Experience a Fabulous Nigerian Wedding at the Bolger Center and Julia Binderman Suburban Center in Potomac Maryland – Wedding Photographer in Virginia Washington DC Maryland

It’s not uncommon for Nigerian weddings in the United States to be six figure events.  Yet, the glamour and expansive planning is not just for show, but a point of celebration and commitment for the most important event in these people’s lives. We are delighted to share the wedding and reception photos from Dayo and Yemisi’s wedding at the Bolger Center and Julia Binderman Suburban Center in Potomac Maryland.  Nigerian weddings are planned not only months in advance, but sometimes years.  These events are marked by ornate attire, and detailed opulence in the venue, decorations, attire, vehicles, and the after-wedding celebration.

Yemisi and Dayo built their colorful celebration around vibrant red and blue dresses and accessories. The event was beautiful and filled with lots of love and laughter. For us this wedding was extra special because only a year before we photographed Yemisi’s younger sister Yinka’s wedding! Hey, it’s a family affair!

They say that “diamonds are a girls best friend.” but in this case, we’re sure that Dayo is Yemisi’s best friend. On the other hand, doesn’t hurt that this diamond setting has the most exquisite pearls.

In some of our posts and booklets that we provide to our couples, we’ve spoken about the advantages of selecting a venue where the bride and groom can be comfortable as they prepare for the wedding. Of course homes are nice, but when the venue is as grand as the William F. Bolger Center, then the bride is not only assured comfort, but a degree of tasteful opulence and space to prepare for the wedding. Add bridesmaids to the mix in this suite and there would still be room for everyone to get ready for the big day. More importantly, there is room for your wedding photographer to move around and be creative.

The exchanging of rings is a sign of commitment. These two rings are as ideal a match set as the bride and groom who will wear them.

Yemisi’s entire life is about to change and yet she is beautiful and composed and there is a welcoming anticipation in the air.

The groom in a moment of reflection before he goes downstairs to start his new life with his bride. Dayo is one of those dashing men who has a flare for the whimsical and can pull off wearing a little bling. This man has wings.

Best men are there for support and friendship. They help handle all the details and make sure that everything is in place for this handsome groom to greet his bride. This is also a great time to share a few laughs, remember old times, and realize that this is not a parting, as the groom moves forward into married life. This is another moment of bonding between old friends who support each other in their happiness and successes.

And yet things will change, as they always do in life.  There are those solemn moments as the preparations are made for the groom’s new life.

Stepping out! They may be headed downstairs, but these groomsmen are stepping up to support their friend and, yes, they’re looking forward to the party, too.

Gathering outside the church for the happy occasion of two people becoming one, you see the guests in their vibrant colors and have a glimpse of the festive atmosphere that a Nigerian wedding embodies.

“Excitement” is the word of the day. Caught this little man racing into the church.

Super Limo ~ Lights, luxurious lounging, speakers that fill his ride with moving sounds. He belongs here. The smile. The shades. Wings on his ties and diamonds for his monogram. But we have to say what really makes this bling zing?… those awesome suspenders and the teal socks. Say YES!

The dancing hasn’t start yet, but these dudes are ready to begin kicking up their heels.

Brides aren’t the only ones who have doors opened for them. The groom gets all the special touches, too.

“The future’s so bright he’s got to wear shades. This happy groom would be shining even if it had been a cloudy day. Love and fortune shined on them, the skies were clear and the sun was radiant for the special day.

In a Nigerian wedding the church ceremony can be two hours long.  Nigerians believe that the power of prayer and their religion are the basis of a solid foundation in marriage. Singing and dancing are part of the celebration of unity, lifting the hearts and souls of everyone who attends.

The traditional Nigerian dress for special occasions is full of vibrant colors, intricate embroidery, full length robes, swaying skits and headdresses that are wrapped in a variety of ways.

The moment of exchanging rings has been a long time coming as most couples go through months of marital counseling before the actual wedding.

A Nigerian marriage registry shows that the marriage is a legal ceremony.  This is not just a marriage registration that many of us are used to – signed by the couple, the person performing the marriage and a witness or two. In this case the signing includes parents, aunts, uncles, god parents and extended family and can go on and on.

The Cheshire cat didn’t have a smile as big as these two happy people. The deed is done. It is now official!

After the wedding ceremony there is traditionally lots of dancing. This wedding was no different. In a Nigerian wedding the after celebration also includes more worship and there is praise for the blessed event. Dayo and Yemisi were really kicking up their heels.

The expansive grounds and meadows of the William F. Bolger Center are an ideal place for wedding party photos. The green of nature made a spectacular backdrop for the bride and groom and their supporters. The red gowns the bridesmaids wore were particularly striking.

The groom, his best man, and groomsmen made an awesome impression together in their tuxedos and red ties.

The details of the elegant backdrops, the tufted stage, the roses, and lanterns were indicative of the importance of planning in making the marriage and wedding reception the perfect event on a perfect day.

The handsome couple together at last.This is when the parents make their grand entrance. Everything about this day was grand. Notice the different ways women can wrap their headdresses.

No, KC and the Sunshine band aren’t playing, but you can bet that everyone is “Getting down tonight.”

How low can you go? This beautiful woman can really get down and dance with the best of them.

Sure, it’s a traditional Nigerian wedding, but iPhones are traditional everywhere these days and every aunt and uncle has one.

Now this is hot stuff. The music filled the room and the bride and groom really cut loose.

This is money spraying. When couples dance they are sprayed with several denominations of bills. Some of the money is also used for decoration.

After enough dancing to qualify them for Dancing With the Stars, the bride and groom get a chance to sit back and enjoy watching others. The lovely intricate lace fan was a beautiful and useful accessory for the bride.

A groomsman makes one of many toasts to the newlyweds and their happy future.

The bride and groom change into traditional Nigerian dress.  As a sign of unity, togetherness, and oneness, their attire is made from the same fabric. The colors just pop, but they cannot compare to the expansive smile of the joyous bride.More money spraying as the bride dances.  Friends and family spray to show that it will be a successful, affluent marriage.

These young ladies showed off a few smooth moves of their own. The young man in the background looks to be prepared for the money spraying, but his exuberance may be waning at the end of a very long day.

The amount of money sprayed at Nigerian weddings will leave  you wondering how many ATMs  in Maryland were emptied out prior to the wedding festivities. 😉

There he is.  This little man is showing the moves of a young Gregory Hines. Don’t stop dancing.

These are the ladies in Aso-ebi. They are the closest friends and family of the bride, wearing different styles made from the same fabric as a sign of solidarity and support for the couple on their wedding day.

At the end of it all there is so much love between the couple and this is a perfect photo to close out the day!