You’re Invited! Our Traditional Nigerian Wedding

For those of you who don’t know, my father is African American, while my mom is Mexican and White. My fiance, Nate, is Nigerian. We’re so much alike, and like so many of the same things that the difference in our cultures never stood out much to us since we’ve met. With all this planning to become one, we’re trying to find the perfect ways to respectfully appreciate both of our backgrounds. Our traditional Nigerian wedding (we celebrate it like a wedding, but it’s really a traditional engagement) is set for this upcoming December and now that we’re having a ceremony dedicated entirely to Yoruba traditions, I’m realizing how prominent it’s going to be. In the neighborhood that I grew up in, I had many Nigerian friends so I’d been to plenty of celebrations and weddings prior to meeting Nate. We’re going through the steps of what a traditional marriage would entail and it’s incredibly detailed but so worthwhile.

Although this wedding will be separate from our American wedding, we didn’t want to skimp on details or give it less than what our other wedding would entail. My good friend Farran took our photos so that we could get out a Save The Date and we were so pleased with how they came out. I knew I wanted them to be outdoors in a beautiful grassy area, to give a natural earthy feel. I also knew I wanted to be dramatic, hence the handmade skirt and ponytail. At first, we were both going to wear crowns but the more I thought about it, the more corny it felt. Instead I opted to extend my ponytail and add some gold wire around the base. The earthy tones are going to compliment the colors and fabrics I’ve chosen to use for our family and friends SO well and I can’t wait to see it all come together.

When I posted one of the photos from our traditional engagement photo session on Instagram, the response I received for all of you guys wanting to attend was overwhelming. My family is tiny to begin with, not to mention, very unfamiliar with the culture – so I was fearful I’d have very few people there to support me. Believe it or not, I believe a Nigerian wedding is something everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. As crazy as this may sound, I feel like so many of my Instagram followers + B Werd readers have turned into close friends, and even some family and I truly would love to have you all there to not just celebrate with us, but to experience a one of a kind event. For those of you who would genuinely like to celebrate with us at the Traditional, please send me an email here so that I can provide you with specific details in regards to the traditional, along with sporadic emails on how you can be apart of our big day.

Whether you’d simply like to be a guest, or take it as far as purchasing our chosen fabric to create your own unique attire for the day of, we welcome those of you who want to attend. See y’all December 1st!