Aristide Events Center
Now that Olivia's wedding has past, I can show off her lovely bridal session! Enjoy how she rocked out her fabulous Terry Costa gown.
Olivia's smile is absolutely contagious!
This is the photo Olivia chose to display at her wedding. It looked gorgeous as a 20x30 framed print!
Charlene and Rodney, I have to smile thinking about your wedding day. Photographing the beginning of your life together as Mr. and Mrs. was my joy and delight! Your love for each other, your friends, and family filled the day to overflowing.
Even when the rain started to sprinkle during the ceremony, you smiled at each other as if to say; we'll get through this.
And you did.
I know that you will do the same in your married life together.
Smile, hold hands, and get through it together.
Enjoy the photos from Charlene and Rodney's special day!
Are Charlene's purple Badgley Mischka's not amazing?
Robin with DiFiori did a wonderful job on all the floral details!
This just might be my most favorite ring bearer's box ever!
Got swag? Why yes, yes they do.
Charlene, you are so very beautiful!
Patrice Hinton of Faces by Trice kept Charlene's face glowing, and Ashley Bistro with Salon Twenty Two styled Charlene's gorgeous hair to perfection!
Rock that Vera Wang Dress!
I may or may not have clapped and cheered when I found out Charlene would be wearing a birdcage veil.
The rain forced us inside for bridal party photos, but I'm thinking that wasn't such a bad thing! 
In addition to doing a fabulous job of ensuring the day's events ran smoothly, Ebony also made the bling stand the cake was on!
The A&K Photobooth was hopping all night long!
Charlene & Rodney ended the night with New Orleans style 2nd line dancing. This photo of them is one of my favorites. Two people in love, having fun, celebrating life! Go on you two!
Many many thanks to the amazing team of professionals that ensured Charlene and Rodney's day was such a wonderful success!
Ebony Peoples Events and Design // Wedding Planner
Sugar Bee Sweets // Cake
DiFiori Floral Decor Services // Florals
Faces by Trice // Make-up Artist
Ashley Bistro // Hair Stylist
Marc Roberts // Videography
Aristide Events Center // Venue
Jos A Bank // Mens Suits
Vera Wang for David's Bridal // Bridal Gown + Bridesmaid Dresses
A & K Photo Booths // Photo Booth
D J Ray // DJ
Art by Ellie // Stationery
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
