Wedding - Tutu and Koye

It seems like everywhere I look, everyone has fallen for the birdcage veil. I pride myself in being a little unconventional and thought I would be one of the few who would be wearing a birdcage veil for my wedding, but alas, it seems the trend has picked up.

The bride's birdcage veil in today's wedding is GORGEOUS!! It has just the right amount of glamour. Enjoy!

Photography by RhPhotoArts

Photographer Excerpt: Tutu and Koye have to be the most dynamic couple i have met. She is vibrant, full of life while Koye is relaxed and reserved. The combination makes for a beautiful couple. Their wedding colors and details were outstanding. The guest, the bridal train, the vendors,everything seemed sophisticated.














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Is This My Dress?

When I started narrowing down which dresses I wanted, I just knew that this dress is going to be THE ONE.

This dress is by Pnina Tornai, an Israeli bridal designer who retails her designs worldwide, but only at Kleinfield's bridal in New York City.

When I was looking at dresses online, I bypassed this dress SO many times. Then one day, I happen to catch an episode of "Say Yes to the Dress". The bride tried on this dress and I was in LOVE.

While I do like strapless, it seems like that's what most brides go for nowadays and usually when it had straps, it just looks ho hum. I had always been interested in a dress with straps but in a very sophisticated way.

The mermaid silhouette is to die for and I love the lace and beading and the extra low back. Unfortunately for me, I was never able to try this dress on. However, I was willing to purchase the dress without doing so.

But what do you think? Is this my dress?

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Wedding Video - Toki and Shean

Toki & Shean Wedding Trailer from Graymask on Vimeo.

The Search for the Dress Begins

I'm an EXTREMELY detailed and particular person which can be to my advantage and also my disadvantage.

When I figured out that my fiance was going to eventually pop the question, like most other women, I started looking at dresses. Unlike most other women though, I probably looked at over 2000 dresses online ONLY because I wanted to leave no stone unturned. I wanted to make sure any and every option of a wedding dress that existed, I saw (with the exception of getting something custom made).

One dress that I ABSOLUTELY thought was going to be the one before I started trying on dresses was by Rina di Montella.

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I just KNEW that this was going to be the dress.

I actually never tried this dress on. I didn't need to.

One thing I learned as I begin physically going to stores to try on dresses, is that what I might love, might not necessarily look good on me.

I tried on some dresses that were a similar silhouette to this dress and they did NOT look all that good on me. While I looked.....alright.....in the dresses with a similar silhouette, you don't want to just look alright on your wedding day. You want to WOW everyone!

So.....after looking at over 2000 dresses online and trying on close to 100 dresses, I have actually chosen the dress.

Because guessing the dress is part of the giveaway later on, I can't tell you what I chose, but I will give you some hints. Let me know what you think of the hints.....until next time....

Wedding - Leo and Kristin

The entrance this couple made into their wedding ceremony........now THAT'S an entrance! Enjoy!

Photography by Richard Bell Photography

Photography Excerpt: This was a phenomenal wedding to be a part of. Leo’s family is Nigerian, and came dressed in traditional Nigerian wedding attire, which made for very colorful pictures (especially against the grandeur of Summerall Chapel at the Citadel, where both Leo and Kristin attended and graduated). My first experience at The Vue at Ripley Point definitely lived up the the hype. Boasting a very rare view of the Charleston peninsula, and Marina Access (Leo and Kristin arrived by boat), The Vue is one of my new favorite reception venues in Charleston, SC.











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Wedding - Jennifer and Ike

All I can say is that this is one beautiful church. Where are these type of churches where I live?

Photography by Mist Photography

Photography Excerpt: mist Photography had an incredible opportunity to be part of probably one of the largest Nigerian festivities in the Dallas area – and if it wasn’t, it sure felt that way! Upon stepping into the church for the ceremonies, we almost felt transported to that mysterious continent, as Nigerian garb was likely more common than Western (and we mean this in the general sense, not just the typical cowboy sense) attire.










Photography Excerpt: And finally, the happy couple runs off to their new life as Mr. and Mrs!



If you'd like to see more photos of this wedding, click here.

If you'd like to have your wedding featured here on Naijawed N More, contact me.

First Things First

As soon as my fiance and I got engaged, I knew the first thing that I needed to look for was a venue.

There are SOOO many venues to consider where I live with the ability to fit ANY type of theme.

One of the major things that we knew we wanted was something a little different from what most Nigerian couples would want for their ceremony and reception. Most Nigerian weddings that I've attended were at a church followed by the reception at a venue of choice. It's important to me that I'm able to have the ceremony and reception in one location so I began looking for venues that would accommodate that.

The first venue that my fiance and I looked at was a venue called Cator Woolford Gardens.

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Cator Woolford Gardens is 39 acres of beautiful greenery. Originally the estate of Cator Woolford, one of the founders of Equifax, it's been redesigned to hold the gardens, as well as the Frazer Center, a school for persons with disabilities.

