by Scott Johnson
How is everyone doing this week? We are coming up on one full week of being in the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order and for some being stuck inside might not be so easy. Don’t be afraid to take a walk or go for a bike ride, just be mindful of sidewalks and giving space to anyone else venturing out into the world. We are back this time with a deep dive into one of our most epic wedding weekends ever. In case you need to catch up, be sure to read our overview of the Abebefe’s two-day extravaganza. Today, we take a look into the dozens of songs chosen, the love story between Ayo and Liz, as well as the numerous vendors involved in making this celebration possible. Let’s get to it!
Nearly eight years in the making, this tale starts right before the world was supposed to end in 2012. On the streets of Cap Hill, Liz and her pals were out searching for a snack. Ayo was out as well, and he called out for her. After some chatting, Liz left him her phone number. Not listening to the potentially poorly-aged advice from Swingers (“Definitely, two days is like industry standard”) he texted her the next morning. For two months they texted, and eventually had their first official date just before Valentine’s Day.
The first day, or rather the last day of August, was the traditional Nigerian ceremony hosted at Block 41. With the ability to hold as many as 720 people depending on which part of the venue, this meant it was the perfect host for the packed-house the Abebefe wedding would bring. Hair and makeup for today was done by the Salon Maison at Marriott starting at noon. An hour later, City Catering would arrive to set up, followed by the Nigerian caterers as well as the booze and flowers (done by Aria Style.) Planners Rebecca and Mary Ellen of New Creations Weddings arrived at Block 41 to start coordinating the massive celebration.
Ayo and his entourage got ready starting at 2, which gave them about an hour to look spiffy before the first look. A quick twenty-five minutes flew by, and before we knew it we were hopping on a bus to the ceremony. DJ Peter, officiant Elegant Alaga and Emcee Rhoda were all setting up for their hosting duties. Guests were seated at 4, served with some drinks, and got ready to enjoy a wonderful display of dancing, tradition and love. “Ife Wa Gbona” kicked off as the first song of the evening, followed by “Time to Party” as Liz’s family came dancing in. Ayo’s side would come into “Flenjo,” and then Ayo and his groomsmen danced out to “Power Rangers” by Teni.
And so the ceremony officially began, and after more dancing, songs, speeches and letters, the newlyweds got changed into Ugandan outfits before returning for the cocktail hour. More food was arriving by the hour, and the newlyweds got some family portraits in. Guests were called in at 7 to take their seats, and for the next half-hour the wedding procession would return before giving speeches. After speeches, it was time to feast, followed by cake-cutting, toasts and dancing finally got going after 10pm! We would not stay much longer after that; we had to get rested for another fun day of activities!
Believe it or not, but it was an even earlier morning on September 1. Hair and makeup began at 8am, and would continue until 1:30. We got there at 1pm with Rebecca Jane, the photographers. Ayo’s proposal to Liz occurred on one of the anniversaries of their first date. He planned a whole “staycation” that essentially recreated their very first date. Knowing Liz would obviously be picking up on the hints, he pulled a cue from Jim on The Office and kept tricking her into thinking he was actually proposing. At the end of the day, on their way to the roof, Ayo made an excuse to stop in their room, which was adorned with rose petals. When Liz turned around, Ayo was already on his knee!
By 2pm, everyone was ready for the second ceremony (and a second first-look, of course!) We got some shots with them around the hotel, and then the rest of the group joined in. NY Cupcakes were arriving at the time, and after a little while the family joined in on a few shots as well! Reverend Eric Waren was doing soundcheck inside the Marriott, the licenses were being signed and before we knew it the ceremony was kicking off! The signature “Canon in D” by Pachelbel started off the ceremony, followed by “A Thousand Years” by Piano Guys. Once the newlyweds were pronounced husband and wife for the second time, “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” by Stevie Wonder sent them down ready for their second night of celebration.
Sipping on Moscow Mule’s and other delicious drinks, the newlyweds joined in after getting a few post-wedding photos in. For their grand entrance, they emerged to “Now That We Found Love” by Heavy D and got ready to dig into dinner. Pastor Michael Abebefe blessed the food and grubbing commenced. An hour later, champagne and cider was served for a round of toasts, followed by the cake-cutting (set to “I Can’t Help Myself” by the Four Tops), and then the first dances. In order, there was “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran, featuring Beyonce, “Little Bitty Pretty One,” by Thurston Harris, and then “Song for Mama” by Boyz 2 Men and “Mummy Mi” by Wizkid.
If you thought the partying stopped there, you are very wrong! More Beyonce songs took us through the Bouquet Toss and we got a little JT to round out the Garter Toss before finally opening up the floor for everyone after 9:20! We headed out at 10pm, but we have no doubt the rest of the party was a night to remember!
Thank you to Ayo and Liz for choosing Best Made Videos® to film your wedding weekend! We hope your first seven months have been magical!
Have any questions or comments? Let us know below!
Venues - Block 41 / Seattle Marriott Waterfront
Photographer - Rebecca Jane Photography
Videographer - Best Made Videos®
Coordination - New Creations Wedding Design and Coordination
Musicians - Peter Okeke / T Lash-Tunde Lasode
Officiants - Elegant Alaga / Rhoda Adebisi / Rev. Eric Waren
Emcee - Peter Okeke / Seyi Brown
Cakes/Desserts - Cakes by Lydia