Esther + Shola's Stylish Nigerian Wedding in Fort Worth, TX

Please be advised, an explosion of photo goodness is about to blind your eyes.  Okay, you've been adequately warned :) Day 2 of Shola and Esther's wedding celebration overflowed with all sorts of  yummy goodness...starting with a toast.  Bubbly? Custom monogramed gifts?  Why yes please!

This little lady right here has to be the sassiest little bride I have ever met! I love that she had her own mini veil. Work. It.

Esther is sparkle loving kind of girl, so when I saw her shimmering clutch from her Traditional Wedding the day before; I know I had to photograph the rings on it.

This right here is Shola's custom tailored suit jacket, bowtie, and Michael Kors watch.  Can we say yes and amen to a groom with some serious swag?!

The maid and matrons of honor guided Esther into her gorgeous gown from Circle Park Bridal.

Esther's smile is so radiant.  You can't possibly see her smile and not want to smile in return.

Bowties? Check. Colorful socks? Check. Groomsmen on point? Check Check!

Esther custom designed the beautiful flowy blush colored lace and chiffon dresses her bridesmaids wore.  I confess, I wouldn't mind having a dress like that in my closet!

Right before Esther and Shola said their vows, guests received a fun surprise as the Mission Impossible theme music started playing and a crew of ring security appeared to safely escort the wedding rings to the bride and groom.

"Happy" by Pharrell played as the bridal party's danced out during the recessional.

Between the ceremony and reception, I was delighted to whisk the couple away to the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens for a few quick bride and groom photos.

Esther you are so very beautiful; both inside and out!

Esther couldn't help but steal a kiss from her handsome groom, and I couldn't help but shoot it.

Juan with Belle Events and Decor did a marvelous job creating an ambiance of modern elegance at the Cendera Center.

Shola and his mother shared an emotional Mother Son dance.

Comedian and internet sensation Dami Olatunde aka AphricanApe had guests rolling in laughter as he MC'd the reception.

A team of African dancers performed a special traditional dance to a medley of songs.

Yinka with The Perfect Look was amazing as she tied gele for Esther and her bridesmaids.

Hello Aso Ebi inspiration!!  Work it ladies!

I caught Henry of Henry Adewale Films having a bit of fun while he was filming.

This was one of the last shots of the night. I think it speaks for itself. Cheers to you Esther & Shola! May your life always be filled with joy and laughter!

An Intimate Wedding at Piazza in the Village; Corey + Ekua

Corey & Ekua's wedding was a sweet intimate gathering filled with family, friends, love, and lots of laughter. Ekua soaked in every moment of the day in her beautiful Terry Costa dress, and Corey was quite the dapper gentleman in his Vera Wang tux.

The bride and groom did a fabulous job creating lots of time for fun photos with their bridal party and for just the two of them as well. While their joy bubbled & overflowed, there were also quiet tender moments that reflected their deeply rooted faith in God, like when they took a moment to pray together right after their first look.

Opulent Cakes did a stunning job on both sets of cakes, especially Corey's ipad groom's cake.

During the reception, Rod Baker kept the crowd entertained with the newlywed game and the staff at Piazza in the Village seamlessly executed a flawless day.

Ekua and Corey, I'm so grateful to have had so many opportunities to photograph you, especially on your wedding day. Thank you for bringing me along to document the next stage in your story. I know the best is yet to come!

Esther and Shola's Yoruba Traditional Engagement Ceremony

Although the temperatures outside Divine Grace Church in Arlington were sweltering, inside, the shimmering colors Esther and Shola chose for their traditional engagement ceremony were cool and refreshing to the eyes. While Yinka with The Perfect Look tied the bride's gele to perfection, guests eagerly awaited the bride's grand entrance.

Esther, escorted by both brothers and her Aso Ebi, danced in joyfully as guests sprayed bills.  Many prayers were prayed and more than one eye filled with tears as emotions ran high from the weight of the occasion and the remembrance of those who have passed on.

Esther and Shola's Traditional was a feast for the senses!  Check out part two of their wedding weekend here.