A while back, I was drooling over the Princeton engagement photo shoot by Vendor J’Adore Fave: Onada Photography. Well, as promised, I’m excited to feature more of Onada’s work, in today’s Nigerian/German fusion wedding. It’s cheery, it’s charming…it’s what great memories are made of.
Setting: New Jersey Waterfront.
Heroine & Hero: Ndidi, a stylish bride originally from Southeast Nigeria and her Bavarian Groom – Gunnar (of German descent).
Scene 1: A splash of Yellow, Chanel and Mint Green.
(Above: Bridal Gown by Maggie Sottero, Shoes by Caparros by DSW)
Scene 2: Wedding Aisle March
This is really a follow up ceremony to their traditional wedding in the bride’s home country of Nigeria. However, I love that how they found ways to incorporate heritage and custom into a modern yellow affair…
(Above: Ceremony at St. James Episcopal Church)
…By incorporating classic German compositions, as well as Nigerian Praise songs, every one of their guests was able to feel at home.
Germany Wedding Tradition Idea:
Ndidi and Gunnar incorporated a wonderful Bavarian tradition called the Baumstamm Sägen (which means “Log Sawing”) right after the church ceremony. Typically, when the couple exits the church there is a log on a sawhorse that the couple has to cut in half. The act of joining forces to saw the log in half (which may vary in size) symbolizes the first tough task of their life as husband and wife, that they can accomplish together. Ndidi did not hesitate to add that their sweat and triumph endured in spite of how much amusement they provided the guests. For other ideas on German wedding traditions, visit here.
Scene 3: Yellow is always Personal…even in Receptions.
There’s something about yellow that not only brightens up the day, but makes everything seem so much cleaner. It can also provide an unexpected breathe of fresh air for locations that are loaded with history. “I picked the reception site based on the fact that it had a charming old feel to it with modern amenities for the guest (and has a a lot of local history attached to it as well).” Ndidi said. ” I also liked the fact that I could bring my own caterer in because at that time, I wasn’t sure about the type of menu I wanted. They also had a nice terrace for guests to sit for the cocktail hour and had windows all around the reception room so a lot of natural light came into the room as well.”
(Above: Floral arrangements by Peter Born; Catering from Catering by Christine; Event Manager – Suzanne at the Reception, Women’s Club of Glen Ridge; Traditional attire from Phunk Afrique)
Nigerian Wedding Tradition Idea:
I’ve talked about this before, as it’s come up in other weddings we’ve featured, but Kola nut is a prized and symbolic entity among many West African ceremonies (including my own wedding). In Ndidi’s native language, this age old custom of blessings and prayers to one’s ancestors is called Iwa Oji which means “to break kola nut.”
“It is a sign of goodwill to share it with a spicy peanut paste with guests” Ndidi says, “My aunt of course brought Jif peanut butter.” I love this fact, because, it’s quite common and normal for the modern bride to be flexible and adapt to her surroundings. Spicy peanut paste isn’t necessarily sold at Whole Foods :-).
For a friendly reminder on Kola nut tradition read here. Or you can check out Rene and Uche’s Jewish/Nigerian wedding featured a while back, for more visuals.
(All Images by © Onada Photography)
“Remember, there are two of you, not one person. Find things that are practical depending on what you desire and try not to let one culture totally overshadow the other. This was key for me because it’s easy to get into the trap of trying to please family, but this is about you and your husband. We had fun and celebrated our differences. It was beautiful for me to see our families having a blast, regardless of culture/color. A true blessing.”
- Ndidi, the Bride-
A huge congratulations to N & G on tying the knot, or rather – sawing the log. Thanks again to Onada for providing the photographs.
Spicyhugs,
Fri
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
We just love seeing the couple reflected with their traditions and personal touches on their big day!
Thanks sooo much for the feature fri!
Ndidi is a true Igbo name. Congratulations to the beautiful couple on their wedding!
As a fellow Igbo woman engaged to a European man, this post and the pictures were truly beautiful and inspiring. I plan to incorporate the breaking of the Kola Nut into our ceremony too. Ndidi’s traditional dress was gorgeous!
Hi Chi, congrats on your engagement. I hope your wedding plans are coming along well. Misty, I love you comment. I also know a few Cameroonian Ndidi’s…i’m curious as to what the origin of that name is:-) Will have to look that up.
This post reminds me of a former Nigerian-American fusion wedding I coordinated. Same colors & yes the Kola Nut Ceremony was a treasured tradition that I’m glad I got to experience. Thanks for bringing back good memories with this beautiful wedding.
Beautiful couple and they look so good together. God bless you, stay strong and enjoy being together!!!
I love the bride’s outfits.
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