Elizabeth and Emmanuel’s 2-day Nigerian wedding weekend experience for over 200 attendees culminated in a modern gold and white wedding in Livingston, New Jersey.
Their vision was a modern, fashion-forward event with 3 wedding day looks for the bride (6 total between 2 days!) and 2 looks for the groom.
Elizabeth and Emmanuel’s traditional Yoruba wedding boasted colorful orange decor mixed with tropical details and striking silver attire for the bride and groom. The bridesmaids dressed in sparkling orange gowns and the groomsmen sported sleek brown earth-tone suits.
Working with designer and wedding planner Feyisola Ogunfemi of Statuesque Events and florist M Sarah Designs, they incorporated lots of baby breath into their white wedding design for a classic and unique style.
Emmanuel wore a custom suit made straight from Nigeria and Elizabeth’s timeless wedding gown was designed by Pantora Bridal. At the reception, they hit the dance floor for their first dance and traditional money spraying and dined on Nigerian food.
Alakija Studios captured all of their special moments. Keep scrolling for more on Elizabeth and Emmanuel’s love story and photos from their Nigerian wedding weekend and gold and white wedding in New Jersey.
- Couple: Emmanuel Oyelami & Elizabeth Odunaiya
- Occupations: Marriage and Family Therapist, and photographer specializing in portraits (Groom); Clinical Research Coordinator and birth doula (Bride).
- Wedding date: May 6-7, 2023
- Wedding location: Livingston, NJ
Day #1: Nigerian Traditional Wedding
Quick Facts:
- What gifts did y0u give to your bridesmaids and groomsmen: Perfume, scented candles, earrings, robes, slippers, personalized flute cups (bridesmaids); Personalized Flasks, personalized travel bags, personalized cufflinks (groomsmen)
- Gifts for one another: Self-portrait of Groom with his late father; Purse, perfume and cash
- Ceremony entrance song: “See What the Lord Has Done” by Nathaniel Bassey
- First dance song: “First Time” by TEEKS
How did you meet?
The very first time we met was in Queens, New York, in 2013. Neither of us was looking for anything serious. I remember Emmanuel being such a gentleman but honestly, I wasn’t interested in talking to anyone, even if it was casual. Earlier that year, I had lost my mother and went through a tough breakup, so being in a relationship was the last thing on my mind. I felt that I could not find anyone who would be able to handle the journey of grief that I was on and still love me.
But when he asked for my number, there was something that wouldn’t let me turn him down. He called that same evening to tell me that he made it home and we stayed on the phone for hours. The rest was history and we’ve been madly in love ever since!
Neither of us can believe how much time has already passed and that we get to do life together for the rest of our lives. It’s true when they say “You just know” when you’ve met your lifetime partner. Those who really know us individually and as a unit can see that God has been the foundation of our love, we are forever grateful.
Tell us about the proposal:
It was a few days before I (the bride) was traveling to Aruba to celebrate my birthday. My then-boyfriend said he was taking me to my favorite restaurant to celebrate as an early birthday gift. Once we finished our meals and drinks, he said that he had hired a photographer to take birthday photos of me.
He found the perfect moment to sneak behind me and get on one knee and the photographer prompted me to turn around to see him! It was amazing. We went back into the restaurant and were greeted with dessert to celebrate. We made our way home and once I opened the front door, there was a room filled with our close friends and family showing us love. It was the perfect way to announce our private engagement.
Brides entrance…
Day #2: White Wedding
Describe your wedding attire and wedding shopping experience.
As the bride, my top priority was having timeless looks. I didn’t want a style that I would look at 10 or 15 years later and regret it because it was just a popular choice at the time. Ultimately, I wanted simple but elegant looks that flaunted my curves but were still modest. I had the best vendors for my wedding dress and all of my other looks, they took the time to match my style and offer creative ideas as well.
My husband really did not want a “Western” suit for the wedding. He wanted something that would be unique to his style and personality, which is upscale and put together but not flashy. He found a vendor in Nigeria who understood exactly what he wanted and executed everything perfectly in a very short timeframe.
Their first look…
What is your best memory from your wedding?
The exchange of our vows!
The reception…
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples?
Everyone tends to stress about the day of the wedding, but a lot of things won’t matter after it happens. Prioritize what’s most important to you and take the time to enjoy it! You won’t regret making the best decisions you can based on your own wants and not what everyone else is saying you should do.
Looking for more Nigerian traditional wedding inspiration?
Click here. For more gold and white wedding inspiration, click here.
Vendors:
- Wedding Planning & Design: Statuesque Events
- Photography: Alakija Studios
- Venue: Crystal Plaza
- Florals: M Sarah Designs
- Wedding Dress: Pantora Bridal
- Bridesmaid Dresses: Pantora Bridal
- Makeup: Beauty by Bless
- Hair: Akosuwa Serwaa
- Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Be You Luxury Fashion Brand
- Videography: HAK Weddings
- Rentals: Prestige Luxury Rentals
- Officiant: Christ Apostolic Church
- Cake: Palermo Bakery
- Catering: Bola’s Kitchen
- MC: MC Lolahstic
- DJ: DJ Solo
- Hotel: Hilton Short Hills
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