Featured in Munaluchi Bride Magazine, Issue 32, Jodi and Obi tied the knot in a romantic ballroom wedding in Atlanta, Georgia, with lush florals and traditions honoring their Nigerian culture.
Obi first laid eyes on the beautiful Jodi Riley in her gym, BBL Fitness. At the time, Obi was an “economically challenged” medical student in the middle of his journey to become a doctor. Jodi was running her gym and competing semi-pro in the bikini bodybuilding amateur division.
Over time, BBL Fitness became Obi’s favorite place… and Jodi was a major reason. Compelled to walk up to her one day, Obi said, “I love what you do for people. You really change lives. It is so much more than just the aesthetic appearance. It’s the health benefits, both physical and mental, as well as the confidence you instill in people. I would not have a job if people listened to you.”
Jodi smiled, shouted a few more exercises to her group, and added his number to her phone. She invited him to her upcoming bikini bodybuilding competition, which she won, and Obi took her out to dinner afterward to celebrate. They haven’t looked back since!
Fast forward to May 2nd, 2022, on the eve of Jodi’s birthday, Obi surprised her with her dream proposal.
After brunch at Little Hen in Miami and a “Happy Birthday” serenade by a violinist, they drove back to Jodi’s house. Opening the door to her home, Jodi froze in shock: “My heart was racing… The lights were dim, rose petals everywhere, photos of Obi and I hanging from balloons, and soft music playing. As I looked out into the foyer hall, there stood my now fiancé, holding our daughter with a sign that said, ‘Will you marry daddy’.” Through happy tears, Jodi thanked God for all his blessings, and said yes!
The couple celebrated their love in a beautiful wedding at the Southern Exchange Ballroom in Atlanta, Georgia. They honored their Igbo Nigerian culture by incorporating a breaking of the kola nut ceremony, changing into their Nigerian traditional attire for their reception, and money spraying throughout the night as blessings.
Keep reading below for more on their love story and wedding photos captured by Muna Coterie Member REEM Photography.
*Purchase a copy of Issue 32 online at our Muna Shop.
- Couple: Dr. Obinna Ejimonyeugwo and Mrs. Jodi-Ann Ejimonyeugwo
- Occupations: Physician and Gym Owner/IFBB Pro Athlete
- Wedding date: April 20, 2024
- Wedding location: Southern Exchange Ballroom (Atlanta, GA)
Quick Facts:
- Gifts for one another: we shower each other with gifts constantly so we decided to gift the most important people in our lives, our mothers. They each got a beautiful diamond ring.
- Ceremony entrance song: Parents- “From This Moment” by Shania Twain | Groom – “I Do” by Rotimi | Bride – “Here and Now” by Luther Vandross
- First dance song: “Endless Love” by Luther Vandross
How did you meet?
From the Groom: I first met the beautiful Jodi Riley, in her gym, BBL Fitness. At the time, she was training other female athletes and managing the gym. If you haven’t been to BBL Fitness, the energy there is amazing and one of the main reasons for that is the jovial and cheerful spirit of the owners.
At that point, I was an “economically challenged” medical student in the middle of my quest to become a medical doctor. Jodi was not quite yet a professional athlete but was killing the bikini amateur division.
I happened to be in Florida fulfilling my clinical rotation requirements, studying for my boards, and praying I get into residency. With all of that on my plate, a partner was the last thing on my mind. BBL was my home gym at the time and my only stress relief.
Every time I saw Jodi, I felt her happy spirit which was contagious. It was refreshing and euphoric. She lit up the entire room with her smile alone. I was instantly drawn to her and the way she empowered people to be the best versions of themselves.
– Obi (The Groom)
I was drawn to her because not only did she tap into my medical and athletic background, but I also became a pure fan of what she did for others. I was compelled to walk up to her and say, “I love what you do for people. You really change lives. It is so much more than just the aesthetic appearance. It’s the health benefits, both physical and mental, as well as the confidence you instill in people. I would not have a job if people listened to you.”
She smiled, shouted out a few more exercises to her group, put my number in her phone, and invited me to her upcoming bikini bodybuilding show. I attended the competition and was thrilled to see her win. I asked if I could take her out to celebrate her achievement, and she said yes. The rest was history… we never looked back.
