Happy Wedding Wednesday! Today we’re announcing yet another amazing partnership. Starting today, we are partnering with the lovely team over at BellaNaija Weddings to showcase the best of African and multicultural weddings. BellaNaija is the #1 online destination for the latest African news, entertainment scoop, events, lifestyle tips and fashion, and their recently launched wedding vertical is growing rapidly. We’re excited about what this partnership has to offer and look forward to working with BellaNaija Weddings to inspire brides worldwide.
First up, we are showcasing the luxury multicultural wedding of Anu and Zebedee in two parts. Their traditional engagement ceremony took place in Abuja, Nigeria and displays the union of Nigerian and Ghanaian culture seamlessly. Enjoy these lovely photos courtesy of Alakija Studios and Adebayo Deru, then be sure to check out their church wedding which took place in London. You can also visit our friends over at BellaNaija Weddings for more coverage.
Bride: Anu Obaro ~ tribe – Yoruba, Nigeria
Groom: Zebedee Nartey ~ tribe – GaDangme, Ghana
Occupations: Bride – Physician; Groom – Economist
Traditional Engagement Date: May 26, 2012
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Photography: Jide Alakija & Adebayo Deru
The Engagement
“Since both Zebedee and I grew up in London, going back to Nigeria for our traditional engagement was a beautiful way for us to experience our culture and also honour our parents and extended families. It was lovely to see both sides of the family celebrating together.
The Yoruba Traditional engagement primarily involves the groom and his family, who come and present themselves to the bride’s parents and elders. The groom is set various physical challenges and asked some tricksy questions to ensure that he will be able to provide for his new bride. The majority of the ceremony takes place without the bride’s presence. I spent most of the evening beautifying myself and hanging out with my ladies and arrived towards the end of the evening, when I was presented to the groom by my female friends and family. I had to pick the most important gift from the dowry – a white bible, to symbolise that our union has its foundation in God.
The day after the traditional engagement is usually followed by a thanksgiving church service. And in our case also a dedicated couple photoshoot in the park.”
Advice from the newlyweds…
“Our best advice for couples organising a traditional wedding is to make sure that you understand the different protocols and rites, their significance and what they mean. Particularly when organising a large event in Nigeria it is important to have a local contact to help with the booking and planning especially if you’re trying to do this from abroad. Also arrive at least a week before the event to deal with any last minute catastrophes or traditional wardrobe malfunctions! Remember that weddings back home are a village affair, so be prepared for many more guests than you officially invited. Everyone will want to celebrate with you.”
Head over to this post to view images from their church wedding in London + a very heartfelt video!
Vendors
Venue, Decor & Food: A-Class Events Centre
Groom’s Attire: Mrs Alkali of Six Pearl Couture
Bride’s Engagement Attire: Mrs Folake Majin of Schon Afrique
Bride’s Thanksgiving Kente Outfit: Mrs Kehinde Ejiogu of Valerie Davids
Photographers: Jide Alakija and Adebayo Deru
Traditional Engagement Invite: IJORERE The Invitation
Traditional Nigerian Engagement in Abuja: Anu + Zebedee @alakija @bellanaijawed… http://t.co/WeEYC4bNwR
Traditional Nigerian Engagement in Abuja: Anu + Zebedee http://t.co/vy5UPJkN1i via @munaluchibride
RT @munaluchiBride: Traditional Nigerian Engagement in Abuja: Anu + Zebedee @alakija @bellanaijawed… http://t.co/WeEYC4bNwR
Anu and Zebedee were married in Nigeria, and also in London. Read their love story on the blog + a heartfelt… http://t.co/6wxeOIT3VB
RT @munaluchiBride: Anu and Zebedee were married in Nigeria, and also in London. Read their love story on the blog + a heartfelt… http://t.co/6wxeOIT3VB
LOVELY, BEAUTIFUL N FAB!
RT @munaluchiBride: Traditional Nigerian Engagement in Abuja: Anu + Zebedee @alakija @bellanaijawed… http://t.co/WeEYC4bNwR
What a beautiful couple who so eloquently captured their culture and the story of their love!