Although the ceremony could be held outside in the gardens, the reception could be held inside the atrium, which is a short walk to the Frazer Center.

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The Atrium itself holds 150 people, but actually looks bigger because of the vaulted ceilings.

When my fiance and I visited this place, we LOVED the gardens that they had. The flowers....just being one with God and nature.....THAT'S how it's supposed to be.

One thing that we didn't necessarily like is that they had preferred caterers. Being a Nigerian wedding, it's difficult to utilize this type of option, because most caterers aren't familiar with cooking West African food. They did offer us the option of bring in our own caterer for an additional fee, which I thought was NONSENSE because the reason they gave for the fee was that it's more difficult to work with a caterer who doesn't know the "lay of the land" so to speak. What about the photographer, videographer, planners, etc., who don't know the "lay of the land" either? Is their an extra charge for them? But I digress.....

We also found out that this place is fairly popular for weddings as when we asked about available dates, they were fairly booked for dates that were over a year away. So, basically, if we wanted to make a decision about this place, it would need to be soon.

Well......what do you think? Do you think this is the place that we chose?

Look for Less

Here's another day with another Look for Less....

I tend to not show that many ballgowns on here because I tend not to find that many that are beautiful, but the one for today is GORGEOUS!!! Especially since it has the new trend of pockets on the dress.

Reem Acra Orchid = ~$4,000



Mori Lee 4524 = $800

Nigerian (African) Wedding Checklist

Have you ever wished you could find a checklist that was catered more towards the timeline of an African wedding? I'm sure there are many.

Amazingly enough, I was able to find a wedding checklist that does just that. Now that I will begin planning my own wedding, it will be quite helpful for me. Although it is somewhat similar to any of the other checklists that other websites have, there is a twist. Enjoy!!!
10 to 12 months before the wedding

• Book the wedding hall (fix time, officiant)
• Book time for rehearsal in the wedding hall the 1 or 2 days before the wedding
• Book Reception Hall: consider a place close to the wedding hall
• Choose someone to decorate the hall
• Book hall for the traditional wedding: (In the U.S., most people do this wedding in their backyards)
• Choose your wedding colors. Remember wedding colors for

--- Bride’s side for traditional wedding;

--- Groom’s side for traditional wedding; and

--- For the wedding.

• Inform Your Wedding Party: You don’t need to know every detail of what your bridesmaids and groomsmen will wear at this point, but you do need to ask them this early so they can plan for the expense. Be honest in giving them a sense of what it might cost. Consider either asking on the phone or sending out an e-mail or letter that really expresses why you think they are perfect for the position.
• Save the Date Announcements: Now that you have fixed halls and fixed the dates, send save the date announcements (it is perfectly acceptable in the Nigerian community to do this via E-mail. You may consider sending a beautiful power point e-mail attachment to announce the date.) If you are expecting guests to come in from Nigeria, you may want to send save the date announcements in the mail to your parents’ friends and “dignitaries” (have a family member send them out in Nigeria to avoid the cost of mailing from here).
• Guests List: Prepare a guest list and from our experience, expect at least 100 more people to show up (unless you state unequivocally that the wedding is “strictly by invitation” or “no kids are allowed.” Even then, still plan for 50 more)
• Choose a Caterer: you need to do this early because Nigerian wedding caterers can typically handle only one wedding per day because of how they are staffed. If you really want a particular caterer, you may want to book before that one is taken.
• Choose a DJ/Live Band for Reception: same issues as with the caterer.

8 to 10 Months Before the Wedding

• Aso-ebi (aka and co): Determine if you’d like your friends to wear similar outfits during your wedding. The people chosen to do this are usually referred to as the hosts and hostesses. If you choose to do this at your wedding, here are some tips:

--- Choose one of your friends that you trust to handle things from start to finish to coordinate this for you. This could be a really detailed part of the wedding and there are usually lots of questions, so have someone else take care of it.

--- Determine the material, head tie etc

--- Ask the coordinator to determine how many people are interested in buying (some people ask only certain people to buy and others open it up to all their friends. It’s all up to you. Remember, though, that some people get really offended if they are not asked and others may feel burdened if they are.)

--- Ask around for help with finding someone to help you buy materials from Nigeria.

Note: Your friends typically will pay for the clothes. If you want something really expensive, though, you may want to consider paying for part of it.

