{South Beach} Wedding Story: Helen Eferakorho + Folarin Ajijo

Here’s one of our favorite wedding featured in the Spring/Summer 2010 issue.  The wedding was perfectly photographed by the supertalented Ayesha of Bedazzled Photography.  We just ADORE the decor for this Palm Beach wedding.  One of the event designers was Ola of  Ijorere, one of our favorite stationers.  Check it out!

“I had my dream wedding, it was nothing short of perfection with the best team players on my side. I had the best day of my life to date, being married to the Man of my dreams” – Bride (Helen  Ajijo)

Palm Beach Love

A serene blend of jasper, orange and a tint of silver transformed the banquet hall of the Four Seasons Resort into a kaleidoscopic burst of exotic hues and elegant bliss befitting a destination paradise! A makeshift paradise, where Folarin Ajijo and Helen Eferakorho exchanged nuptial vows to be man and wife. Theirs is a love story that began seven and a half years ago in Michigan where they met. However, on July 25, 2009, a new chapter of their romantic journey began: the grand finale to a 2007 New Year’s Eve proposal and a 2008 December traditional engagement in Nigeria.

Helen recounts the romantic details of the 2007 New Year’s Eve proposal: “Folarin had always promised a proposal before the end of 2007 and true to his word, before the clock struck midnight ushering in the New Year 2008, he had made me the happiest woman in the world by asking me to be his wife! My usual New Year’s eve routine always include a prayerful watch night service to usher in the New Year. That year however, Folarin insisted we change things up a bit and do dinner before church. After a lovely dinner, Folarin insisted we go back to his place, as he had to pick something up before we head to church. A very reluctant me finally agreed but insisted on sitting in the car as he went upstairs to pick up what he had left. But once at his place he yet again managed to convince me to come upstairs with him. The sight was from a movie scene: lit candles were everywhere, leading up the stairs and into his bedroom! Amidst the candle light silhouette, he popped the question and I so adoringly obliged.”

For their wedding, the couple opted for an intimate affair, orchestrated to the very intricate detail. Helen’s keen eye for color combination and planning coupled with knowing exactly what she wanted made the planning process stress free. With the help of her wedding planner, Heather Woodworth, Helen set out to plan her matrimonial masterpiece. From the venue selection, the Four Seasons Resort in Florida, right down to the artistic use of fruit as the key item of décor, everything played perfectly into the couple’s vision of a destination wedding.

The nuptial ceremony took place in an indoor banquet room, beautifully transformed into a blissful sanctuary; after the idea of an Ocean front wedding could not be entertained due to a steady summer drizzle. Close friends and family gathered round to witness the couple share their vows for the first time as husband and wife. Standing hand in hand, the couple looked stunning: the bride, elegantly dressed in sweet-heart bodice gown from Eve of Milady, personified  true beauty and the groom, stood confident and sophisticated donning a tailored suit by Hugo Boss.

An intimate cocktail hour followed afterwards, giving guests an opportunity to mingle, whiles the bridal party partook in a photography session. As guests finally moved into the banquet hall for the reception dinner, they were welcomed into an ambiance of elegance and flair, emphasized by the bold orange décor, set off by jasper trimmings and silver highlights!

The evening remained memorable for the couple as their guests joined in celebrating their joy and new beginnings! Musical entertainment was provided by a local band and the sounds of DJ Ayo Salako Southfield.    —–story written by Akua Abeasi

Bride’s Corner: “My advice to the couples enjoy the planning process, its fun, don’t get stressed out because it ends up falling into place. Always put God first. To the brides, the wedding is just a day but the Marriage is a life time commitment, so please don’t sweat the little things. You need to be relaxed and stay stress free in order to be the beautiful princess that you all are. Best of luck with your nuptials”  Regards, Helen.

Click any thumbnail below to view the entire gallery. And be sure to head over to Ayesha’s website to see more of her gorgeous photos.

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