Regal Nigerian Destination Wedding in Abu Dhabi

Ekanem and Ade’s regal Nigerian destination wedding in Abu Dhabi was featured in the Spring/Summer 2021 issue of MunaLuchi Bride Magazine!

Ade and Ekanem knew from the moment they met each other that they had found the person they were going to spend the rest of their lives with. Ekanem shares, “When we finally met, as cliche as it might sound, it was love at first sight. We fell in love, had a long-distance romantic relationship for one year, and then he proposed marriage.”

Ade’s over-the-top proposal couldn’t have been more romantic! He decorated the rooftop of the Surrey Hotel in New York City with Ekanem’s favorite flowers and memories of their time together and proposed with a radiant cut diamond ring. Even with the hustle and bustle of the city below, at that moment, it was just them and no one else.

Their beautiful destination wedding was held at the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi. They wanted to experience a different culture, as they already had a traditional Nigerian ceremony. Featuring a crystal tunnel, gorgeous floral arrangements, and the grand architecture of the Emirates Palace, their wedding emanated luxury and romance.

Ekanem and Ade’s destination wedding was featured in the Summer 2021 issue of MunaLuchi Bride Magazine! View the digital magazine here.

See the stunning details below!

Couple: Ekanem Eyoita and Ade Adeleke
Location of Wedding: Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E
Wedding Date: 02/02/2020
Photographer: Duke Khodaverdian, Duke Images

Quick Facts

Wedding flowers: I wasn’t too particular about flowers at the wedding. Our planner, @alibahktairdesigns, came up with different ideas in a mood board of what our floral setup would look like to compliment the ballroom. I was specific about having a crystal tunnel at our entrance though.
Favorite item on the menu: My favorite item on the menu was Oozi from Emirati food. It was nice to try different cuisine, and I really had the dish of my life with it.
Bridesmaids/groomsmen gifts: We gave the groomsmen custom suits and diamond cufflinks while we gave the bridesmaids a luxury pamper set including Jade Gua Shas and jewelry.
First dance song: We danced to a romantic rendition of Ed Sheehan – “Perfect”
Advice for brides: Starting early and using a timeline planner really helps you get everything down to the smallest detail. Plan a meet-up with your wedding planner, vendors, and everyone in your wedding party before the rehearsal dinner to discuss roles and inform them of how you would like the day to go. Doing this will get everyone on the same page and let you relax and enjoy your day.

Tell us how you met and all about the proposal

Ade and I met through mutual friends in Atlanta, GA. Two people we both knew had told him randomly that we would get along. When we finally met, as cliche as it might sound, it was love at first sight. We fell in love, had a long-distance romantic relationship for one year, and then he proposed marriage. His proposal was the most beautiful thing I had ever imagined. On July 7, 2019, my husband shielded the rooftop of the Surrey Hotel in New York City with my favorite flowers, memories of us, and a large sign that read “WILL YOU MARRY ME?” He got down on one knee and asked me to spend the rest of my life with him with a gorgeous radiant-cut diamond ring. Honestly, I couldn’t have been happier.

How did you know they were “the one”?

He had joked about marrying me very early on when we met. However, I knew he was “the one” due to the consistency he displayed during our courtship. He would fly to Washington, DC every two months to spend time with me and when he was away, we would talk daily, sometimes for hours. He had lunches with my mom in my absence and invited his mom to my master’s graduation. I loved the effort he made in trying to unite our families.

Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding?

There was a slight presence of the Nigerian culture at our wedding. Culture only showed in the form of food and band music because we already had a traditional wedding in December. We wanted a different scene and culture. That’s the reason that we picked Abu Dhabi for our destination wedding.

Describe your wedding style

We went for the luxurious indoor wedding style and picked the Emirates Palace Hotel as the perfect venue.

Describe your wedding dress and your favorite wedding accessory

I got married in a custom Leah da Gloria lace-beaded dress with an extended cathedral train. I felt so beautiful in it. My favorite wedding accessories were diamond earrings from Graff. These were a special gift from my mother the morning of the wedding.

What is your best memory from your wedding?

The best memory from my wedding was during our ceremony. I remember walking down the aisle and just seeing him looking at me with the biggest smile. He took my hand and said… “You are with me forever now.”

What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples?

The best advice I would give an engaged couple is to discuss major and minor decisions. When planning a wedding, it is important to discuss the type of day you would like with your spouse first. After that, you can share your vision with friends and family. It minimizes external interference.