Ghanaian Wedding in Massachussetts with Kente Theme: Claudette + Jerry

If you are a lover of culture like we are, then you will absolutely adore this Ghanaian wedding!  For starters, all guests were instructed to wear only Kente cloth.  For Claudette, “The union of our marriage is very sacred to us and we wanted to highlight the Kente cloths as part of our culture and a symbolism for the occasion.”  Kente cloth was present throughout the entire wedding, from the place card table, to the ring bearer and even the groom incorporated elements of Kente into his attire.  As you scroll through the images and read the love story as featured in the current FW2014 issue on newsstands, you’ll feel like you were right there with them.  Kudos to Petronella Photography for the amazing photos.

Bride:  Claudette Bannermann – Social Worker
Groom:  Jerry Amaoko – Occupational Therapist
Wedding date: July 12, 2014
Wedding location: Rohoboth, MA

Quick Facts

1st Dance Song  – “All of me” by John Legend
Wedding Cake Flavors  – Strawberry filling with whipped cream
Bridesmaids / Groomsmen’s Gifts – Bridesmaid’s gifts is a personalized mirror, my favorite chapstick Eos, all inside a makeup bag / Groomsmen’s gift is a personalized scarf made in Ghana, Jerry’s favorite accessory – a colorful pair of socks, and a personalized flask.
Favorite Item on Wedding Menu – Salmon with rice & black beans with fried sweet plantains and string beans

Story by Angela Conner

Sometimes we resent families members inquiring about our love life, but when it comes to setting you up with the right mate, you may discover that family knows best.  Claudette’s aunt was looking out for her niece when she gave Claudette’s number to her co-worker Jerry.  Claudette had no idea that Jerry was going to call her, but after a long conservation on the phone, it was clear that they were going to at least be good friends.

Their relationship evolved into much more. On the morning of Dec 22nd while relaxing in her pajamas, Claudette noticed her family was acting funny. She thought it just might be the anticipation of Christmas that had everyone so giddy, but moments later her nieces and nephews came downstairs holding signs that read, “Will You Marry…” and then Jerry appeared holding the last sign that read, “Me.”  It was a special moment that the whole family was able to celebrate.

Claudette and Jerry knew they wanted a modern wedding with a family centered cultural flair. They decided to incorporate a bright and modern yellow and blue color scheme into all of their décor, which beautifully complemented their picturesque outdoor venue at the Five Bridge Inn.  The fashionable couple also put a modern twist on their wedding attire! Claudette wore a stunning ombré petal gown by Theia, and Jerry donned a grey tuxedo complemented by an eye-catching green and yellow bowtie.
Yellow roses and crisp white linens greeted guests as they ventured into the couple’s breathtaking tented reception space.  Honoring their family and culture was also a priority during their reception. Claudette shares, “we incorporated our Ghanaian culture into our wedding. We suggested that our guest all wear the Ghanaian traditional Kente cloth. Jerry and I, as well as our families all changed into our Kente cloth as well. Kente is a traditional Ghanaian cloth which is limited to royalty or sacred functions.”  From how they met, to their proposal, to their wedding, the development of Claudette and Jerry’s love has truly been a family affair!

Vendors

Photography: Petronella Photography
Second Photographer: Shawon Davis Photography
Videography: Mae B. Films
Event Planning: Abenafit Weddings & Events
Wedding Dress: Lovely Bride
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: RK Bridal
Groom’s Tuxedo and Bow Ties: Copa Menswear
Make-up: Joyce Jacobs Beauty
Bride’s Shoes: Christian Louboutin
Photobooth: Viral Booth
Cake: Wright’s Dairy & Bakery
Floral: Blooming Blossoms
DJ: DJ Prince Paul,
Ceremony/Reception Tent: Five Bridge Inn,
Catering: Pranzi Catering
Ceiling and Wall Drapes: Exquisite Designs & Decor
Rings: Baxter’s Fine Jewelry
Hair: Janira Santos from Indyah Hair Graphics,
Stationery and Invitations: Abenafit Weddings & Events
Venue: Five Bridge Inn

View more from this wedding in the gallery.