Every element of Nia and Buki Adeniji’s wedding was the personification of elegance and luxury. Their breathtaking venue, full of lush vegetation and classic architecture, set a romantic mood for their outdoor wedding. The bride looked like an old Hollywood siren in her form fitting Pnina Tornai gown, which featured a crystal-embellished sweetheart neckline. Since Nia is both Nigerian and African-American and Buki is Nigerian, their wedding was a marvelous fusion of cultures, mixing African-American traditions such as jumping the broom, with Nigerian dress, food and music. Their celebration of family and culture continued into their reception, which was a non-stop party that included a dance off between the groomsmen and the bridesmaids. Guests enjoyed taking silly pictures in their photo-booth and were wowed by the reception floral arrangements, which were designed and arranged by Nia and her bridesmaid two days before their wedding! Ike and Tash Photography and Motion beautifully photographed all of the spectacular details of this gorgeous wedding.
Quick Facts
- Wedding Date: 07/20/2013
- Wedding Location: Villa Montalvo, Saratoga, Ca
- Wedding Theme: Vintage Elegance
- Color Scheme: Purple, Cream, Grey
- Wedding Flowers: Ceremony and bridal party florals were a combination of eggplant, raisin, and plum orchids, dahlias, roses, and peonies. The bridesmaids bouquets were made of an equally beautiful arrangement (sweet peas, cala lilies, dahlias, etc). The reception florals contained a mixture of Purlple Misty, Lilies, Sweet Peas, and Dahlias.
- First Dance Song: “At Last” by Etta James
- Wedding Cake Flavors: We had three cakes! Wedding Cake- Red Velvet, Groom’s Cake-Carrot Cake, “Bride’s” Cake (admittedly my invention!)- Buttermilk Cake with Pastry Cream Filling and Fresh Berries.
- Wedding Menu Favorite: The egusi was amazing, but I can’t leave out my love of our mini-dessert bar, which included apple-pie pops, tiramisu shots, and coconut macaroons!
- Bridesmaids Gifts: The bridesmaids were gifted with the dresses that they wore for our engagement, which were made in Nigeria, and all of the accessories (earrings, sashes, etc) that they wore for the wedding.
- Groomsmen Gifts: The groomsmen were gifted with all of the accessories that they wore for the wedding.
Wedding Style
My wedding dress was a Pnina Tornai mermaid style dress (from Klenfeld’s!) that complimented my curvy figure. The dress was beautifully stitched and draped, with its crystal-embellished sweetheart neckline and slightly asymmetric side-swooping train that culminated in the back with a large bow. I am the type of girl that loves every kind of wedding dress, and I even had a bit of dress regret after purchasing the dress (and wearing it only once) because I thought that the dress was too simple. However, upon trying it on again over 6 months later, I fell in love with its simple elegance all over again, and admit that it was THE dress for my special day! My favorite wedding dress accessory was definitely my veil, which was an ivory cathedral length veil with lace embellishments on the back end, and a blusher at the front end (which was great to wear after the ceremony and throughout the reception). It was the perfect combination of drama and simplicity.
Incorporation of Culture
It was really important that we incorporate both Nigerian and African-American cultural components into our wedding, since I am a mixture of both, and my husband is Nigerian. We held a traditional Nigerian engagement ceremony the day before our wedding, and on that day both families came with their own (coordinated!) Nigerian attire. On our wedding day, however, we asked that both families wear purple and cream, to symbolize our joining together as one family. During the wedding ceremony, we also celebrated the African-American tradition of jumping the broom, and my mother made the broom we used to symbolize the beginning of a tradition in our family. Overall, the day was a marvelous fusion of cultures; the mixture of American and Nigerian food gave our multi-cultural guests a taste of both cultures, and our DJ was able to effectively set the dance floor on fire with a fusion of salsa, pop, r&b, hip hop, and Nigerian (new and old school) music. Our guests also took pieces of our wedding with them, as both of our families brought a variety of “Nia and Buki” themed party favors and gifts. Overall, the experience was magical and love-filled, and we are extremely grateful that we could share this day with our family and friends!
Most Memorable Moment
My best wedding-day memory would have to be the dance-off that occurred between the bride’s and groom’s parties. Prior to our wedding day, my husband kept claiming that he was going to “out-dance” me and all of my bridesmaids. Ultimately, we proved him wrong in a heated dance battle in which myself and my bridesmaids were claimed the victors!
Wedding Advice
The day disappears so quickly! It’s really important not to stress out about the details and just enjoy the day (and all the work that you put into it!) because it will never happen again! On my wedding day, a certain peace came over my husband and I that allowed us to really enjoy every moment of day, so much so that we were really able to get lost in the emotions of the day. All of this means that is crucial to choose your photographers wisely and not skimp on the photography budget! Because the day is such a whirl, your photos (and video) will provide priceless images of your wedding day that you will likely not remember on your own. You and others may not remember those party favors that you carved out an extra $300 for, but you, and everyone you show your photos to, will definitely cherish the sentimental photographic and videographic images captured on that day!
Vendors
- Wedding Dress Designer: Pnina Tornai Wedding dress Salon: Kleinfeld Bridal
- Bridesmaids Dresses: Lela Rose in Crinkle Chiffon, Persian Plum, ordered via DoriAnne Veils Bridal Shop in Castro Valley
- Veil and Accessories: DoriAnne Veils Bridal Shop in Castro Valley
- Hair/Makeup: Ranti Akande
- Shoes: Glint “Daryn” Sandal from Nordstrom (Ivory)
- Ceremony and Reception location: Villa Montalvo, Saratoga, CA
- Photography: Ike and Tash Photography and Motion
- Videography: VideoLife Production
- Day of Coordinators: Jahoui Events
- Photobooth: Archival Photo Booth
- Caterer(s): Catered Too! (American Food), Miliki (Nigerian Food)
- Florist: Randy Pinto of Fremont Flowers (ceremony and bridal party florals)
- Cake: Sweet Tooth Confections
- Stationery: George Beckley and Associates (Invitation Design), Precision Graphics
- DJ: DJ Slim
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