Funso and Kayode’s Traditional Nigerian Wedding at Rochdale Village in Jamaica, NY — Wedding Photographer, New York, Maryland, Washington DC

The beauty of a traditional Nigerian wedding lies in its pure expression of culture, heritage and Africaness. We cover many traditional weddings, as they are called in Naija circles, and Funso and Kayode’s ceremony at Rochdale Village in the Jamaica Neighborhood of Queens was a resplendent affair. For those who have never had the pleasure of attending a Nigerian wedding, the preparation and effort extended on behalf of the traditional ceremony is simply breathtaking. The bride, Funso, and the groom, Kayode, prepared for the ceremony by donning intricate and elaborate traditional garbs for the ceremony.

While many people associate the fan with Asian cultures, such as Chinese and Japanese, the fan is an essential accessory for ANY Nigerian bride in a traditional ceremony.

Secure the gele. The elaborate headdress is another critical component of the traditional Nigerian bride’s ensemble. Funso’s gele was particularly stunning with its intricate beadwork.

While posing for professional photographers like us is part of the job, so is posing for family and friends who are prone to taking cell phone pictures all day!

Make way for the groom! Kayode made a big impression with his stunner shades on and his flowing, maroon colored African frock. But what really clinched the deal was the intimidating staff that he brought with him that commanded respect wherever he went.

While Kayode’s boss shades were fresh, it was nice to see the warm, smiling eyes behind the lenses for a bit!

The gifts and offerings for the bride and her family. During the traditional ceremony, the groom and his family are expected to show up with offerings of all sorts (food, livestock, jewelry, etc.) to woo the bride and her family.

Prostrate yourself! As part of the traditional ceremony, the groom and his family must lie down and beg for the bride’s family to allow the groom access to their beloved daughter.

Makin’ money moves is a way of life. Cardi B may have coined it but Nigerians love a good ol’ fashioned money spray and Kayode was the joyous recipient of floating dollars from family and friends.

After the groom and his groomsmen put on their display, it was time for the bride and her girls to make their entrance.

Funso emerges from the protection of her bridal party covered in her protective veil.

Nigerian traditional wedding ceremonies are full of theatrics, commotion, music, laughing, joy and performing, but it’s incredibly touching to capture such a prayerful, intimate moment like this between Kayode and Funso.

After Funso formally accepted Kayode’s hand in marriage, they celebrate the momentous occasion with a beautiful kiss.

While Marvel’s Black Panther movie put African royalty in the spotlight, Kayode and Funso’s wedding proves that African regality has been a thing for a long, long time. Congratulations to Funso and Kayode on their stunning traditional ceremony!