“Although Chinyere and Nkemdi lived ten minutes away and were aware of each other, knew a lot of the same people, and had mutual acquaintances in their families – they somehow never officially met until a day when destiny stepped in. Having been friends on social media for a few years, they’re conversations didn’t go far beyond the occasional online greeting, or at best, a few exchanges during highly competitive games of words with friends. Regardless of this they still didn’t really know each other, until one day Nkemdi sent Chinyere a message on Facebook, starting a conversation that would lead them to their first date, and eventually – a happily ever after…”
Read all about Chinyere and Nkemdi’s love story, proposal, and experiences in their “Royal African Romance” wedding.
Bride & Groom: Chinyere and Nkemdi
Wedding Location: Vienna, Virginia
Although Chinyere and Nkemdi lived ten minutes away and were aware of each other, knew a lot of the same people, and had mutual acquaintances in their families – they somehow never officially met until a day when destiny stepped in. Having been friends on social media for a few years, they’re conversations didn’t go far beyond the occasional online greeting, or at best, a few exchanges during highly competitive games of words with friends. Regardless of this they still didn’t really know each other, until one day Nkemdi sent Chinyere a message on Facebook, starting a conversation that would lead them to their first date, and eventually – a happily ever after.
For Nkemdi, he knew from the first time seeing her picture that Chinyere would one day become his wife. In his words, “My first impression of ChiChi was that she was extremely stunning, even in her most natural state, and yet she seemed oblivious of her natural beauty. What I found even more captivating was how much beauty I could see in her heart. When we first me I was gladly surprised by how down to earth she was, she was so approachable and relaxed it was like I had known her for ages. She’s been my rock, my headache, my joy, my heart and best friend. I wouldn’t trade her for anything in the world. She’s my heart!”
The proposal took place at Chinyere’s house surrounded by her family and closest friends. Due to weather conditions, Nkemdi had to do some last minute adjustments to his proposal plan, having originally orchestrated a scavenger hunt proposal covering the meaningful locations of their relationship history. Instead he had her closest friends flown in for a day of spa treatments and trip to the movies in celebration of her twenty-fifth birthday.
Upon returning to the house, Chinyere was welcomed by a candlelit room, John Legend’s “All of Me” playing softly, and Nkemdi on one knee surrounded by their family and closest friends. In front of the most significant people of their lives, Nkemdi professed his eternal love for Chinyere and asked if she would spend the rest of her life together with him as husband and wife.
Their “Royal African Romance” wedding took place at the beautiful Presbyterian church in Vienna, Virginia. Chinyere was stunning in a mermaid style gown with beaded straps and bodice, full flowing skirt and train, and jeweled veil and headpiece. Their reception incorporated an African dance troupe, ushering the couple onto the dance floor to the delight of family and friends.
Bridesmaids/groomsmen gifts: Bridesmaids – Personalized wine glasses, Ankara dress robes and wedding accessories; Groomsmen – Customized men’s watch with names from Etsy.
First dance song: “Stay with you” by John Legend
Best Memories: Groom – “My favorite memory from our wedding was seeing family that I had not seen in years and of course my beautiful bride knowing I was able to make her dream wedding a reality with the Bellevue.”
Bride – “Surprisingly my favorite memory was the garter removal, when Nkemdi and his groomsmen danced for me, it was a sweet and simple surprise that I never suspected.”
Advice for Engaged Couples: “Don’t overextend yourselves. Do what you can afford when planning the wedding, do all you can to make your day special but remember there is life after the wedding day so don’t take on expenses that you know you can’t afford.”
Vendors:
Bride’s dress: Eve of Milady
Bride’s shoes: INC International Concepts
Bridesmaids dresses: Nee Mo Fashion
Cakes/desserts: Kakes Korner
Catering: Kalico Catering LLC
Ceremony venue: Vienna Presbyterian Church
Event decor/design: Bellevue Events and Conference Center
Entertainment: DJ Donn and Trybe Dancerz
Event planner: Lola Divine Events
Florals: Bellevue Conference Center, in-house Florist
Groom’s attire: Connaisseur Paris
Groomsmen attire: Connaisseur Paris
Hair: Dolled by NUEye
Lighting: AV Creation Group, Bellevue Conference Center
Bride Makeup: Lauren – Lauren Nicely and Nneka – Dolled by NUEye
Bridesmaids Makeup: Tomi of Make my Day Artistry
Photography: Judah Avenue Photography
Reception venue: Bellevue Events and Conference Center
Rentals: Vintage Limos – Rolls Royce Phantom, Limo Inc – Mercedes Sprinter
Videography: Judah Avenue Videography