Temi and Ellis’ Nigerian wedding ceremony, steeped in cultural richness, showcases how two worlds came together to honor love. The couple’s journey began through the modern convenience of a dating app. But as Ellis shares, the real magic began when they met in person: “From the moment I saw her and heard her voice, I just knew that she would be the one I would end up marrying.”
Their relationship wasn’t without its twists. After meeting online while Temi was at university in the Midlands, UK, the couple initially planned to meet in person but had to delay their first date. Months later, they picked up where they left off. “Our first date consisted of pizza and watching a movie on a beaten-up laptop,” Temi remembers fondly. Despite the delay, both knew early on that they were meant to be together. “I knew from that very first night that Ellis was someone with whom I could have a wonderful future.” Seven years later, they said “I do” in a heartfelt celebration rooted in culture and meaning—one they’ll always remember.
What We Love About This Nigerian Wedding
- Stunning royal blue and emerald green Aso-Oke (traditional Nigerian fabric) for the ceremony and reception
- A three-tiered, three-flavored wedding cake made by Temi herself as a tribute to her father
- A memorable Nigerian traditional ceremony where Ellis learned Yoruba phrases and performed a dance routine with the groomsmen
- A heartfelt tribute to Temi’s late father, with a reserved seat, heart-shaped wreath, and photo charm added to her bouquet
Featured Vendor:
Nicole Lampraska Photography
Embracing Special Rituals and Honoring Loved Ones
One of the most memorable moments came during the traditional Nigerian ceremony when Ellis performed a dance with the groomsmen. “I had to entertain the guests and show respect for Temi’s culture.” The couple also made sure to honor Temi’s late father, with a beautiful seat reserved for him, complete with a heart-shaped wreath and personalized plaque. “It meant a lot to me to have him close to my heart.”
Another deeply meaningful moment came when Temi walked down the aisle and saw Ellis waiting for her. “The sun came through the clouds, and it felt like a divine moment.” Ellis, too, remembers the emotion of seeing Temi in her wedding dress. “I can honestly say it was the best day of my life, and I was relieved that everything went smoothly,” Ellis says, though Temi teases that there may be a few photos of him with watery eyes.
Bringing Cultures Together Through Wedding Fashion
When it came to planning their wedding, the couple set out to combine the best of both worlds. “The vibe we wanted for our wedding was a little unconventional. We wanted the color scheme to be bright pops of color and a white party vibe for our guests.” Their florals, designed in shades of pink, purple, and orange, perfectly complemented their vision. The couple wanted to embrace their cultural roots while putting their own spin on the celebration.
Temi and Ellis embraced traditional Nigerian clothing on their wedding day. “We had three outfit changes. We wore royal blue Aso-Oke for the traditional ceremony, a wedding dress and suit for the ceremony, and emerald green Aso-Oke for the reception.” Their bridal party matched in olive green, tying everything together beautifully. “I wasn’t sure what the traditional outfits looked like until a few weeks before because my MIL picked them out, but everyone said I looked like a typical Nigerian groom,” Ellis says with a laugh.
Building a Team They Can Trust For Their Nigerian Wedding Day
The couple understood the importance of choosing vendors who aligned with their vision for the day. “We were looking for people who understood our vision, were polite, punctual, and had a good aura about them.” Junebug vendor Nicole Lamparska Photography, one of their key vendors, captured the beauty and joy of their wedding. Their choice to rely on a strong, communicative pro team ensured that their wedding day unfolded without a hitch.
Homemade Cake to Nonstop Dancing: Temi and Ellis’s Recipe for an Unforgettable Reception
As the formal ceremony ended, the reception became a celebration of joy, energy, and dancing. The couple was determined to keep the focus on the dance floor, where guests could fully let loose. . “The energy of the day was amazing. We were so excited, we could barely eat anything!” Guests enjoyed dancing to classic tracks like “Candy” by Cameo, while Temi also revealed her special secret—she had baked the wedding cake herself! “It felt like I was presenting a gift to my husband. And my dad, a passionate baker, had always wanted to make my wedding cake. It turned out beautifully, and I was so proud.”
Essential Tips for a Stress-Free Wedding Day
Looking back on their wedding day, Temi and Ellis have a few key pieces of advice for other couples. “Enjoy every moment of the planning process. All your hard work will lead up to this big day, and you might not even remember some of the details because the endorphins are so high! If you can, have someone outside your bridal party checking in on you to make sure you’re eating and drinking. Your bridal party is usually busy with their own duties.”
In the end, Temi and Ellis’ wedding was not only a celebration of their love but also a beautiful blend of family, culture, and tradition. The vibrant energy, meaningful moments, and cultural fusion created a wedding day they’ll cherish forever.
The Wedding Team:
Photography – Nicole Lamparska
Venue – Braxted Park
Floral Design – Tubes Floral
Decorator – Luxe Decor Events
Catering – Classik Catering
Drinks Service – Taifa Cocktails
DJ – DJ Sean Music
MC – Mr Tandoh
Makeup Artist – Slayed By Miks
Hair Styling – London Hair Creative
Bridal Gift Wrapping – Eru Iyawo By Ashabi
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