A Nigerian Wedding in Antequera, Spain

Updated: Nov 29, 2022

After 16 years of hosting weddings here in Spain this was my first one to include a Nigerian ceremony in the planned 4 days of events. To say I was excited and intrigued was an understatement, I loved learning about the traditions, the meanings behind them, the food and of course the outfits.

LET THE FESTIVITES BEGIN

Jenn had fallen in love with the historical Convento Magdalena in Antequera online, again another first for me as I hadn't worked with this beautiful venue.

Jenn and Tobi reside in Washington DC and with travel constrictions still in place, I went armed with my iphone to record as much as possible, we couldn't do a live zoom as the internet wasn't stable enough but it was a resounding yes let's go for it! After hours of planning the 4 days arrived!

The guests were greeted with a welcome drinks at the Parador in Antequera, a lovely way to mingle and relax before the real parties started! We created a Spanish style tapas style reception offering a range of canapes and drinks for the guests.

THE NIGERIAN CEREMONY

What can I say, this was such fun, the costumes were fabulous.

I learnt all about the Gelee head dresses, a girl was bought in by Jenn and Tobi purely to do this amazing skill. The head dresses were different styles, I still need to find out more about this as intrigued as I type!

Miss Lola, the celebrant, was the star of the show, the traditions and rituals they had were not just symbolic but an awful lot of fun, we delighted in watching the processions and dancing, a truly fantastic day.

Nigerian style food was served along with some Spanish elements as the guests partied well into the night.

THE WEDDING DAY

After a day of recovering, a church rehearsal and dinner with close family and friends had been organised at the Antequera Golf hotel then it was time for the traditional wedding day.

The scene had been set at the Convento de Magdalena, a centre stage in the courtyard covered with fairy lights, ready for the dinner and dancing. A gorgeous combination of florals, in soft pinks and claret reds adorned the chapel and wedding reception.

The ceremony took place inside the Convento de Magdalena's chapel, followed by a cocktail hour on another terrace. Guests were serenaded with a cello and violin duo and a delightful selection of canapes and refreshing drinks.

After a fabulous sit down meal including a monkfish and prawn starter, a beef tenderloin and a chicken option followed by Calvado Apple pie or Raspberry cheesecake, the speeches and cutting of the cake kick started off another evening of dancing.