Tirzah and Doug’s spring engagement session at Forsyth Park in Savannah, GA brought them back to The Mansion on the grounds for their Nigerian infused October 4, 2015 romantic pink wedding.
At the last minute, Tirzah and Doug decided to have a first look, after the encouragement of their photographer, which the couple was thrilled to do as their ceremony was soon pushed indoors due to rain. The rain didn’t stop their joyous celebration of love as you can see below from the bride whose smile never wavers. What a beautiful day!
First Dance Song: “Could It Be I’m Falling In Love” by The Spinners
Favorite Item on the Menu: The cake…and I’m not even a sweets person.
Bridesmaid/Groomsmen Gifts: Each bridesmaid received a personalized gift and the groomsmen received surprise pedicures. They were very into it!
Tell us about how you met and all about the proposal!
We met the first weekend of grad school at a campus bar. We didn’t hit it off at first. In fact, we mildly disliked each other. But we had friends in common so we crossed paths quite a bit. One night in the spring that year, we kissed–and liked it! Then we started spending more time together and we both thought, “Wait a sec, you’re actually really cool and I like spending time with you.” Eventually, we made our relationship official. Five years later, we got engaged.
I knew the proposal was coming soon-ish, but since it was December, I assumed we’d do it when we saw our families over the holidays in a couple weeks. So when I got home at 1 a.m. one night after a cross-country flight, I was thinking, “I can’t wait to change my clothes and pass out.” I was not thinking, “Tonight is the night!” I washed up and put on my jammies, but he kept stalling when I tried to go to bed. I got increasingly confused and defiant until finally, I turned around and he was holding a ring out. I was so surprised that I punched him in the chest.
Wedding Style
My dress came from BHLDN. I wanted something comfortable and easy to wear, something that I could dance in and still be formal. I knew that we were going to take photos in the park so if I chose a large dress with a long tail, it would get ruined. My dress was flowy, comfy and elegant. I felt like a ballerina!
Culture
I’m half Nigerian, so we incorporated a couple elements of Igbo wedding traditions into our day. We had two “uncles” of mine lead a libation ceremony and prayer. In it, they poured whiskey out onto the ground while evoking our grandparents’ names (none of whom are still living) as a way to honor our ancestors. Our venue also did a special—and delicious—goat kebob appetizer for us since it’s not a celebration in Nigeria without goat meat. In Nigerian weddings, there is also what you might call a “money dance” in which people come up to the bride and groom to place small bills on the their foreheads while they’re dancing. We didn’t formally plan this out, but the Nigerians there came prepared to do it anyway. They just started putting money on our heads as soon as the dancing started and then all our American friends and family joined in!
Memories
Dancing with Doug at our reception was one of my favorite memories! Our guests were so enthused and we had everyone on the dance floor with us.
Help a bride-to-be out!
Plan ahead and be prepared for rain! Our photographer, Vitor Lindo, insisted on doing a first look. At first, we were hesitant but he convinced us. On our big day, we had a huge storm and we even had to move the ceremony indoors. However, we still had gorgeous photos because we planned for a first look and allotted that extra time.
Vendors:
Photography + Videography: Vitor Lindo Photo + Video
Planning + Styling: Design Studio South
Venue: The Mansion on Forsyth
Wedding Dress Designer: Penelope dress via Willoby by Watters
Dresses: BLHDN
Shoes: Betsey Johnson
Makeup + Hair: Fifth Avenue
Florist: A to Zinnias
Cake: Brown Sugar Custom Cakes
Stationery – Invites: PAPER by Paperless Post
Stationery – Table Cards, Menus, etc: DIY
DJ: DJ Sugaray
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