If there is one thing everyone should understand about Nigerians, it is that our cultures are perfect synonyms for color and beauty! Today, we delve into the cultures of Isoko, Bonny (Ijaw), and Kalabari while inhaling sweet doses of love… all thanks to Faith and Dagogo.
The lovebirds, whose journey to happily ever after began at a mutual friend’s house, have gone down forever lane in style! The two tied the knot with friends, family, and loved ones all present to share in their joy, with the beautiful heritage of the Isoko and Ijaw cultures at the forefront.
Faith was a stunning bride in all four looks, and Dagogo also delivered 100% of the time. This day’s colorful vibrance was simply one for the books, and each photo tells the story. You’re going to want to see everything, including how Dagogo proposed, so keep scrolling! When you’re done here, you should definitely check out their white wedding and love story.
Enjoy the #MyHartsTreasure22 trad below.
Faith shares how Dagogo popped the question:
During the lockdown in June 2020, it was my birthday. The government had just agreed to allow up to 16 people to stay at one time. As a result, in true Faith fashion, I decided to celebrate my birthday with a barbecue. Plus Nigerian dishes to go, I decorated my house without realizing it was for my engagement. Lol! Dagogo informed me that we would have breakfast that morning. He was with me that morning and helped me with cooking and other tasks. He told me to get ready and shower, and that we’d finish cooking later. It was nearly 10 a.m. So I quickly showered, and by the time I emerged, he had vanished.
While looking for him, I received a video message on my phone with birthday wishes and scavenger hunt instructions. It began to rain that morning, so he advised me to bring an umbrella as well as a shopping bag. I couldn’t think because I was too excited. So, like a child, I skipped around looking for hints.
The first hint was a map and a poem left at my gate. I followed the map, and at each stop was a gift and a poem. I was so happy that I talked to myself while walking down the street and even smiled like a child the entire time. I’m pretty sure people thought I was insane. As I approached the final clue, I heard a question in my spirit ask me, “What if he proposes?” I said everything I could to convince myself that he wouldn’t propose because I don’t like to get ahead of myself.
To cut a long story short, I returned home and opened the door to find a long trail of lit candles with balloons at the end reading “congratulations” and our song playing. In true Faith fashion, I began laughing without realizing what was about to happen.
He stood at the end of the candles, his arm extended, urging me to come forward. I approached him. He said a few words, mentioned my full name to my surprise, and knelt down to ask me to marry him. I knelt with him in tears and said Yes! I recall us hugging and me wondering, “Is this for real?”
Love, sweet love!
Here’s the planner’s perspective on the beautiful blend of cultures:
Isoko is from Delta state, the groom is from Bonny Kingdom in Rivers state, and his mother is also from Rivers state. The bride’s culture was represented in their entrance, with the groom dressed in traditional Isoko male attire and the bride dressed in her maiden outfit while paying homage to her mother’s chieftaincy attire.
The couple changed outfits to represent the Groom’s Bonny heritage, with the bride tying a single wrapper (Ikaki) and the groom dressed as a typical Bonny man.
Faith and Dagogo also included the Bibife ceremony of the groom’s mother. ( from Kalabari kingdom). It is the “buying of the bride’s mouth” so that she can eat at her in-law’s house. This was demonstrated when the couple changed into traditional Kalabari attire.
It’s time for the ceremony!
Let the wedding begin!
Make way for the groom and his squad!
Here comes the bride…
Time to step out for the second time in her full Ijaw regalia!
Dagogo is also representing!
Make way for the lovebirds!
It’s time for the magic of the first dance…
Of course, what’s a wedding without a cake!
A toast to love!
This “feeding demonstration” has certainly got to be one of our favourite wedding moments…
To the third appearance of the day and in fact, more glow! The Kalabari culture was beautifully represented.
Receiving the blessings of marital bliss…
A feast for the lovers! This is the Bibife ceremony of the Kalabari culture.
It’s all fun and celebration galore!
Credits
Bride @fay_dhart
Makeup @iheomabeauty
Hair @hairbyposhclass
Photography @lucasugoweddings
Videography @esosaaiguwurhuo
Bridal Styling @nova.mariee_
Fan and Beads @nenejewellryandcraft
Planner @3003events