event memorable. Moji Gbadamosi’s Culinary Wok Catering were contracted to provide an array of sumptuous continental and local dishes for the esteemed guests while Sekinat Amala, experts at making the local Yoruba staple Amala, which is made from yam flour, were also recruited. Olugbuyi Ogunnaike’s Ice Box would serve ice-cold exotic drinks while Olayinka Williams’ Sweet Harriet got the family’s nod to supply cocktails and dessert. Samuel Ohio was charged with ensuring there was more than enough grilled fish and barbecue for the esteemed guests, with Emmanuel Ojo’s Larry Spice providing all kinds of tantalizing finger foods. For music, the highon-demand Sharp Band was contacted, led by Anesi Ivharue. Yewande Rwang-Dung’s Sara O Events’ expertise was trusted for the overall planning, coordination and delivery of the picture-perfect ceremony. A perfect venue was also chosen to host the ceremony-Landmark Events Centre in Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos. And so when D-day eventually arrived, it was as though a royal banquet had been planned and laid out to celebrate the couple’s union. The charming scenery illustrated the pleasurable moments that were in the offing. This colourful event was a fine display of cross-cultural love playing out like a well-rehearsed play which in line with Yoruba tradition, featured two coordinators who represented both families: the Alaga Ijoko (the sitting MC) for the bride’s family and the Alaga Iduro (the standing MC) for the groom’s family. The ambience inside the Landmark Event Centre was convivial. The upscale chandeliers were at full blast, the tables set for guests were decorated with flowers and glittering white table cloths while the couple’s gazebo stood out. The traditional attires donned by the guests added glamour to the event. The ceremony kicked off with an opening prayer by a joyous Deacon Samuel Olagbaye, who remarkably, also officiated during the bride, Gbemisola’s christening many years before. Immediately after the opening prayer, the bride’s family sat and awaited the arrival of the groom’s family. Gbemisola and Davide were absent at this point. The proud parents of the bride who sparkled in their special outfits were filled with immense joy. While the pretty mother of the bride wore a beaded orange sequence blouse on a royal purple silk George wrapper complete with an exquisite matching head gear, her calm and collected husband wore royal purple. Agbada, made of Aso Oke. Not a few wondered who the bride actually was between mother and daughter. It was not hard to see where Gbemi got her delectable looks from. When the Bertelottis eventually arrived at the venue, the Alaga Ijoko, in the company of women from the bride’s family, made for the entrance to welcome them warmly (Davide’s parents could not make the trip to Nigeria but they were well represented). In deference to the dictates of the bride’s Yoruba customs, the Bertelottis came bearing numerous gifts comprising varied items including yam tubers, baskets of fruits and several other items that constituted part of the bride price. After they were introduced, the groom’s family knelt and prostrated before the family of the bride. The two families then sat on opposite sides, while the Alagas stood in-between to coordinate proceedings. The Alaga Iduro presented a proposal letter brought by Davide’s family which stated their intentions to take Gbemisola’s hand in marriage, to the Alaga Ijoko who received it on behalf of the bride’s family. An acceptance letter which spelt out the bride’s family’s joy and willingness to give their daughter’s hand in marriage to Davide was read, according to tradition, by the bride’s younger sister, Abimbola, a Masters student at a London University after which she handed over the document to the groom’s family amidst cheers and applause from all present. Dashing Davide who looked splendid in his agbada attire was required to dance forward with some of his friends and to prostrate before his in-laws four separate times with both families stretching out their hands to pray for him on each occasion. It was all an unfamiliar territory for the Italian lover boy but it was one assignment he was very delighted to perform for the love of his life. Once Davide and friends had taken their seats, the gorgeous bride who shone like a zillion stars in a matching combination of champagne gold buba, (Blouse) and
a rich royal purple aso-oke wrapper, danced in, accompanied by fair ladies -friends and family. Her flawless makeup which was done by Banke Meshida-Lawal’s BM-Pro shone through. She knelt before her parents, who prayed for and blessed her. She then took off her veil and joined her Prince Charming, first kneeling before him as he prayed for her after which he in turn lifted his lovely queen up to the delight of the guests. Both families were overjoyed. Guests were thrilled with sumptuous dishes and exotic drinks complemented with breath-taking music by the Sharp band. There was also an after party in a dedicated part of the venue where the newlyweds and their friends danced and had so much fun. Esteemed personalities who witnessed the memorable event included OVATION Publisher, Bashorun Dele Momodu, GMD Energy Group, Barrister (Dr.) Jimoh Ibrahim, CFR and wife, Modupe, former GMD, Union Bank; Dr. G. A. T Oboh and wife, Mary, renowned Legal Practitioner. Chief F. O. Fagbohungbe, SAN and wife, former Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos; Professor
Oye Ibidapo-Obe, Managing Partner Sulaimon & Associates, Alhaji Idris Sulaimon and Alhaja Sulaimon, Directors of Energy Bank, Ghana – Mr. David Adom and wife, Prince Adedamola Aderemi, Mr. Wale Folonosela, Mr. Emmanuel Jepede, former Directors of Union Bank, Senator Kola Bajomo and wife ,Roselyn, Mr. Segun Olusanya and wife Dele, Mr. Mike Okonkwo and wife, Bridget, Mr Lai Alabi. Dr. John Akinleye, former Managing Director, Afribank, Mr. Patrick Akinkuotu, business mogul. Prince Adelowo Adedeji and wife, Managing Director, Equity Insurance, Mr. Dolapo Balogun and wife Lamide, and business magnate Rex Ijebor and wife, renowned Architect, Mr. Femi Majekodunmi and wife, Victoria. Weeks later in Viareggio, located in Northern Tuscany, in the Coast of Italy, ‘Gbemi and Davide said “I do” and formally exchanged wedding rings at a very intimate ceremony in the presence of family and friends. The open-air nuptial was really exciting-and a classy reception which unfolded afterwards, was a fitting way to end a most colourful celebration of love. 9