Fashion

Inside Lisa-Leigh and Tomiwa Aladekomo's Nigerian Wedding

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    Photographed by Wani Olatunde
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    The bride and groom with their parents.

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    Photographed by Wani Olatunde
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    Lisa’s uncle and brother in traditional Esan wear, standing in for her late father. Elders from her town converse behind them.

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    Photographed by Wani Olatunde
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    The bride dressed as a traditional Esan bride before the wedding.

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    Photographed by Wani Olatunde
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    The groom’s sisters and cousins dance in with the bride.

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    Photographed by Wani Olatunde
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    The groom at home before the ceremony.

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    Photographed by Wani Olatunde
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    The hall where the traditional ceremony was held.

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    Photographed by Wani Olatunde
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    Tomiwa and Lisa moments after they were wedded traditionally.

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    Photographed by Wani Olatunde
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    Coral beads are an essential accessory for the Esan bride. Lisa’s mom saved beads for her for years before this day. The bejeweled “George” wrapper is also traditional for Esan brides but Lisa chose a deep green rather than the usual red.

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    Photographed by Wani Olatunde
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    Traditional rulers from Ere-Ijesa, the groom’s family home.

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    Photographed by Wani Olatunde
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    Tomiwa with his friends, who came to support him in asking for Lisa’s hand in marriage

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    Photographed by Wani Olatunde
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    Lisa’s uncle and brother, with elders from her town.

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    Photographed by Wani Olatunde
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    Now dressed as a Yoruba bride, Lisa dances into the hall ahead of Tomiwa surrounded by family and friends.

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    Photographed by Wani Olatunde
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    The reception hall following the traditional ceremony.

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    Photographed by Wani Olatunde
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    The white wedding at a waterside garden was an intimate affair by Nigerian standards, with 150 or so guests in attendance.

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    Photographed by Wani Olatunde
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    For the reception following the white wedding, Lisa changed into a white pantsuit made by local designer Clan.

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    Photographed by Wani Olatunde
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    We were really happy with the way it all came out. The traditional wedding was a blast and allowed us to honor our parents and their friends. The white wedding was intimate and beautiful, especially as we were able to share it only with our closest friends and family. It was a dream wedding and we couldn't have asked for a more perfect start to our lives together.