Chryston and Dauda first met by chance at a local event in their hometown of Tampa, Florida, where a natural magnetism continued locking their eyes from across the space.
Knowing he had to learn more about her, Dauda made his move while their paths crossed while exiting the event where he asked for her number. One conversation led to another and from that moment on their connection continued to grow, remaining inseparable ever since.
Read all about Chryston & Dauda’s love story, proposal, and experiences in their American & Nigerian ceremony in Tampa, Florida.
Bride & Groom: Chryston & Dauda
Occupations: Doctor of Physical Therapy and CDC Public Health Analyst
Wedding date: March 4th, 2018
Wedding location: The Regent – Tampa, Florida
How did you meet? Dauda and Chryston first met completely by chance in their hometown of Tampa, Florida, in August 2013. Dauda remembers that they kept making eye contact at an event they both attended, and as they crossed paths at the exit, Dauda got up the courage to ask Chryston for her name and number. The rest is history!
Dauda and Chryston have made many memories during their time dating, like going on a cruise and touring Paris together. But even before these milestones, Dauda says he knew he was going to propose to Chryston, because he could see from the very beginning that she was everything he’d ever wanted in a partner and more…
Tell us about the proposal. Dauda decided to make the proposal a complete surprise to Chryston, and got several friends in on the plan. First, he recruited his coworker Tray, who is also a photographer in his spare time, as well as Chryston’s close friend Annie and her boyfriend, Will. Annie told Chryston that Tray was one of her clients and that she wanted to build up his portfolio with a “couples in love” photo shoot, and wanted to know if she and Dauda would join Annie and Will in being one of the couples. Chryston was thrilled and said they absolutely would.
To throw Chryston off, Dauda acted like he didn’t really want to partake in their friend’s photo shoot. He actually got in trouble with her for not helping because he acted so convincing! But on the big day, he “reluctantly” came along to their beautiful shoot location on a rooftop overlooking downtown Atlanta. Chryston had spent the whole day planning her hair, outfit and even Dauda’s outfit, so between the view and her preparations, Dauda was sure everything would be just perfect for their proposal pictures.
After they arrived and had been taking photos for a little while, Tray asked Chryston to pose in front of the skyline while Dauda stood behind her. Dauda quietly knelt while Tray snapped away, and then Tray asked Chryston to try a new pose where she looked over her shoulder at Dauda. Dauda says at first, Chryston completely overlooked the fact that he was on one knee because she thought it was all for the photo shoot! Suddenly, Chryston realized Dauda was actually holding out a small box and she did a double take. Tears started streaming down her face and she began to repeat, “Are you kidding?” as Dauda took her hand and asked if she would marry him. She said yes!
Describe your wedding attire. Dauda had a custom made navy blue 3-piece tux from Jos. A Bank, with the wedding date stitched inside the suit jacket next to his heart. His button up was a custom made shirt from Blank Label. He wore Steve Madden black suede loafers. He then changed during the reception to a custom traditional Nigerian wedding Agbada. Dauda’s Agbada was a light green embroidered style to complement Chryston’s Nigerian attire. He also wore a gold traditional Nigerian Fila (hat).
Chryston wore a champagne ball gown with a lace and beaded bodice and a layered skirt. Her shoes were also Steve Madden jeweled 2 strap sandal with a low chunky heel. She then changed into a custom made emerald green French lace low back fit and flare dress. Adorned with gold Aso Oke and Gele.
What was the wedding shopping experience like for you? Wedding shopping was fairly easy and stress free. Due to Dauda’s tall lean frame he knew he would go the custom route. Chryston found her “white dress” in the first dress shopping trip with some of her closest friends but since her mother sisters and best friend were not there, she took them back to see they top 4 dresses she liked and it was a unanimous vote for one dress from friends and family so she said yes to the dress. The shopping and designing of the traditional Nigerian attire was more complex due to the task of picking the materials that matched in Nigeria and bringing them to the US to be made. Dauda’s was made in Nigeria then brought over but family and Chryston’s material along with that of her bridesmaids dresses was brought to the US and made by an amazing seamstress in Tampa who has been making clothes for the family for years.
Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding? Outside of the attire, Chryston and Dauda also chose to incorporate the traditional entrances of the family, the money dance and prayers and sermon from both cultural representatives as Chryston is Christian and her Dad an ordained minister with a degree in theology who married them alongside Dauda’s Imam presided over the Mosque his family has attended for years in Tampa.
Wedding party gifts: Bridesmaids received Geles, Jewelry and a monogrammed zip up hoodie. Groomsmen received custom Nigerian material bow ties, custom reception shirts, and wrist beads.
Gifts for each other: Chryston gave Dauda a custom leather passport holder that matched her own “Mr. Fadeyi” to her “Mrs. Fadeyi”, a pair of custom printed “In case your feet get cold” socks with their wedding date, a set of wrist beads with a crown signifying “king”, and 2 bracelets for his mother printed with a message of thanks for the man she raised him to be, and a “The King” long sleeve shirt to travel in that matched her “his Queen” shirt, all in a glossed solid oak men’s jewelry box. Dauda gave Chryston a 2 jewelry boxes, one with an engrave necklace of her new initials and the other with a Pandora charm “you, me, us”, and Beats wireless headphones.
Ceremony entrance song: Dauda entered to: Differences by Ginuwine, Chryston walked in to: Spend my life with you by Eric Bennett and Tamia
First dance song: Say you won’t let go by James Arthur
What is your best memory from your wedding? Looking around and seeing everyone on the dance floor, old young American raised and Nigerian breed all “turning” up together.
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? Start premarital counseling early and be genuine. Don’t shy away from your issues and don’t avoid digging deep. Take this time to document the reasons why you are choosing to make this commitment to each other so you can look back on a rainy day in the marriage and remember why you are here.
Vendors:
Photography: Janelle C Photography
Planner: An Elegant Affair
Caterer/Wedding cake: KD’s Catering & Events
Videography: Ashley Canay
Decor: Arlene Floral Designer
DJ: Phash Group LLC
Makeup: Imago Dei by Milan
Hair: Lynette
Desserts: Sroda
Venue: The Regent
Wedding Dress: Bridal Sense
Wedding Shoes: Steve Madden
Groom Attire: Jos A Bank
Officiant: Michael Mays and Imam
Bar Service: Catering by Lundy’s
Transportation: King’s Executive Car Service
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