Fabulous Nigerian Wedding in Virginia

Ogochukwu (Ogo) and Chukwuemeka (Emeka) perfectly intertwined modern day décor with vintage European elements to create their dream “Modern Victorian” wedding. It was truly a lavish affair with an intercontinental guest list that included over 600 people. Bride Ogo shares, “I have always admired European style weddings so we really desired that elegance. Even though we were expecting 660 guests we still wanted our reception to feel intimate and classy, like each table was having a private dinner.”

To achieve this ambiance vintage elements, such as lace and pearls were paired with crystal candelabra centerpieces, lush floral arrangements in shades of blue, pink, red and ivory, and romantic purple uplighting. Guests were in awe of the couple’s elaborate sky blue Victorian Wedding cake, which featured an intricate candy brooch surrounded by exquisite pearl, flower, lace, and gold detailing. Ogo brought a touch of the modern to the affair in her stunning strapless, fit and flare gown that was adorned with Swarovski crystals.

In celebration of their Nigerian roots, Ogo and Emeka later changed into traditional Igbo attire and partied the night away. Ogo shares, “We were ‘sprayed’ with money at the reception of our wedding. In Nigerian culture, Sprayed means money is being thrown at the couple as they are dancing and celebrating. It represents guests supporting the couple in their journey as husband and wife.” These special moments with their guests were the most memorable for Ogo and Emeka who were overjoyed that family and friends came from around the world to celebrate their inspiring blending of culture and traditional romance with new age love. This beautiful wedding, photographed by Keith Cephus, is also featured in our Spring/Summer issue which is on newsstands now.

Wedding Date: 08/31/2013
Wedding Location: Norfolk, Virginia
Wedding Flowers: Centerpieces- Blush & hot pink roses, blush pink lilies, hot pink alstroemeria, blue/green/purple hydrangea, blue delphinium accents
First Dance: “Oyi” by Flavour Nabaniya
Wedding Cake Flavors~ Strawberry, Almond Cake, Red Velvet Cake and French Vanilla Cake
Wedding Menu Favorite~ Jollof rice with moi-moi and plantain
Bridesmaids Gifts: Jewelry, bath and body works gift set, wedding hair and make-up

Wedding Style

Our wedding day style was filled with glamour, elegance, and of course our “modern victorian ” theme. “Modern Victorian” to us meant mixing European elements with modern day elements. The concept includes lace, pearls, diamonds, horse and carriage, etc.

After two unsuccessful gown shopping outings, I got a bit worried that I may never find “the one.” It helped to have tried on a few dresses so I already knew what I liked and what I didn’t like; what looked good on me and what didn’t look good on me. Then I saw it! I knew I found my perfect wedding gown literally when I saw it…online. It was a strapless, fit and flare Allure Couture gown and not only was the dress BEAUTIFUL, it represented EVERYTHING I wanted my wedding to be! The entire gown had detailed embroidery and was adorned with Swarovski crystals. As soon as I saw it, I looked up vendors that carried it and found only one in my area. Katherine’s Bridal in Arlington, Virginia. I went that very day and tried it on; as soon as I put it on, I knew it was “the one.”

The best advice I can offer brides-to-be would be to stay true to yourself and always have a back-up plan. Keep it simple as in pick the best dress that looks spectacular on you based on style and design. You want to make sure you are wearing your dress and your dress isn’t wearing you. If you have no idea where to start, go out with a few women you trust and try some dresses on to get an idea of what looks good on you and what fabrics you like. Once you have your dress, let that inspire your wedding’s theme and concept. Plan B, if you are having difficulty finding a dress due to the infinite options, let your concept or theme narrow down your options to make it easier to find a dress.

Most Memorable Moment

In all honesty, I had so many memorable moments of our wedding day. Besides saying “I do” to the man of my dreams, we both agree that the most memorable part of our wedding day was probably our horse and carriage ride through the city from the church to our reception. We just completed our nuptials and it was wonderful for Emeka and I to enjoy some alone time together and bond again as we geared up for the reception. We also received lots of horn honking and congratulations from passersby as we regally waved!! It was pretty awesome!

Love Words…

From the Groom… “What Emeka loves the most about me besides my smile is my caring nature. He loves that I always make sure he is taken care of.”

From the Bride…”What I love the most about Emeka is that he makes me feel protected, he still always reaches for my hand (if we’re not already holding hands) before we cross any streets.”