Ogechi Ibe and Ike Anyaoku (CEO of Arisonore) met at a wedding, and three years later they were planning one of their own. Ike proposed to Ogechi during a visit to the breathtaking Niagara Falls, Canada. “He got a beautiful hotel overlooking Niagara Falls during the season of their Festival of Lights,” says Ogechi. While Ogechi was lying down at the hotel, Ike snuck downstairs to set the romantic scene for his proposal. When he called Ogechi downstairs, she walked into a dimly lit room illuminated with candles, and in front of her was Ike on one knee.
The gorgeous couple wanted a wedding that exuded modern elegance. Their color palate of white, cream, gold and champagne set a sophisticated and chic mood. The decor was truly stunning, with no detail overlooked. “Having run a premier event production company Afrisonore, I could appreciate the attention to detail,” recalls Ike. Ogechi stunned in her luxurious Pnina Tornai gown. However, in the midst of all of the modern allure of their wedding, the couple still took time to celebrate their Nigerian heritage by changing into traditional Nigerian attire for their second outfit, and by having the people of Ohafia, members of the bride’s village, to do a special dance during the reception. Ogechi and Ike’s wedding was a perfect fusion of the importance of looking forward to the future, while honoring the past, and Lulu Lopez Photography captured every sentimental moment perfectly planned by Dure Events.
This wedding was featured in the Fall/Winter 2013 Edition and has also been shared with our partners at Ebony.com.
- Bride: Ogechi Ibe- Student
- Groom: Ike Anyaoku- Management and Image Consultant
- Wedding Date: 05/11/2013
- Wedding Venue: The Belltower on 34th Houston, Texas
Description of Event
The planning process for me was not difficult. I had a pretty good idea of what I did and did not want even though what I wanted seemed to evolve throughout the process. I think the most difficult part was planning a wedding that was taking place in Houston, Tx from Washington, DC. Luckily I had a wonderful wedding planner who listened to everything I wanted and helped guide me in the right direction. My mom also helped out a great deal but there were logistical challenges there as well since she lives out of the country.
Wedding Style
Our style was modern elegance with a simple color palette of white/cream, gold and champagne. Shopping for my dress was not a stressful event. I only took my mom and my maid of honor for the initial trip and already knew the type of dress I wanted. Even though I found exactly what I had been looking for the first day, for some reason I didn’t feel the way I thought I should and didn’t leave with the dress that evening. After talking it over with my mom all night, I finally decided that it was the dress that I wanted with all the elements I was looking for, so we went back the next morning and got it! It was a Pnina Tornai mermaid dress from Kleinfeld Bridal in New York. My advice to brides-to-be would be to stay true to yourself because you know yourself best. When shopping for your dress, only take 1 or 2 people with you that you know have your best interest at heart at all times.
Incorporation of Culture
Both of us are Nigerian so culture is very important. We both wore traditional attire for our second outfit. We also had the people of Ohafia (brides village) do a special dance during the party.
Most Memorable Moment
Standing at the top of the stairs and watching the doors open to see all my guests waiting for me to walk down the isle.
Loving You is Easy
What He loves… Her intensity.
What She loves … He makes me laugh everyday.
Click here to view more images in the full wedding gallery.
Vendors
- Photography: Lulu Lopez Photography; www.lululopez.com
- Videography: 31 Films; www.31films.com
- Wedding Planner: Chioma Nwogu of Dure Events
- Wedding Dress Designer: Pnina Tornai
- Wedding Dress Salon: Kleinfeld Bridal; www.kleinfeldbridal.com
- Bridesmaids Dresses: Da Vinci Bridesmaids Dresses and Gowns; www.davincibridal.com
- Hair/Makeup: Lyzadora Beauty Consultants: http://lyzadora.carbonmade.com/
- Shoes: Badgley Mischka; www.badgleymischka.com
- Ceremony and Reception Location: The Belltower on 34th; www.thebelltoweron34th.com
- Florist: Keisha Ervin of Keisha’s Kreations; www.keishaskreations.com
- Cake: Who Made The Cake; www.whomadethecake.com/
- Stationery: Vivian Jade; www.vivianjade.com/ and Oda Creative; www.odacreative.com/
- Event Designer: Dure Events
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