A Breezy, Beachside Bash, Fused Flawlessly With Nigerian Wedding Traditions
Bride & Groom: Kristen & Donald
Wedding Date: April 16, 2016
Venue: Wild Dunes Resort in Isle of Palms, SC
Number of guests: 175-200
There’s a reason we love covering weddings on Apartment Therapy: When you do them right, weddings can reflect so much about you (just like a home). They’re a reflection of your style and taste, but also—perhaps more importantly—your family and your culture.
That’s why I’m thrilled to share this South Carolina wedding with you today. This beautiful couple, Kristen and Donald, decided that the celebration that honors bringing their two lives together should also be a massive fusion of influences. There’s the beachy vibe of their coastal Carolina venue, the romantic touches throughout the flowers and paper, Kristen’s old-Hollywood hair and lace dress and, of course, the worldly vibe of the way they capped the day off by changing into traditional Nigerian wedding clothes and dancing to Nigerian music—a nod to Donald’s heritage. (And yes, there were money sprays!)
Their talented photographer Reese Moore was there to capture it all, and Kristen was kind enough to share some more about their day with us at Apartment Therapy.
How did you meet?
Donald and I met through mutual friends at THE Ohio State University.
How would you describe your wedding style?
Casual by the Beach
What was totally “you” about your wedding?
Donald surprised me and did a dance to his favorite artist, Michael Jackson! Plus, with my husband being Nigerian, we made sure to get some Nigerian culture involved and we changed our outfits to a Nigerian wedding outfit and danced to Nigerian songs the second half of the reception.
Biggest challenge:
The biggest challenge was getting the weather to cooperate with our wedding day. The original plan was to have our ceremony on the sand, but due to high winds, we had to have the ceremony on the Grand Pavilion. This ended up to be okay, because it was sunny and the ocean and beach was a great backdrop!
Proudest DIY:
Due to the fact that I’m the least artistic person in the family, my mother completed several DIY projects for the wedding which took an endless amount of time. I loved the picture frames she put together of us and also the memory corner which included pictures of both of our grandparents who have passed.
Most worthwhile splurge:
Although the venue was costly, Wild Dunes was a great worthwhile splurge to have our wedding. They accommodated us in every way possible and were always so willing to help. Not to mention, it’s a beautiful resort with so many places guests can stay!
Favorite detail:
Seeing the beach in the background of our ceremony.
Favorite memory of the day:
Spending the whole day with our closest friends and family.
What our guests said:
Our guests had said they had a great time and that it was a beautiful wedding!
Your best advice for anyone planning a wedding:
Don’t stress over the little things, and enjoy the day because it goes by in a blink of an eye!
Thank you, Kristen and Donald!
Vendors
- Photographer: Reese Moore Weddings
- Hair Stylist:Amy Henderson
- Cinema and Video: Fig Jam Studio
- Floral Designer: Justin Wham
- Lighting: Justin Wham
- Musicians: Little City Musical Theatre Company
- Makeup Artist: Makeup by Tatum
- Dress Designer: Paloma Blanca
- Event Planner: Party.Love.Birds
- DJ: Pinnacle Charleston
- Bridesmaid Dresses: The Peppy Studio
- Event Venue & Caterer: Wild Dunes Resort
- Cake Designer: WildFlour Pastry
Submitted via Two Bright Lights