Happy Thursday! We’re throwing it back to a week ago at Gozie and Mayowa’s epic traditional Nigerian Wedding at Landmark Center in Lagos, Nigeria. We’ve seen traditional Yoruba weddings and we’ve seen traditional Igbo weddings, but what happens when the two come together? This Igbo-Yoruba fusion wedding was as #aisleperfect as they come. Gozie is the creative genius behind Coker Creative, an event planning company based in Nigeria. Responsible for majority of the swoon worthy events in Lagos, we expected nothing less when it came to her own wedding. Her inspiration for the day ? “modern, colourful, traditional and a hint of rustic!” Everything about this beautiful Nigerian wedding was a 10. From the jaw-dropping decor to the show-stopping outfits. We will be on-hand to bring you the finale when it happens, prepare to swoon! (follow their hashtag here).
Photography: Banke Meshida Lawal, Lumi Morgan, Michal Zielinski | Makeup: Banke for BMpro | Decor: Sara O Events | Fabric (outfit 1 AND 3): UZZFabrics | Groom’s 2nd look: DECO | Logo: Paper & String | Cake: Rum n Passion
Gozie was an absolute #WeddingSlayer in each of her three traditional outfits. The first was an embellished three-piece Igbo outfit by designer Odio Mimonet. Have you seen a prettier combination?
The second outfit (Yoruba) was a one-of-a-kind masterpiece by renowned couturier Deola Sagoe. This custom creation from her “Komole” line was a show-stopper and the perfect transition from culture to culture.
Gozie’s final look was my personal favorite. An embellished, kimono-sleeved dress (hand beaded fabric by Uzzfabrics, designed by Odio Mimonet) paired with a chic turban, for a laid back after-party look. Needless to say, this bride knew what she wanted and achieved perfection with each one.
#TheGMWedding – Fusion Igbo Yoruba Wedding
My favorite part of the wedding was definitely the decor. Anyone who knows the bride Gozie, knows she is an avid lover of all things rustic. Inspired by the old school baskets under the bridge in Mende, Lagos, Gozie opted for vintage, cultural decor which Sara O brought to life.
“I wanted to bring the outdoors, indoors for my wedding, so we created an open backdrop with a peek into the lagoon view at the back of the venue. I was obsessed with the baskets from under the Mende bridge and incorporated the bamboo baskets and structures into the decor. I’m not a big color-lover but I took the risk of having the cultural wedding be colorful. So I worked with Sara O to create a natural, green landscape with a few pops of color here and there.
In line with the rustic aesthetic, we chose a vintage, cultural backdrop for our photo area, where guests were able to pose for cool pictures. We also worked with R’ADE to do jumbo sized menu cards based on our Invitations by Parchment by Dami. I find that individual menu cards tend to go to waste at large events.
This is truly the best decor I have seen at a cultural wedding. Gozie pulled on rustic cultural elements to create a vintage traditional Nigerian feel that made us nostalgic. What we can’t get over however, is the show-stopping ceiling decor by Sara O events. My goodness! The suspended greenery decor made a huge impact and drove home the feel of a lush tropical setting.
Groom Mayowa’s second traditional look was an opulent agbada by Deco. The marigold colored ‘aso’ was lined with velvet to create a royal look that was perfect for a Yoruba prince seeking his Igbo princess. Love!
