We love when our couples incorporate their culture into their weddings, and Shayna and Emerson did just that.
Shayna is both Nigerian and African American, and Emerson is Latino and African American. They decided to have a multicultural wedding celebrating Shayna’s Nigerian roots and their African American roots by having two ceremonies on the same day.
Their wedding was a beautiful union celebrating their vibrant heritage, family, and love. Read about their military love story and charming proposal, and see all of their gorgeous wedding photos below.
- Groom & Bride: Emerson & Shayna
- Occupations: Military
- Wedding Date: May 24, 2019
- Venue: Rockfield Manor, Bel Air
Quick Facts
- Wedding theme: Nigerian/American Wedding
- Favorite item on the menu: Crabcake balls
- Wedding cake flavors: Vanilla
- Bridesmaids/Groomsmen gifts: Bridesmaids – Necklaces; Groomsmen – Pocket watches
- First dance song: “All of Me” by John Legend
The Proposal
We met through mutual friends on a party bus while we were stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii. Three years later, my husband proposed to me in front of the Baltimore Harbor. He had brought his sister along, and she was randomly filming us. I had no idea what was going on. All of a sudden he got down on one knee and started reading a proposal. I was so surprised!
Incorporation of Culture
Yes, my father is Nigerian so we made sure to mix in a very light version of an Ibo traditional wedding (normally they can go on for 3 days). We had the traditional wedding first where I wore the traditional outfit, my female family members and I did a bridal entrance dance. My husband paid a bride price for me (we ended up using the money to pay for the wedding). Most people enjoyed the Nigerian part of the wedding a lot more than the traditional American one because it’s not what they normally see.
Wedding Style
I wore a corseted mermaid dress from David’s bridal on sale for less than $800. I think my favorite wedding accessory was my wedding ring lol.
Best Wedding Memory
Hearing my husband say his vows to me.
Wedding Advice
If you’re not going to have a wedding planner, make sure to designate someone that you trust to be the person people can call and ask questions, and make sure they know to not bother the bride.
Vendors
- Photography: 95images
- Venue: Rockfield Manor
- Catering: Lib’s Grill
- Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazies
- Makeup Artist: BookofGlamStories
- Hair Stylist – Akpan Artistry
