I am so excited to post these pictures! Kristin and Efosa’s wedding is one that I couldn’t wait to photograph. if you haven’t been following this blog, I’ll catch you up. Every year i give wedding photography away for free for a cause that I feel is worth spreading. The idea for this year’s wedding was one that was multi-cultural. Every single culture around the entire world celebrates a version of the marriage ceremony; it is a ritual that unites all of us regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, or heritage. So many deserving applicants wrote in, but one that truly stood out was Kristin and Efosa’s story. you can read all about their amazing story here: http://www.kissingtree.org/2011/01/09/winner-giving-back-wedding-photography-kristin-and-efosa/ Not only was I excited to photograph a traditional Nigerian wedding, but so happy that i was going to be able to give back to people who give so much of their lives to others.  Not only was i excited to photograph the Nigerian aspects of it, but also loved the fact that this would be a wedding that spanned continents, ethnicities, and cultures.

Kristin and Fos started their day off in Western Clothes to do their ‘first look’ before the ceremony.  Kristin got ready at Carenza with her mom, sister, and friend.  When i got there she came bearing gifts… Efosa’s mother had brought me Nigerian statues, jewelry, and clothing (for both me and my husband!) all the way from Nigeria.  needless to say, i was more than rtouched and completely caught off guard.  Isnt the bride and groom the ones who are supposed to receive gifts on their wedding day?

We ventured over to the hotel where Fos’s family were getting ready and tying their wraps which i believe are called Gele.  it was really incredible- the fabric is stiff, like wrapping paper. only it doesn’t tear, and can be formed into amazing sculptural headdresses.  Efosa’s mother, mary, pictured below, tied all the Gele for the girls.

back at Kristin’s house,  i discovered this little rock on the dresser by her dress.  It was so peaceful there, sitting on that dresser all alone, quietly saying exactly the word i had been thinking all day.

Group prayer at Cuvee before the ceremony… i just love this picture.

And Kristin’s mom… i just feel in love with her whole family!  both of these families were just incredible and so welcoming.

I think it will be best if I describe the ceremony from Efosa’s words:

When guests arrive, they sit anywhere they please as it is a very relaxed environment.  They can help themselves to some drinks and h’odeuvres. The ceremony begins with the groom’s family dancing into the room (without the groom) to Nigerian music in traditional clothing. Once they arrive in the front of the room, they ask the bride’s family if they can “come in”. They explain that their son has been searching all his life and he has found the most amazing, beautiful, wonderful woman in the world and that they have come to ask for her hand in marriage. The bride’s family lets the groom’s family in and they take their seats.

The ceremony was actually quite funny, there were definitely some humorous points to it that made us all laugh out loud.  When Efosa’s family was outside the doors, the officiant said: “hmmm, i hear a knocking at the door… i wonder who it could be?”   she peaked her head out and then said “hmmm.  it’s Efosa’s family.  should we let them in?”

it was like watching a play take place!

so the grooms family is let in, and kristin’s family declares that they want to have a look at this kid who is interested in their daughter.  so in dances Fos and his friends.

If Kristin’s family accepts him, he’ll go change into Kristin’s family’s traditional cultural wear (in this case, a tuxedo) as a show of acceptance into the family.

Then, it’s kristin’s turn.  she dances in with her girlfriends, and if Efosa’s family accepts her, then they are prayed for by both families.  There are some pretty unique attributes to the ceremony, like the groom laying prostrate on the ground in front of both his family and bride’s family as a show of respect.  it was pretty amazing to see all these grown men lying on the floor in front of their elders. Gifts are given to the bride’s family, and to the couple.

Once kristin is accepted as part of Efosa’s family, then they both go change into the traditional attire of the groom’s family.  and dance in together, as husband and wife.

I’ll be posting the second half of the ceremony and the reception in my next post in part 2 of this incredible wedding!