Dreams Come True: Picturesque Wedding in Maryland

Love is patient and is absolutely kind. For Vivian and Odinaka, all it took was time and endurance.

Set up by her brother-in-law, Vivian found it in her heart to take a chance on something she always wanted but never went after. Inspired by his intelligence and overall cast-spelling good lucks and charm, she was finally swept away by the man of her dreams. Settling in the journey of marriage may have been long-awaited, but the two knew they were meant to be. Odinaka may be the man she dreamt of but, she was the woman he was sent for.

Take a look at this stunning Maryland ceremony planned by MunaLuchi Coterie Member, ViviD Experience, and featuring stationery and dress design by MunaLuchi Coterie members Oda Creative and Brides by Nona.

Bride & Groom: Vivian & Odinakachukwu
Occupations: Health Consultant & Nurse
Wedding date: October 6, 2018
Wedding Venue: Julia Bindeman Suburban Center

Tell us how you met. Being family-oriented, I often hang out around my sister’s house. One day my brother-in-law pulls me aside and begins to ask if I am single or taken. I informed him I am “playing the field”; we women know what that means. Basically, I am single until someone is serious and puts a ring on it. The older I got, my Nigerian family often pushed for marriage. It is a blessing, but no means to an end! I digress, my brother-in-law, Emeka continued to press me. He asked if he introduced me to a young man who is humble, would I be interested in getting to know him. They’re always trying to introduce somebody. However, this time I was surprised it was my brother-in-law playing matchmaker since he never wants to be involved. I figured Emeka most really like this guy. I told him I’d see and that I couldn’t make any promises.

Weeks pass and Emeka invites me to lunch, and I must admit, I was looking super COMFORTABLE. I was dressed down but didn’t mind because I wasn’t trying to impress anyone and it was just lunch. On the way, Emeka pulls over and picks up a “friend,” who happened to be jogging, because as he put it, he wanted to get a workout by walking to lunch. His friend greets me, “Hi, I am Odinakachukwu.” Unable to see him because of his dark hoodie, I did not turn back I just said, “Hi.” When we arrived, he came around and opened my door, and I looked up at him like, wow this guy is handsome! It was a small intimate setting with only a few people there. Before you know, it was just he and I talking. We started discussing more on our backgrounds and growing up Nigerian, and we learned a lot about each other. Later, the room for some odd reason became hot, Odinaka stands up and takes off his hoodie, in my head, I’m like, WHOA! I had an event that night so when I realized time slipped away, I asked if it was okay to exchange numbers. We did immediately and that night he texts me to check-in. Initially, I was skeptical, but I took a chance. Now years later, here we are!

Tell us about the proposal. I was doing flowers for a photoshoot and the male model backed out the night before, so I asked Odinaka to stand-in. These are things you have to do when you are with an industry person. Frustrated that the shoot ran overtime, we left rather quickly, since we had to go to his “friends” house for a get-together. I didn’t want to go but he seemed so determined so I found the energy and off we went. When we pulled up I recognized a few cars and asked him what was happening. He didn’t respond, and as we entered the house, there were cameras and rose petals everywhere with everyone watching. Like most Nigerian men, he gave this LONG speech. Finally, he got on one knee and proposed. All I could shout after I said yes was, “Why didn’t you all allow me to get my hair and nails done first?”

How did you know they were “the one”? Odinaka is my biggest fan, my friend, my biggest critique, my shoulder to cry and laugh on. In this marriage journey, I would not have wanted to do it with any other person. God had a divine plan when he brought us together. Odinaka was the one He kept for me until it was our time. In his silence, he speaks volumes, he is humble, intelligent, generous, and so loving. He loves my friends and family as his own and his family welcomed me as their own as well. It has been such a blessing growing with him and becoming a better version of myself.

What was wedding shopping like for you? It was a nightmare. When you are in the industry and your creative mind wanders because the options are never-ending, the ideas often transform in your head.

Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding? We are both Nigerian, so adding our culture meant everything.

What is your best memory from your wedding? There were plenty!. When he first saw me and said, “I didn’t realize you could become even more beautiful than you already are.” Then, my bridesmaids cried as I walked down the aisle. And my groom kissed my ring all night.

Wedding Party Gifts: We gave specialized gift bags, wine glasses, umbrellas, beer holders, fans, and pens.

Favorite Menu Item: Cocktail Hour food by Chops by Rera; We were so hungry after the ceremony!

First dance song: “I Found Love” by Bebe Winans

What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? Take your time; weddings can be costly. Make it everything you want and don’t allow others to sway your decisions. Remember to invest in the memories and you will never forget them!