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!

All this talk of plastic surgery, dieting, wedding budgets…  our entire perception of beauty for a wedding has become so distorted, the wedding day has lost some of it’s true meaning.  we want to bring it back- and in full force! We’re offering a challenge- and knowing that you will rise to meet it.  One lucky bride will receive free wedding photography if she, and her entire wedding party, agree to wear no make-up on the wedding day.  no dieting for unhealthy reasons, no trying to fit into the right size dress, no plastic surgery, no chemically treated hair, no fake nails, no tanning (spray or booth).  just you, getting married, to the love of your life, just who you are- your truly beautiful self.  We  stand for a societal change in the way we perceive ourselves as women and humans, and our inner and outer beauty.  We’re looking for weddings with wedding parties who will not only agree to be natural and wear no make-up, but wedding days that reflect the same ideal- in any sense of the word. we truly believe you can have a grand affair while still being true to yourself, the earth, and your love.  send in your submissions and tell me about how you, your wedding party, and your wedding day will be all-natural,  and why you deserve to have free wedding photography.

We’re looking forward to reading all your submissions! send them to lexia@sugarleafphotography.com subject title ‘True Beauty”

fine print: travel costs not included, package value 3,500.00, wedding must take place between january 1, 2012 and december 31, 2012. you must be legally getting married and not renewing vows or any other type of ceremony, and date of marriage is subject to availability. we have the right to refuse submissions for any reason. submissions close december 1, 2011

surprise! ok… i couldn’t just pick ONE.  i couldn’t stand it! we fell in love with Paola and Ryan and we’ve decided to create a little special spot for them in our Giving Back Wedding Photography as Runner up, winning wedding photography at 50% off!   When Paola first wrote in to us, she wasn’t even engaged- but with good reason.  she’s 100% columbian, born and raised in Bogota.  she happened to fall madly in love with Ryan (born and raised in the states!)  while living here, but he insisted on meeting her parents and asking them for her hand in marriage in person before they officially became ‘official’.   they just got engaged TWO nights ago, and we are so happy and excited for them!  They were hoping for a wedding in the coffee region of columbia, but lawyers and visa applications and other legal and immigration stuff makes it quite difficult to plan a marriage.  but, (just like we love!) paola and ryan know that it doesn’t really matter WHERE they get married- they just can’t wait to say their vows.  That being said- i absolutely HAVE to share with you some of the details they are planning for their wedding because it’s so incredible!

by now you’ve seen their inspiration board above- and how great is their color palette! They have impeccable taste!  here are just a couple of the details they are working on from Paola:

A lot, if not most, of our decor will be DIY projects – I am an artist and student in the process of opening an event design/coordination company, so this would be perfect practice to incorporate more of who we are, and our gratefulness for the people that have helped us get to that point. We want our wedding to be a symbol not only of our love for each other and God, but also a time to thank everyone for their impact on our lives.

Our theme will be “Story” as in the story of us, in a rustic/vintage way. We’re planning on doing our centerpieces with vintage books – accented with pops of flowers randomly arranged and some hourglasses- and inside of them, in a very stylish and creative way, incorporate pictures and stories of our lives up to the point of the wedding. After our wedding, it’lll be a good addition to our library of books we each already own, and a great reminder of where we both come from. Our ring bearer (Ryan’s nephew) will not carry a ring pillow, instead it’ll be a cute bundle of books that are put together with vintage-looking ribbons.

We wont be having our first dance the typical way. I will first dance with my dad, whom, in the middle of the song, will give me away to Ryan. Its a Colombian tradition. And then, we will have our first dance to our song. We will have both Spanish and American music to dance to.

My mom will be doing our wedding cake. She is a cake designer, and for as long as I can remember, that has been the one thing I’ve been 100% sure I want at my wedding.

