Location: Italy, Lombardy, Lake Como Como
Setting: Villa Bonomi
Wedding season: Fall
The number of guests: 250
Wedding theme/style: Lavish Nigerian wedding with burst of white floral design.
Maryam and Ridwan first met at a Thanksgiving dinner hosted by a family friend, and their love story began from there. Both hailing from Nigeria, their cultural background and traditions added a special touch to their wedding.
African weddings are known for their vibrant colors, lively atmosphere, and unmatched energy, but traditional Nigerian weddings take things to another level. Despite Nigeria’s diverse culture, weddings serve as a unifying custom, bringing together family, relatives, neighbors, and well-wishers in community celebrations that can see a guest list of over 200 guests. Maryam and Ridwan’s wedding was 250 of their closest family and friends. Look at how Alexander Feyer captured this unique event planned by Zapphaire Events and Best Events Co.
For their wedding, Maryam and Ridwan chose the breathtaking Villa Bonomi in Lake Como, Italy, as their venue. They wanted a location that was not only beautiful but also easily accessible from Nigeria and the US. The villa’s picturesque setting on the shores of Lake Como, surrounded by rolling hills and lush forests, made it a perfect blend of luxury and beauty.
The villa’s garden is an architectural marvel, with stone stairs and pathways connecting multiple levels and featuring a range of garden features, including a swimming pool and a romantic forest promenade.
On their special day, Ridwan opted for a sleek, sophisticated tuxedo from Looks Like a Good Man. The minimalist design of the tuxedo perfectly complemented his style, while offering a classic and refined aesthetic that will stand the test of time.
The floral design was an extravagant and opulent affair that left everyone mesmerized. The decor was centered around an abundance of white blooms, including roses, orchids, anthurium, and gypsophila, which were meticulously arranged elegantly and sophisticatedly. As a result, the wedding venue was transformed into a lush garden with towering white floral arches and a profusion of flowers everywhere you looked.
Maryam’s bridal look was truly breathtaking, and every detail was expertly crafted to ensure she looked radiant on their big day. Lavish Bridal Stylist selected an exquisite long-sleeved gown from Garimon Roferos Couture, featuring intricate embellishments that added a touch of glamour and sophistication. To complement the gown, Maryam also wore a hijab from Humaira Waza, styled with a full-length tulle veil for a soft and ethereal touch. Lavish Bridal worked closely with Maryam to create a complete bridal look that made her feel confident and beautiful.
Make-up artist Zainab Azeez struck the perfect balance with Maryam’s make-up, using a subtle yet striking copper eyeshadow that added a touch of radiance and charm to her overall look.
Nigerian weddings also feature a unique aspect called “aso-ebi”, which is a uniform color scheme that each side of the family follows to differentiate the bride’s family from the groom’s, with friends also wearing their own separate aso-ebi. For Maryam’s wedding, the bride’s side was in warm colors like sand, yellow, and brown.
The wedding decor was a creative masterpiece by Lake Como Wedding Florist. The newlyweds were highlighted in the hall with a grand, creamy white floral arch framed beautifully on a specially-built podium. The tables were adorned with exquisite white floral arrangements that perfectly complemented the overall decor, while sparkling candles added a touch of glamour and sophistication to the scene. Every detail of the wedding decor was carefully crafted, resulting in a breathtaking and unforgettable experience for all who attended.
The reception kicked off with the entrance dance, and all the guests were eager to capture the moment because of the incredible energy.
Speeches and touching family moments were an important part of the celebration.
The reception was a lively and festive affair, with music, dancing, and delicious food served to guests. The atmosphere was one of love, happiness, and pure joy, with the stunningly beautiful guests and the newlyweds at the center of it all.
VENUE Villa Bonomi | PHOTOGRAPHER Alexander Feyer | VIDEOGRAPHER WRGO Imagery | PLANNERS Zapphaire Events, Best Events Co. | FLORIST Lake Como Wedding Florist | BRIDAL STYLIST Lavish Bridal | BRIDAL GOWNS: The ceremony: Garimon Roferos Couture, The Reception: Lena Berisha | HIJAB STYLING Humaira Waza | MAKEUP Zainab Azeez | BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES Goddess Exclusive | BRIDESMAIDS MAKEUP Zakiyah Shani | GROOM’S TUX & GROOMSMEN SUITS Looks Like A Good Man | MC Dayoice | DJ DJ Baj | STATIONERY Sophscript Co. | BRIDE Maryam Faniyi | GROOM Ridwan Faniyi
