Aminatu was confused when she met Willis six years ago at her matron of honor’s pre-wedding party, although they were both close with the bride and groom their paths had never crossed. After chatting at the party, they exchanged numbers and she was presently surprised when he called to make sure she got home safely. They began dating and four years later, he proposed to her on Christmas in front of her family and friends. The couple wanted to incorporate their diverse backgrounds into the wedding, she’s Ghanaian with Muslim parents and he’s Cameroonian with Christian parents; although their ceremony was long, she was happy they were able to highlight both of their cultures. Their wedding planner Cereatha Owens-Fontanez did an amazing job putting together a beautiful multicultural wedding with numerous elements and the photographer Evie Perez captured the weddings precious moments.
Quick Facts
- Wedding Date: 11/16/2013
- Wedding Location: Ceremony: Sugarloaf United Methodist Church (Duluth, GA) and Reception: KTN Ballroom (Duluth, GA)
- Wedding Theme: My design inspiration was rich colors (purples, reds pinks) and tons of bling…!
- Color Scheme: Pinks, reds, and purples
- Wedding Flowers: Pink, red and purple roses and Peruvian lilies…there were a few fillers as well i.e. silver dried willow and baby’s breath.
- First Dance Song: “Best of Me” by Tyrese
- Wedding Cake Flavors: Wedding cake: Red velvet with white chocolate mousse filling; Groom’s Cake: Chocolate with chocolate ganache.
- Wedding Menu Favorite: Ekwang (traditional Cameroonian dish made with cocoyam wrapped with leafy greens and cooked with your choice of meat and/or fish).
- Bridesmaids Gifts: Monogrammed satin robes, blinged flip-flops, earring/bracelets sets and personalized hangers.
- Groomsmen Gifts: Personalized T-shirts, cigars, ties and personalized money clips.
Wedding Style
My wedding dress was a strapless, sweetheart mermaid gown with a full bottom, it was a soft white-ivory gown with buttons running down the dipped back with a bow to top it all off. As for my favorite wedding accessory that would have to my fascinator/birdcage headpiece, it added a bit flare to my entire get-up…!
Incorporation of Culture
I am from Ghana, West Africa and my husband is from Cameroon, West Africa. Both of us are Christian; however, my parents are Muslim and his parents are Christian and we were able to incorporate every bit of our family’s cultures and religions into our big day. Maybe that’s why our ceremony was 3 hours long…hahaha! We even did a wardrobe change during the reception into traditional African attire.
Most Memorable Moment
My best memory from our wedding would have to be my husband tearing up as I came down the aisle.
Wedding Advice
My best advice would be to start planning early and completely pay off your vendors at least 2 months before the wedding day.
Vendors
- Hair: Dedra Allen (Jdoah Salon) Sabrina – (Platinum Runway Hair Studio)
- Makeup: Erin Akuamoah
- Ceremony Location: Sugarloaf United Methodist Church (Duluth, GA)
- Reception Location: KTN Ballroom (Duluth, GA)
- Photographer: Evie Perez
- Videographer: Jason Glasgow
- DJ: Derrick (DJ Inturn)
- Wedding Planner: Cereatha Owens-Fontanez
- Caterer: Bernice Amoako (Ghanaian Caterer)
- Florist: Bonnie Hall
- Cake: Aimee Brewer
- Stationary: Rachelle Jones
Mismatched Bridesmaid dresses are a huge trend right now, and we LOVE it! Your girls have different personalities, body types and styles and mismatched dressed allow them to feel confident and comfortable while looking beautiful in a dress that fits their style! You can find all kinds of bridesmaid dresses from idress.co.nz.
“It was an absolute pleasure and honor working with Aminatu and Willis to create their invitations! You both looked amazing on your wedding day!” -Rachelle Jones
I love everything about this wedding. The gown, colors, simple cake, silver jewelry…WOW