike was going to propose…well…I knew it would be in 2015, but I thought the ring would be my Christmas present. He totally took me by surprise. I actually wanted to spend the July 4th weekend in Philly, but Chike insisted that we go to Boston because Philly is “so boring.” Truth be told, Chike had been wanting to spend a weekend in Philly, but now all of a sudden, it’s a boring city — that should have tipped me off.
So off we go to Boston for the weekend, and I told Chike I wanted to go site seeing and do something different in Boston than just visiting with family. Chike planned the whole weekend, again, I should have been tipped off because Chike is not a planner, but he had activities planned for each day. We spent time with family on Thursday and Friday. On Saturday, we did every touristy thing the city has to offer…duck tour, the Paul Revere tour, a civil war trial reenactment. Later we checked into a hotel and watched the fireworks from our balcony in the hotel room — it was an awesome night!!!!
Then the big day — Sunday, July 5. We went to church as usual, and the church where Chike and I met was under construction, so we went to the alternative location. However, after service, Reverand Streit told us he wanted us to sign the ground where we usually sit in the church. Little did I know Chike was going to take a knee and pledge his love to me in front of all my family and friends.
As I kneeled to write “ChiKechi” on the ground, I heard “All of Me” by John Legend being played by an alto saxophone (fyi: little known fact…I played the sax…band geeks unite). I immediately started thinking “why is there music playing?” I stood up and saw all of my family and closest friends behind me. I guess the music drowned out their footsteps because I did not hear a thing. As soon as I saw my big sis, Ozy, I knew Chike was about to propose. Ozy does not fly out for small shindigs. Before I knew it, Chike was on one knee asking me to be his wife! Till this day, I cannot remember exactly what Chike said to me before he proposed…lol! Even despite watching the video of the proposal several times. Every time I watch it, I smile from ear to ear to the point that I think it shuts down my ears…lol…I really can’t tell you what he said! All I know is that I said “Oh my God….yes!”
It was amazing to share that moment with so many people who I love. I thought I wanted to have a more private proposal where the man would sing Liberian Girl by Michael Jackson, but change it to “Nigerian Girl,” but I could not imagine a better way for the proposal to have gone. Chike was so attentive to detail and made every moment count. He showed everyone just how much he loves me and I could not have been happier.”
Wedding Style: Describe your wedding dress. What was wedding shopping like for you?
“Sexy Chic sums up Toni, my wedding dress. Yes, I named her. I went to two bridal shops and thought I found a suitable dress, but when I got to Pronovias and tried on the second dress, everyone who came with me said “this is the one.” When the bridal attendant put the veil on my head, I literally started crying because I knew this was the perfect dress to wear to meet Chike at the end of the aisle. “
Culture: Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding? If yes, tell us more.
“Yes, we are both Nigerian, so we had two wedding – a cultural celebration on March 19, 2016 and the church wedding on June 16. At the formal church wedding we did incorporate our culture and change into traditional Nigerian garb.”
Memories: What is your best memory from your wedding?
“Our intro into the reception – hands down. It was how we set off the night full of dancing, libations, fellowship and fun.”
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples?
“Learn to compromise with your partner early in the process, it will save you from an argument, and remember this is a day to celebrate love, so have fun doing it.”
Vendors
- Wedding/Event Planner: Carrie Belle Events
- Cinematographer: ThomasVisionFilms
- Photographer: Joseph Stevens Photography
- Make Up: Makeupbyjaytee
- Hair By: Serenity Style Suite
- Wedding Stylist: The Wedding Stylist
- Catering by Catering By RJ
- Dance Floor + Bar(s): Peachtree Tents & Events
- Ceremony Musicians: Groove Centric
- Chivari Chairs: Sweet Seats – Chiavari Chairs, Wedding Ceremony Chairs & Ghost Chairs
- Draping + Lighting: The Smart DJ
- Onsite Child Care: Kiddie Keepers 4 Events
- Bar Set-Up: Raising The Bar – Atlanta’s Premier Mobile Bar Service
- Invitations + Stationery: Invytations
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