• Buy your wedding dress (and purse, veil, shoes). Make sure the dress meets the dress code of the organization (church/mosque) in which the service will take place.
• Order Bridesmaids dresses
• Book DJ for your wedding ceremony
• Book Photographer
• Book Videographer
• Order wedding cake
• Reserve hotel rooms for out of town guests
• Honeymoon

6 to 8 Months Before the Wedding

• Reserve rental equipment (if you’ll be needing any for the traditional wedding)
• Book hair dresser
• Book someone to do your head tie and make up (your mum and aunties are not necessarily the best people to tie your head tie for you. Look out for people who do a good job and consider paying someone if needed. It’s an Art and not everyone knows how to do it)
• Arrange for help with dressing up in traditional outfits. If you’re Efik, for example, and want to have the pins on your hair, you really must find someone way in advance who will be available that day to do this.
• Create your wedding website (if you plan to have one)
• Register for gifts: it’s good to do this early because the “D” day is still far away and you can take your time to choose what you really want.
• Arrange transportation (to wedding ceremony and from wedding ceremony hall to reception). If not booking limos, confirm whose cars you’ll be using and who’ll be driving. We strongly suggest booking a reputable limo service. Nigerian weddings tend to be all-weekend long affairs and people get tired and stressed. It might be worth the expense to get a limo service.

--- 1 limo for bridesmaids and bride

--- 1 limo for groom and groomsmen

• Order programs
• Order invitations
• Purchase and rent groom and groomsmen’s outfit
• Purchase wedding rings
• Rehearsal Dinner: Determine whether you want to have a rehearsal dinner and when. It’s common to have this the evening before the wedding in the U.S. However, Nigerians in the U.S. usually opt for either placing the traditional wedding on the night before the wedding or having an engagement party or some other “young ones” party on that night.

4 to 6 Months Before the Wedding

• Choose M.C. for traditional wedding and reception
• Give a list of important shots to your wedding photographer
• Discuss your menu with your caterer
• Meet with your officiant to discuss the service
• Write your vows
• Mail Wedding Invitations (if overseas; 2 – 4 months if within the US)
• Meet with your hairstylist and/or make up stylist to experiment with styles and colors
• If your state requires it, make blood test appointments
• Complete name change documents (if changing names)
• Send wedding announcements to local newspapers

2 to 4 Months Before the Wedding

• Go over your checklist and make sure you are on target.
• Do anything you’ve not done yet
• Apply for a marriage license

Month of the Wedding

• E-mail schedule of events to members of the wedding party
• Have a final fitting for your gown (you should have a bridesmaid there to learn how to bustle your train and fasten and buttons)
• Check in with your bridesmaids and groomsmen:

--- Make sure they have all their outfits,

--- Confirm when they are arriving,

--- Answer any last minute questions

• Check in with your vendors: confirm arrival and delivery times
• Make sure you have your wedding program
• Write thank you notes for gifts you receive
• Ask a member of your wedding party to contact invited guests who have not RSVP’d

1 to 2 Weeks Before the Wedding

• Arrange seating plan (most Nigerian weddings just let people sit wherever they want. You might want to leave things that way)
• Let your caterer know the final number of attendees
• Prepare your toasts for the reception (and rehearsal dinner if having one)
• Break in wedding shoes (by wearing them around the house on the same kind of floor you’d have in the wedding)
• Pick up your dress (make sure it fits)
• Determine decorations for cars (if doing so)
• Practice your dance moves for the wedding(s). (if necessary)
• “Spray Money:” You will dance and it is a given that people will “spray” you. Put a trusted friend or family member in charge of picking up the money and keeping it for you. This amount can be quite substantial and people do it intending for you to get the money and appreciate it. Don’t let little children or plain thieves pick the money for themselves (that said, don’t go after anyone who picks up your money for himself).
• Communicate with the traditional wedding MC and other important guests about your expected order of events for the traditional wedding. Consider preparing an informal program and informing the MC and parents, and close uncles and aunts on both sides of how you plan for things to go.

1 Day Before the Wedding

• Do something to relax and enjoy the company of your out-of-town friends
• Assign responsibilities to your wedding party (greeting and seating guests, checking on vendors). Designate people to share your favors. Consider creating packages that include each so you can distribute easily at the wedding.
• Designate a friendly person to help any out of country visitors feel relaxed. This person simply keeps an eye on those few visitors and watches to see if at any point they seem in any way confused. A simple “do you need anything” can go a long way.
• Confirm transportation, photographer, make up artist (or hair), caterer, cake, decorator for hall and church, church arrangements
• Have a manicure and pedicure
• Rehearsal Ceremony
• Explain logistics of transportation to wedding and reception (if necessary)
• Remind everyone of times (and hand out a schedule to everyone in the wedding party)
• Provide printed directions
• Hold rehearsal dinner or whatever you planned for the evening

Wedding Day

• Give wake up calls to wedding party
• Decorate cars for Wedding Party (if necessary)
• Give gifts to your wedding party (if planning to do so; not always necessary)

2 to 4 Weeks After the Wedding

• Call all the “mommies” and “daddies” that came for your wedding
• Call all members of your wedding party
• Gradually get to all the guests who gave you gifts
• You should also send thank you notes, but thank you notes don’t appear to be as important in the Nigerian setting as making that phone call to say thank you for coming.

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**Of course, this list is not completely comprehensive, and the likelihood is that I will do some of the things on this list differently than what has been stipulated. Please utilize as you see fit.**