Anu and Nosike‘s wedding is a breath of fresh air. This fun couple celebrated with an outdoor reception at the bride’s home in Victoria Island, Nigeria. From the infusion of ankara material in the bridal party outfits (bridesmaid dresses, ankara groomsmen ties and pocket squares by Rayo by L. Somoye), to the amazing naked wedding cake by our Pretty Perfect Vendor Sokolad and the freaking awesome bouncy castle at the after party, this fun celebration was full of personality and unique little touches. We have a new couple crush guys. Big hugs to our Pretty Perfect Vendor Wani Olatunde for sharing this fun affair with us.
From the Bride:
This was very much our event. We wanted everyone to actually enjoy themselves and let loose, so we tried to put as much in place as possible to make that happen. We decided to do it at home so it would be more relaxed and intimate (as many people as you can fit in a garden).
Our entire wedding was a special project – from getting friends and family to agree on wearing non-native attire (compromise with my Dad was a suit for church only) to securing the right type of bouncy castle, to finding the right type of tables. We even brought in a piñata but everyone was having so much fun – we forgot to break it open.
Most of the white wedding planning was completed by January so we had more than enough time to refine and make the event exactly what we wanted. My bridesmaids’ dresses were designed as early as February and Rayo spent a long time searching for the right fabrics and all that. We ordered all the props (hats, moustaches, dayglo sticks, etc) and water guns a few months before too. We picked our vendors pretty early and they helped a lot with great suggestions and the super Mums made sure everything came together. Our families and friends were also super helpful, we are forever indebted to Aunties, Uncles, cousins, etc. Everyone helped one way or the other – flying in stuff for us, coming to the rehearsal, giving advice, time, everything. I wont lie, Nosike and I did next to nothing. The more you let others help, the less stress you’ll have.
The Reception
There were lots of choices that had to be made but we always went with what we would enjoy most ourselves (our cake tasted like heaven, my dress was super comfortable) and I think it made for a very relaxed and fun vibe, especially for the party after the formal reception ended (candy floss, slushies, burgers and such). The party went on till about 4, and then everyone left had breakfast (we ran away at this point) so I think we achieved what we were going for.
I think what we did right was trust God to take control (a wedding is never really in your control anyway). So we tried not to take the event planning too seriously (one day versus a lifetime – be flexible), have great planners (Wonderworks forever!), and thankfully, our parents were very accommodating (imagine the look of horror on Aunties faces when we said we were having a bouncy castle).
My advice is to stay focused on the main thing (as long as the vows are said, you’re good). In the end, there are only two people getting married, so you might as well start it right by having a day that reflects your person instead of trying to follow antiquated expectations of what a wedding should be. Whats the point of all that money and time being spent if you don’t have a good time?!
Vendors: Wedding Dress : Love, Tims | Wedding Shoes : Jimmy Choos | Bridesmaids Dresses: Rayo by L. Somoye | Groom’s Suit: East & Lester | Bride’s Makeup: Abeke Makeovers | Bride’s Hair: Wondrous (Posh Studio) | Wedding Coordinator: Wonderworks | Wedding Cake: Sokolad | Wedding Band: Bolaji Sax | DJ: DJ Atte | Wedding Videographers: Lopesided Works (Tolu Itegboje) | Lagos Wedding Photographers: Wani Olatunde and Deji Atte for Wani Olatunde Photography
