Bimpe and Kavian's two day Nigerian American wedding was a wonderful blend of cultures. I loved seeing two people, two families, and two cultures come together to celebrate the beginning of what I know will be a wonderful life together!
Scott and Jenna's love story started barefoot over pizza at Sammy's Pizza in Downtown Fort, Worth.
Well, Scott wasn't barefoot.
Jenna came in shoeless and hungry after an evening out with friends, and being the gentleman that he is, Scott invited Jenna over to enjoy the large pizza he and his friends were sharing. He noticed her, she noticed him (and his super cool batman credit card), and so began their story.
Not too long after their romantic beginning, Scott created quite an elaborate proposal for Jenna at the Modern Art Museum in Ft. Worth. He had a canvas painted with the phrase 'Jenna will you marry me' displayed among the art work, so while they were strolling inside the museum they rounded the corner and there were guitar players ready to serenade Jenna as Scott popped the question. Pretty neat idea don't you think? I love that Jenna and Scott had that same canvas displayed near the guestbook on their wedding day!
A wedding in May always has a chance of showers, and we all diligently watched skies for rain. Fortunately, I never needed to break out my galoshes and umbrella! The outdoor tent on a family ranch outside of Granbury, stood nice and dry as family and friends from around the world (literally) celebrated the new Mr. & Mrs. All of the details of their wedding day were so amazing. Jenna spent months hand painting adorable wooden signs. The centerpieces on the table were creative combinations of cigar boxes, coffee beans, succulents, wine bottles, and beautiful wild flowers. Judy of VIP Seats and Sashes had the outdoor ceremony and reception locations colorfully and creatively decorated. I've mentioned several times on the blog that I'm a suburb girl at heart, but this little piece of country stole my heart for the day!
Scott and Jenna, you two are some of the nicest, kindness, most generous people I have met. Thank you for letting me capture your wedding day. I hope you are loving Hawaii!
Guests loved cruising between the ceremony & reception sites in these awesome golf carts....okay, okay, I did too ;)
Can you believe that the bride made this lovely bouquet herself??? Isn't it a stunner!
Jenna, can I just say that you look like a dream in this Terry Costa wedding gown.
A chef friend catered the wedding and did a fantastic job! An omelet station, waffle station, and other tasty southern delights like biscuits and gravy rounded out the brunch menu.
Isn't the groom's kayak cake so fun?
Late last fall I approached Ebony of Ebony Peoples Events and Designs, and Shelley of Escada Weddings with the idea to do a styled shoot. I wanted to produce a styled wedding that would blend together Nigerian and American wedding culture. The goal was to incorporate rich bold colors and and hints of Nigerian traditional elements in a new and modern way. The shoot that resulted exceeded my expectations by leaps and bounds. It's been hard keeping this one quiet, but I'm so glad that I finally get to share it!
The gorgeous stationery set designed by Laura of Art by Ellie, is meant to emulate the design of many of the intricate native Nigerian fabrics, right down to the hand glued crystals, I think she hit the nail on the head!
Part of my vision was to have 2 different looks for a potential bride. She could go the white wedding gown route which is more traditional, or she could shake things up with a gold dress and red gele. And see that right there, is what we call FIERCE!
In keeping with the Nigerian American theme of our shoot, our real life couple was a Nigerian bride and an African American groom. I think they make a very striking couple. And does the groom remind anyone else of a certain celebrity?
I couldn't have dreamed up a more lush tablescape if I tried. The vibrant colors, and organic touches by Twigs literally took my breath away. Who would've thought that an artichoke, sunflower, plums and orchids could come together so beautifully!
I had a vision for 2 very specific colors coming together, and I was so glad that M & M The Special Events Company had the perfect shades bronze and purple my minds eye had conceived.
How about these yummy snack filled boxes as little favors for guests? You can't go wrong with plantain chips, chin-chin, & Ovaltine crackers!
We also had a mini bar set up with a variety of beverages.
Our lovely modern bride, did a little outfit change and is modeling a look that could be worn by the bridal party. Brides what do you think of having your ladies sport this look?
Our model bride and groom changed into a striking blue native, and we ended the shoot on this colorful note.
There is no way I could've pulled off this shoot on my own. Tremendous thanks to each of the following creative geniuses whose talents enriched this shoot:
Ebony of Ebony Peoples Events and Designs
M & M The Special Events Company
Krystal Turner - Make-up Artist
Models: Tolu Biyi, Rita & Milton Roberts