Their first look…
Tell us about the proposal
From the bride: May 2nd, 2022, was one of the best days of my life. The man I knew I wanted to marry, turned my dream into a reality and proposed. It was the eve of my birthday and I was completely blindsided. We had already planned an eventful weekend, my birthday dinner, and a helicopter ride. I had no further expectations.
Obi had one of my best friends take me to brunch while the others were setting up at my house. We went to a beautiful spot in Miami called Little Hen. The ambiance was everything. Pink roses showered the room, a violinist played Happy Birthday for me and I immediately became emotional. While waiting for our food, I began to cry. My friend asked me what was wrong and my response was, “I’m just happy.”
In the moment, an overwhelming feeling of happiness and contentment of where I was in life, filled my heart. It’s funny because the entire week, I felt like something big was about to happen. I told Obi a few times that God was working on something in our lives. The year 2022 was filled with many blessings and as I sat at the table and reflected, I knew there was more to come. Still, a proposal was not on my mind.
Fast forward, we left brunch to head back to my house.
I opened the door and BOOM! My entire body froze. My heart was racing at 1000 mph. I eventually gathered myself, walked in, and dropped my purse. The lights were dim, rose petals everywhere, photos of Obi and I hanging from balloons, and soft music playing.
As I looked out into the foyer hall, there stood my now fiancé, holding our daughter with a sign that said, ‘Will you marry daddy’. I broke down. As badly as I wanted to run into his arms, my legs would not stop shaking. What felt like a 10-minute walk, was simply me looking Obi in his eyes and thanking God.
Describe your wedding style and attire. What was the wedding shopping experience like for you?
My wedding dress was a custom piece from Albina Dyla. It was everything I envisioned. From the moment we decided on a wedding date, I contacted them. I already knew exactly what I wanted and they brought it to life. The young lady who helped me was named Elsa and she ensured it was a smooth experience for me. We did video calls throughout the process and overall I was satisfied with the outcome.
What is your best memory from your wedding?
The best memory for me would have to be our vows. They say you should have your vows written weeks out of your wedding day and that you practice, etc. I wrote my vows as I walked into the ceremony. I wanted to say exactly what my heart felt that day. The message God gave me to deliver to my husband as we united, was exactly what was said. Another one I must add is the LOUD gasp from the audience when the curtains opened for my entrance.
Bridal party…
The reception…
Flowers galore…
First dance…
Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding?
We incorporated Nigerian culture. The Igbo tribe believes the kola nut symbolizes life, peace, love, and unity. Therefore, breaking it apart and sharing it amongst special guests is an integral part of every Igbo event.
For the mother-son dance, of course, the song choice was “Sweet Mother”. This is the unofficial mother-and-son song in every Igbo household. It was a very special moment.
We also changed into our Nigerian traditional wear. The bridal party as well. Me and my bridesmaids came out in a dance train and the guys brought the energy!
We were showered with one-dollar bills throughout the night as blessings.
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples?
- Ladies, Please get adequate rest the night before. It’s a long day and if you are tired, it will show on your face and definitely in your photos.
- Live in the moment and enjoy your husband. The guests are there for you guys, not vice versa. You shouldn’t worry about what’s going on with anyone or anything else. Tell your planner not to come to you with any issues or hiccups.
- Work the room TOGETHER and make sure to say hi to all your guests. You don’t know what they went through to make it to your wedding so try to acknowledge everyone whenever there’s free time.
Looking for more Nigerian weddings?
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Vendors:
- Wedding planning and design: Tica Rose Events
- Photographer: REEM Photography
- Cinematography: Bricks Group Media Films
- Floral Designer: Akeem Clayton
- Rentals: L.P.R. Design Group
- Flooring/Branding: Wrap City Vinyl
- Cake: Chef Kristal Bryant of K&J’s Elegant Pastries
- Musician: Aijee Evans
- Glam Team: B For Beaute. Co. & GLAM by Maame
- Custom Robes: VTABi
- Bridesmaid dresses: Rashawn Rose
- Groom’s attire: Eaden Myles
- Bride’s Dress: Aibina Dyla
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