We finally figured out what we want to do as our “unity ceremony.” Have you ever heard of a wine box? The idea is to have a box in which we will put a bottle of wine, two glasses (which I will engrave myself) and two sealed letters – we each write a letter to the other, expressing our love, what made us fall in love, our hopes for our future together, and our reason to commit to each other in marriage etc., we are not to read each other’s letter at all, but to seal them in two separate envelopes. During the ceremony, the letters, wine (and any additional items we may add, like pictures – its supposed to be sort of a time capsule) will be put in the box, and then locked. Its not to be opened until our 5th or 10th wedding anniversary, or if we run into a really really hard time in our marriage in which we need to be reminded where we both come from, why we love each other, and our commitment. There is a short message that the person marrying us will say during the wine box ceremony, explaining the purpose of it.

Also, we had thought of doing the “first look,” but we weren’t 100% sure. Until we read your blog. Now we know we are definitely doing it, so thank you!

we want to have snowballs as a snack sometime during the reception. There is an awesome snowball place near John’s pass, and part of our first date was there! They are amazing! Plus the couple that owns the place is super sweet, so we’re hoping we can bring them for a fun snack time!

Anyways, we have a lot of ideas, diy projects, and dreams of what our special day will be like. And we’re already in the process of turning these dreams into reality. But because of some complex timing situations we don’t have everything set in stone, however, we know this: The most important thing is that we’ll be marrying each other, and that our loved ones will be there to share this once in a lifetime event for us. We are so incredibly excited. It all seems so surreal!

of course, i have a soft spot in my heart for artists and DIY projects! we LOVE their vision of what they want their day to be like, and love how not only are they great design elements, but they are truly personal to both paola and ryan, celebrating their love.  i love her enthusiasm, making their day just what they want it to be, even through the trials and tribulations of not being able to have their ceremony in columbia for risk of having to start her Visa process all over again (a very long and expensive process!).

I can not wait to work with these two! i’m SOOOO looking forward to july!

ps- if you think that im done announcing big things… you’re very wrong!  i’m so secretive! we have some big announcements to make this month,  so stay tuned!

Congratulations Kristin and Efosa!

I am SO EXCITED to be photographing their wedding, i can hardly stand it.  We had so many deserving submissions, but when i came across Kristin’s letter, it honestly made my eyes well up.  So honest, from the heart, i feel like i already know both of them.  We were looking for a wedding that celebrated the inherent traditions of a different culture, because wedding ceremonies are unique in that they span all cultures in the world. what an amazing example of what truly unifies us, what makes us all the same- Love.  And what’s more, Kristin is caucasian born and raised in America. This union not only celebrates Nigeria’s cultures and traditions, but also the joining of two races, cultures, and families. I’ll be the first to admit that i have NO IDEA what to expect other than the amazing and so-helpful emails kristin and Fos have sent me explaining all the rites of passage, dances, and traditions (and thank you google images and youtube for giving me at least some sort of idea what a Nigerian Wedding will be like!).  but somehow i know that the fact that i am not so familiar with it will make it that much more vivid and real.  We set out on this mission to give back, to find a couple who’s personal story touched us just as much (if not more!) than what their wedding day was going to be like, what type of venue they were going to have, blah blah blah.  We should never forget that it is the union of two people and the celebration of love that is the most important thing on your wedding day, the rest of the details fall down the totem pole (even photography!).  We are so happy Kristin and Efosa found us and decided to submit their story, I’d love to share it with you all and  i think it best that she tell you herself!

Last year, I went and volunteered in Southern Sudan for a few months doing medical relief type of stuff, and when I got back, I went through quite a hard transition back to the american life.  I guess it was extreme culture shock to the united states.  I was at church one sunday at the youth group I have volunteer with when a really good friend of mine pointed Fos out to me. She said ” You should go to talk to that guy. He volunteered in africa this summer too, Im sure you two would have a lot to talk about it.”

I walked over to him and told him how I was in sudan, and had heard that he was doing some work over there too. That was all he needed to hear. He then talked for 45 wonderful minutes about his non-profit in Nigeria focused on reaching those in extreme poverty. In 3 short years they have partnered with 3 rural villages and brought micro-financing, clean water, and education to these villages. He  also talked about his love for Christ, and desire to serve him through serving the poor for the rest of his life.  I cannot tell you how wonderful it was to talk with him that night- and not just because we were talking about Africa, but I thoroughly enjoyed him- it was so clear that he was a man of integrity and living with so much love and passion.

