Happy Thursday! We hope you’ve been getting to know our new site. Don’t forget to check out the GALLERIES and our spanking new REAL BRIDES section. We’re kicking things off with one of our favorite brides- AP style contributor- Kike Soyode. Kike and her beau Tayo are getting married this summer and have already been featured a couple of times on the blog. The couple had their traditional family introduction ceremony in Lagos, Nigeria and all the gorgeousness was captured by Demi O. Photography. Kike was sweet enough to walk us through the traditional rites of a Yoruba introduction ceremony. Enjoy
In the Yoruba culture, an “Introduction” Ceremony is held so both families can meet officially. The idea behind this is to introduce key members of both families so they know their son or daughter’s new relatives.It’s usually a small affair, but these days, it’s like a mini traditional wedding ceremony.
The day started off pretty early for us, even though we were totally exhausted from the activities of a couple of days before.My talented friend, Labisi Folawiyo of Faces by Labisi, arrived bright and early to do my make up. We decided to go for a very light smoky eye, with copper under tones –I was more than pleased with the results.
While I was getting dressed, my fiancé Tayo arrived with his family. Traditionally, they are expected to wait outside till he’s invited in (under the sun – LOL). After he was invited in, he was asked to state his intentions and then greet my parents – by greeting, in Yoruba Culture, we mean men lying flat on the ground and women kneeling.
Shortly after this, my friends danced me into the living room where Tayo was waiting with both families. The “moderator” asked if I knew who he was and if I was sure I wanted to marry him.
Lastly, each member of both families was introduced and we were done! The rest of the evening was spent mingling and getting to know the family members we hadn’t met yet. I changed into a more comfortable outfit and enjoyed the rest of my night.
Photography: Demi O Photography | Makeup: Faces by Labisi | Styling: Kike Soyode (bride) and Bride’s Mother
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