x close

select a category

Nigerian Wedding Lauren Ashley Studios

A Royal Nigerian Affair

the blog

work with us

Our Offerings

tiktok

instagram

Based in Chicago and photographing celebrations across the globe, we are a team of talented photographers dedicated to capturing the heart of your story. 

the LAUREN ASHLEY TEAM

Love, laughter, and a touch of royalty. Rashidat and Tobi’s wedding was a magnificent celebration of two souls united in love. Their journey from a romantic San Francisco proposal to a grand wedding with an African twist is a tale that will inspire brides everywhere. Join us as we take you through their enchanting love story and their splendid wedding day. It is filled with over 500 guests, dazzling dresses, and heartwarming reunions. Let’s dive into more about this royal Nigerian affair.

The Proposal

Nigerian Wedding Lauren Ashley Studios

The story of Rashidat and Tobi’s love story begins with a picture-perfect proposal in San Francisco. Rashidat had an inkling that something special was about to happen when Tobi arranged a luxurious picnic date outdoors. She dressed up extra cute that day. Her intuition was spot on – he popped the question in the most beautiful way.

The proposal took place in a public area, with a backdrop of white roses, a delightful charcuterie spread, games, and music playing in the background. An oversized mirror displayed the words “Will you Marry Me?” It was a moment of pure joy as passersby congratulated them and marveled at the romantic scene. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect, setting the stage for their journey towards forever.

The Big Day

Rashidat had a vision for her wedding day – a blend of Bridgerton-inspired elegance with a unique African twist. She wanted it to be high-energy and fun, though she admitted to feeling anxious about the large guest list of over 500 attendees. The introvert in her worried about the crowd, but those concerns quickly melted away.

As Rashidat and Tobi made their grand entrance, they were met with overwhelming love and support from their guests. The atmosphere was electric, and the nervousness dissipated as they danced their way into their new life together. Rashidat’s 14 bridesmaids added to the joy, although she wished she had communicated the photo plan with them beforehand.

One of the most beautiful aspects of their wedding day was reuniting family members from Africa, Europe, and various states in the US. It was a heartfelt reminder of the power of love to bring people together, even from across the globe.

Custom Gowns

Nigerian Wedding Lauren Ashley Studios

Rashidat’s choice of wedding attire was a stunning reflection of her Nigerian heritage and her regal sense of style. For her traditional ceremony, she wore a custom-designed Aso Oke blouse and skirt, crafted from prestigious handwoven Aso Oke fabric. The rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba Nigerian tradition was elegantly showcased in her attire, which was tailored by the talented designer @shadiat_alasooke in Nigeria.

For the reception, Rashidat chose a glamorous and sparkly gown designed by Lebanese designer Gaby Charbanchy. This dazzling dress perfectly complemented the wedding’s pink color scheme and made her feel feminine and regal.

Advice From the Bride

To all the future brides out there, Rashidat has some valuable advice to share:

  1. Relax and Be Yourself: Embrace the moment and stay true to who you are. Your wedding day is a celebration of your love, so let your personality shine through.
  2. Set the Mood: Listen to your favorite music before and during the photoshoots to keep your spirits high and your energy up.
  3. Communicate Your Vision: Share a list of preferred shots with your photographer to ensure your wedding album reflects your style and vision.
  4. Be Prepared: Pack essentials like Tylenol, Tide pens, flat shoes, snacks, and even AirPods if you want to sneak in some favorite tunes during private moments.

Rashidat and Tobi’s wedding was a true fairytale come to life, filled with love, culture, and unforgettable memories. Their journey from a picturesque proposal to a grand wedding celebration serves as an inspiration to all couples embarking on their own magical journey of love and commitment.

We Would Love to be Your Chicago Wedding Photographer

Nigerian Wedding Lauren Ashley Studios

It would be an honor to become a part of your wedding team. We create that timeless keepsake of your big day you’ll love forever. Myself and my team of wedding photographers at videographers at Lauren Ashley Studios will go above and beyond to capture the atmosphere of your special occasion, and share it with passion and authenticity.

We welcome you to browse our portfolio of wedding photographyvideography. If you would like any information about our investments please click here. If you’re looking for a wedding photographer or have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.