After that conversation I called my mom and told her that I had met my husband that night and that I wanted her to write the date down so that I could prove it later..  The funny thing was though- that for Fos- He forgot my name later that day and again two weeks later when I saw him again:) Lets just say it took a few more weeks for him to think of the possibility of dating:)

We hung out just one more time before attending this conference at my home church in brookfield that brought together people from all over the world to talk about different humanatarian efforts they were involved with. My parents were there too, and Fos fell in love with them ( probably before he did me!!!) and it was at my church that he thought he could see us together forever. We effortlessly fell in love after that conference With countless dates, endless night of talking, and just pure enjoyment of each others presence.  He was someone that I immediately respected, who made me strive to be better and love more, and someone that I just loved being with.

For both of us, our families are extremely close and important in our lives, and we both knew that before we could get engaged I had to meet his parents and get approval:)  So this past summer I was able to go to Nigeria and meet his entire family. HIs parents, older sister and majority of his extended family live in Lagos, Nigeria. His older brother is married and lives in california, and his younger sister is at school in north carolina. While in Nigeria, we were also able to visit each of the villages that he is involved with. Fos met with the chiefs of the village and was able to set up some new projects that PSH (poverty stops here) is working on.  It was amazing to witness the impact on the people in the village by  Fos’ organization. I met so many young 13, 14 year old girls who one year ago had to walk for hours to fetch water each day, and not once, but usually 5-6 times!! Now, they have access to CLEAN water that is 5 minutes from their tukuls (huts). And their younger brothers and sisters, or children, are no longer sick, or dying. I cant truly put into words how proud I was at that moment to see my future husband loving the poorest of the poor with every piece of himself…

This september, Fos proposed. He had a whole weekend planned following my first set of exams. On saturday, September 4th, we had plans to have dinner with my parents. We got in the car, and there was this box of letters for me.  He had written a letter for each month that we had been together and what we did in those months and the progression of our love for each other.  I was allowed to open one letter for every 4 miles.  As we got off the exit in brookfield, there was one month left, and he said that it would have to wait. When we got to brookfield, he told me he had to buy a book at my dad’s church, so we stopped in. After we bought the book, we were in the lobby and he just got down on one knee!!! I didnt know what he was doing, and was SO SURPRISED!! But he told me that he knew he was going to marry me when we were in that church together one year ago, and that He wanted our relationship to always be centered on Christ and serving Him as a couple.

SO. Now we are planning our Nigerian wedding:)  His parents and many of his extended family will be flying in from Nigeria within the month of the wedding. I CANT WAIT… they are just the most joyful, happy, outgoing, and fun-loving people.  It brings me so much peace to be around them.  They enjoy every minute of being alive and have such a great perspective on life and what a gift it is to be here.  I hope you get to meet them. They will be bringing with them my Nigerian wedding dress ( I will wear a white american dress for the beginning, and then when I am accepted into his family, will change into his Tribes traditional dresses, which are FYI BEAUTIFUL!!)  They also will bring over gifts to present to my family as a dowry (nowadays the parents usually give it to the new couple).  Each present has a  cultural meaning and significance which will be explained at the wedding.

RIGHT?! i know! they are absolutely amazing! so, their wedding is weeks away (i can’t believe it!) so we’re going to be making quick travel plans to fly up to Milwaukee in march.  Also, i wanted to end this post with information about Efosa’s non-profit organization and what they do. check him out here: http://www.povertystopshere.org/

Poverty Stops Here partners with local charity organizations that can help build essential infrastructure in the communities we are working with. With the help of these local organizations, PSH conducts baseline studies in order to understand the struggles, cultures, and systems in place in these communities. Armed with this knowledge, PSH and its partnering organizations provide financial and technical assistance that help address basic necessities in the community. PSH then focuses on granting loans to people in these communities giving them the chance to pull themselves out of their economic situation. This not only allows recipients to become self sustainable, but encourages them to create opportunities for others. Investment Areas – Hand Pump Wells, Cassava Grinder, Microloans for small business enterprises, Child Sponsorship – (Education, Basic Health, and Food Security

Such an amazing company, and such an amazing couple. we feel so honored to be photographing their wedding!  stay tuned for more announcements for other winners!….