We were so thrilled to be involved in planning such a special cultural wedding ceremony. With attire and accessories flown in from Africa, and decorative elements that embraced the beautiful Nigerian landscape, this wedding provided a beautiful sense of home.
When Ifunanya and James envisioned their wedding day at the elegant Chateau Luxe in Phoenix, they sought to intertwine Ifunanya's rich Nigerian heritage with their shared American upbringing. As wedding planners, we delight in crafting such multicultural celebrations, where traditions blend seamlessly to reflect the unique backgrounds of each couple.
GETTING READY: BRINGING THE ENERGY AND THE FITCHECKS
The day kicked off with an electric energy as Ifunanya, James, and their wedding parties got ready for the events ahead. For the first part of the day, they wore traditional Nigerian attire that set the tone beautifully.
James wore a vibrant white outfit adorned with lion embroidery and accessorized with a bold red Igbo cap (also known as an okpu agu), symbolizing respect and tradition. His groomsmen coordinated in green outfits featuring intricate Ankara prints, paired with red caps and coral bead necklaces. Each of them carried chieftaincy hand fans, adding a unique touch of cultural pride to their look.
Ifunanya and her bridesmaids wore bold green and orange Ankara dresses, each uniquely tailored to show off their individual styles while staying cohesive as a group. Her coral bead necklaces and bracelets paired with her gold dress made her the center of attention. The bridal party’s accessories included horsetail whisks, a nod to traditional ceremonial symbols.
THE IGBANKWU: A CULTURAL CELEBRATION
The igbankwu was a beautiful and vibrant display of culture and tradition. The ceremony began with grand entrances—Ifunanya, James, their families, and their wedding parties made their way into the space with music and dancing that had everyone on their feet.
One of the most iconic moments of the igbankwu was the money spraying—an exciting and dynamic tradition where guests showered the bride with money as a blessing of prosperity and happiness. The energy was infectious as family and friends cheered and joined in the dancing. The groom also presented offerings to the bride's family, honoring cultural customs. The igbankwu ceremony ended with the cutting of an impressive calabash-shaped cake, crafted by Sugar Buzz Cakes, a creative nod to traditional Nigerian elements.
PRO TIP: Always check with your venue before bringing alcohol on property! The groom included alcohol in his offering to the bride's family which was problematic because the venue had a strict rule against outside alcohol on-site. Luckily, I was able to appease the venue coordinators by promising them it would not be opened and instructing the father of the bride to put it in his car right after the ceremony.
THE CEREMONY: A CLASSIC "WHITE WEDDING"
Transitioning to the "white wedding" on the lawn, the couple and their parties changed into modern Western attire. James looking dapper in a classic black and white tuxedo, and Ifunanya beaming in a modern white gown.
The ceremony was just as beautiful as the couple looked, and even James couldn't hold back a tear as his bride walked down the aisle.
THE RECEPTION: DRIPPING IN OUTFIT CHANGES
For the reception, Ifunanya and James excited guests with another stunning outfit change into traditional formal Nigerian attire. Ifunanya’s bridal party wore vibrant orange gowns in varying yet cohesive styles, adorned with intricate details, paired with beautifully styled geles. Ifunanya wore a shimmering brown ensemble adorned with delicate embellishments, paired with a feathered fan in warm, rich tones.
James complemented her beautifully in a rich chocolate agbada, a ceremonial robe embroidered with intricate patterns. His look was accented with coral beads around his neck and wrists, reflecting his cultural pride and significance as the groom. The groomsmen coordinated in tailored green outfits, accented with red caps and coral beads.
Geles are intricately tied headpieces that frame each woman’s face like a crown, exuding confidence and pride. If you're not familiar with the custom, you may think this is a simple headpiece that is easily placed on top of the head, however, the process is much more complex. The gele starts as a flat piece of material that is skillfully folded and pinned, layer by layer, taking over half an hour to complete.
The precision it takes to achieve the perfect folds and angles is no small feat, requiring an expert hand to achieve the perfect angles and secure it in place, ensuring it remains comfortable yet stunning all day.
The reception kicked off with an unforgettable grand entrance. Ifunanya, James, their wedding parties, and their families danced their way into the room in a lively procession that had everyone cheering. It was a moment filled with joy and energy, perfectly setting the tone for the rest of the evening.
The reception was packed with fun traditions, both Nigerian and Western, like more money spraying, a celebratory song, and the crowd-pleasing garter removal. The couple ended the night in modern evening attire, ensuring comfort for a night filled with dancing and celebration.
Ifunanya and James’s wedding day was a true testament to the beauty of blending cultures and honoring traditions while making it uniquely their own. We couldn’t be more thrilled to have been part of their journey and to have helped bring their incredible vision to life.
Photographer: Idara Ekpoh | Planner & Designer: Gardenia Weddings | Calabash Cake: Sugar Buzz Cakes | Catering & Bar: Chateau Luxe Event Venue | Venue: Chateau Luxe Event Venue | Florals: Desert Bloom Florals | Rentals: Material Girls Weddings | Officiant: Vow Soiree | Videographer: Something Special Cinema
WRITTEN BY: Krystal Gardenia, Gardenia Weddings
