What do you get when you mix Nigerian and American customs with the 1920s? A gorgeous vintage wedding rich in culture and glamour. Hermica and Seyi’s wedding is a testament to this unique blend. Black and gold decor added vintage luxury to the event space while white candles nested in glass vases created romance and elegance. Their big day payed homage to American fashion from the 1920s as well as Nigerian and American wedding traditions. From jumping the broom to spraying money on the newlyweds, it was a day filled with love and culture. Coterie member, Phoenix Forrester Events, planned this richly vintage inspired Nigerian American wedding.
Quick Facts
Favorite item on the menu: The cake! It was beautiful and absolutely delicious!
First dance song: That Girl by Justin Timberlake
Bridesmaids/Groomsmen Gifts: Floral Silk Robe, Personalized Tank top, Pearl earrings, and pearl bracelet for the bridesmaids. Flask/Cigar holder for the groomsmen
Bride: Hermica Alise’ Buckner
Groom: Aderibigbe Oluwaseyi Alalade
Wedding Location: Nashville, TN
What was your wedding dress style?
My dress was a Casablanca. I wanted to wear something unexpected. My dress was all lace with beautiful pearl beading and a subtle low backline. Thankfully I did not have a difficult time finding my dress and I received a wonderful deal on it in the process. I tried on several dresses for my mother and when I came out in it she immediately burst into tears. She sobbed that it was “the dress”. I also knew it was the one because it fit almost perfectly with no alterations and it just felt right.
What is your favorite memory of your wedding day?
I wanted to be very traditional and not see my husband AT ALL before the wedding ceremony. I was in the midst of getting ready in the host hotel before going over to the church and my photographer informs me that Seyi is coming down before he leaves to pray with me. I began to panic because I was worried he may see me accidently. They perfectly positioned us on opposite sides of a wall in the suite with our bridal party surrounding us. My husband held my hand and prayed the perfect prayer to wash away all of my worries and concerns about the day. And I was at peace and ready to become Mrs. Alalade!
How did you incorporate culture in your wedding?
My husband is Nigerian. After all of the American traditions were completed we changed into traditional clothing along with our bridal party. We danced the remainder of the night away to Nigerian music as our guests showered us with monetary gifts. All of my husband’s family dressed in traditional Nigerian lace and head ties. It was beautiful to see all of the colors!
What advice do you have for our brides-to-be?
I would tell the bride that Pinterest can become your best friend for pulling all of your thoughts together. Be as realistic and practical as you can. Yes, you only get married once in life but you have the remainder of your lives together beyond that day.
Congratulations to Hermica and Seyi on their beautiful day! We loved the elements of tradition and 1920s glamour.
Vendors
Photography/Videography – Frozen Exposure
Wedding Planner – Krystal Bonner, Phoenix Forrester Events
Wedding dress designer – Casablanca
Men’s Tuxedos – Mr. Suits, Chicago, Illinois
Hair – Alterenzeo Moore
Makeup – Megan Osborne
Ceremony location – First Baptist Church Capitol Hill, Nashville, Tennessee
Reception location – Rocketown, Nashville, Tennessee
Florist – Rhonda Patton Weddings and Events
Cake – Signature Cakes By Vicki
Stationery – Papered Wonders
Bar Services – VIP Bartending
Caterer – Experience Michael’s
Vintage Jaguar – Matchless Transportation
I just researched Afro-centric wedding traditions for a recent blog post and it’s exciting to read about them being practiced! I found that most of the customs come out of west Africa, specifically Ghana and Nigeria. It’s great that these two were able to have a ceremony honouring their different cultures and tied ancestry.