Featured in MunaLuchi Bridal Magazine, Issue No. 27, this couple’s journey down the aisle went from love at first swipe to a romantic Nigerian wedding at The Village Club in Sands Point, Long Island, New York.
Amy and Samuel were introduced to each other virtually when they both swiped right on the online dating app Tinder; however, neither of them messaged one another. Fate would have it that three weeks later Amy caught sight of Samuel at a party. She walked up to him and asked if he was the guy who did not talk to her on the dating app. Samuel stated, “I was stumped until she pulled out her phone and showed me that we matched.” One can say that their love story almost began as “love at first swipe”.
Fast forward to six years of dating, Amy and Samuel would turn into a lasting couple. Although they traveled and explored the world together, including vacations to Colombia, California, Paris, London, and Amsterdam, there was still no proposal. When they went to Maryland for his Aunt Stella’s birthday, Amy thought again this would be the weekend that he would get down on one knee, yet nothing. They say extraordinary things come to those who wait. On March 8, 2020, Samuel proposed to Amy on her 30th birthday. It was the best birthday wish to come true!
A tale of two ceremonies…
This beautiful couple joined together as husband and wife in two ceremonies over the course of a weekend. To pay tribute to their shared Nigerian Heritage, their first ceremony was a traditional Nigerian wedding honoring their families. This celebration had everything from palm wine, to a blessing from the bride’s parents, to guests clothed in colorful and vibrant traditional Nigerian attire, and to a Nigerian MC to ensure the reception was filled with all Nigerian traditions. They even had the most entertaining stilt walkers and robots.
The second ceremony was a traditional American-style legal wedding where Amy walked down the aisle to meet her husband in a stunning and elegant sweetheart neckline gown. Standing at the altar, surrounded by exquisite floral arrangements, Samuel awaited his bride in a tuxedo he designed with Synady of Laurent and Co. Both events were held at the Village Club of Sands Point on Long Island, New York. While the proposal was a long time coming, Amy gleamed, “The proposal, wedding, and marriage were worth the wait. It was a win.”
More sweet details from their romantic Nigerian wedding below!
- Couple: Amy Ogbonna & Samuel Oiwoh
- Occupations: Amy is an Industry Account Manager for Microsoft Advertising and Samuel is a Freelance User Experience Designer and Researcher
Quick Facts:
- Wedding date: September 11th, 2021
- Wedding location: Village Club of Sands Point
- Gifts for one another: Jewelry and Cologne
- Ceremony entrance song: “How Long Will I Love You” by Ellie Golding
- Ceremony entrance song (Bride): “Like Real People Do” by Hozier
How they met…
Amy Ogbonna and Samuel Oiwoh both swiped right on the dating app Tinder in December 2014, but neither of them messaged the other. Three weeks later, Ms. Ogbonna spotted Mr. Oiwoh at a party. She walked up to him and asked if he was the guy who didn’t talk to her on the app. “I was stumped until she pulled out her phone and showed me that we matched,” said Mr. Oiwoh.
The proposal…
In the summer of 2016, Ms. Ogbonna moved in with Mr. Oiwoh and two of his roommates. Two years later they got their own place in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. “After moving in together, a proposal was on my mind,” Ms. Ogbonna said. “We were very integrated into each other’s families by that point and it seemed like the right time.”
Although they had great adventures traveling together — to Colombia, and California — there was no proposal. They vacationed in Paris, London, and Amsterdam over the 2019 winter holidays. “I was positive we were getting engaged on that trip,” Ms. Ogbonna said. “I was wrong.” They went to Maryland for his Aunt Stella’s birthday. “I figured he’d do it that weekend,” she said. “Nothing.”
“I knew I was going to marry her eventually,” Mr. Oiwoh said. “I just wasn’t in a rush.” On March 8, 2020, he finally proposed on Ms. Ogbonna’s 30th birthday.
Wedding Style
Classic and Comfortable for the Bride and White Tie Elegance for the Groom.
Favorite wedding day memory…
The Ceremony – our vows!
Culture…
The Bride and Groom are of Nigerian Heritage and incorporated their cultures throughout the entire affair. It was imperative for them to celebrate this moment in true tradition. So they encouraged guests to wear traditional Nigerian attire, had a Nigerian Catholic Deacon officiate their ceremony, which included their Grandmothers. They also had a Nigerian MC to ensure the reception was filled with Nigerian traditions. They entered their reception with their entire families.
Reception…
Advice for other engaged couples…
Hire a wedding planner and trust them!
Looking for more romantic Nigerian wedding inspiration?
Click here.
Vendors
- Planner and Designer: A. Merisier Events
- Bride: Amy Ogbonna
- Film: Fiore Films
- Photo: Chellise Michael Photography
- Bride Makeup Artist: Brides By Melanie B
- Bride Hairstylist: Hair by Sadiku
- Bridal Party Makeup Artist: Anjeh Beauty
- Brides Gown: Enzoani
- Bridal Salon: Seng Couture
- Bridesmaids Dresses: Revelry in color Terra Cotta Rust; Maid of Honor in Desert Rose
- Veil, earrings, and hair pieces: Brides & Hairpins
- Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo
- Grooms Tuxedo: Laurent & Co (Ceremony) & Custom Made by Oba Couture (Reception)
- Groomsmen Attire: The Black Tux
- Entertainment: Finer Touch, Crespita Entertainment, & Ceremony Harpist Brandee Younger
- Lighting: Finer Touch
- MC: Namo Worldwide
- Florals: WMF Floral & Design
- Rentals: Early Bird Vintage
- Cake: Sydney’s Sweets
- Stationery: A&P Designs
- Catering: The Village Club of Sands Point
- Ceremony & Reception Venue: The Village Club of Sands Point
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