Elizabeth and Femi’s wedding was a breathtaking two-day celebration in the heart of Las Vegas. From the vibrant colors and rich cultural elements of their Nigerian ceremony to the serene and intimate ambiance of their classic garden wedding, every moment was meticulously crafted to honor their love story and heritage. This unforgettable event brought together family, friends, and diverse traditions, creating memories that will be cherished forever.
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Style: Cultural, grand, vibrant
Time of planning: 2 years
Number of guests: 185
Setting: 1st day – ballroom, 2nd day – garden
Season: Spring
Elizabeth and Femi’s paths crossed at the same news broadcast station in Seattle, Washington, where Femi worked as a sports reporter and Liz as a producer. Their connection was immediate, and they quickly fell in love, recognizing they were meant to be together. After relocating to Las Vegas, Femi proposed, and they began planning an extraordinary two-day wedding celebration. Femi wished to honor his Nigerian roots with traditional elements and keep the guests dancing all night, while Liz envisioned a stunning, nature-infused event over two days.
The incredible work of their planner, Weddings by Leigh, brought their dreams to life, seamlessly blending cultural vibrancy with elegant natural touches. Every detail was meticulously curated, ensuring that both days perfectly reflected the couple’s unique vision and love story.
"What made this wedding truly unique was the fusion of cultures and the opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in a new and vibrant wedding experience."
First day
The first-day wedding concept was born from blending the vibrancy of Nigerian weddings with the bride’s preference for neutral, organic tones. Day one featured terracotta and orange florals against a backdrop of creams, striking a balance between cultural richness and natural elegance.
Bride & Groom's Fashion
For the traditional Nigerian wedding day, Elizabeth chose three stunning wedding looks. Her first ensemble featured a traditional Nigerian style with a gorgeous gold base, intricate detailing, and a beautifully wrapped gele. The second outfit was a rouge red, honoring Femi’s mother’s Ugandan origin, and showcased traditional Ugandan style. Her third and final look of the night was a midnight blue dress, designed for dancing the night away. All the fabrics and styling were sourced directly from Nigeria and carefully flown to the US.
Femi also embraced three distinctive looks for the wedding day. His first outfit was in beige tones, complemented by a ceremonial marriage hat and cane, reflecting traditional Nigerian style. The second look featured Ugandan fashion, in a deep red to match Elizabeth’s attire and honor his mother’s heritage. For the third and final look, Femi chose midnight blue colors, perfect for dancing the night away alongside his bride.
First Look
Elizabeth and Femi’s first look was a beautifully intimate moment, where their love and connection shone through. They shared a little dance in a beautiful setting, perfectly setting the tone for the celebration that followed.
"Liz and Femi met while working at the same news broadcast station in Seattle. Liz is an introvert who can always be found snuggled up at home and Femi is an extrovert you can always find on the dance floor."
Ceremony
The ceremony was a vibrant Nigerian wedding, distinct from traditional American weddings. Lasting 2-3 hours, it featured lively dancing, money spraying for good fortune, and significant family involvement.
Both families played crucial roles, with the bride and groom seeking blessings from their elders, symbolizing respect and family unity. Guests showered the couple with money to wish them prosperity, which added excitement and celebration.
"For many guests, the Nigerian wedding was a novel and captivating experience, offering them the chance to dress up in traditional attire and partake in customs they had never encountered before."
Reception
For the reception, the ballroom featured a mix of wood banquet tables and round tables, decorated with tall floral sprays and compote vase arrangements by WBL Design Studio. Each place setting was thoughtfully arranged with crystal glassware, gold flatware, glass chargers, and a round menu that included notes and descriptions of the traditional Nigerian dishes for dinner, which were mixed with coastal American influences catered by Calabash African Kitchen and Cut and Taste.
“The thoughtful blend of cultures and exquisite decor created a warm and inviting atmosphere for the celebration.”
Evening Celebration
Following the ceremony, guests were welcomed into a reception space, where they were greeted by the soulful melodies of a live saxophone player. The highlight of the evening came as Elizabeth and Femi cut into their stunning cake. The cake was a true masterpiece, featuring intricate designs with golden accents and topped with custom figurines that reflected the couple in their traditional wedding attire.
As the night progressed and the fairy lights above the dance floor began to twinkle, Elizabeth and Femi made a dazzling entrance in their third outfits of the day—a coordinated set of deep, dark blue ensembles. This outfit change marked the transition into the late-night festivities, where the couple and their guests danced the night away under the soft glow of the lights.
Second Day
Theme & Planning
For day two, the focus was on creating a serene and intimate atmosphere. Drawing inspiration from the venue’s natural elements, the couple chose fresh and tranquil decor and floral arrangements.
Bride and Groom's Fashion
On the second day of their celebration, Elizabeth chose a look that embodied classic elegance and timeless beauty. She wore a strapless Justin Alexander fit-and-flare dress that perfectly accentuated her figure. The gown was paired with a white Badgley Mischka hills and a stunning veil adorned with intricate floral details that flowed gracefully as she walked. Her hair, styled in soft Hollywood waves, complemented her sophisticated and natural makeup.
Liz’s bouquet was a gorgeous mix of classic white roses, accented with wildflower flares and delicate spray greens, tying together her nature-inspired theme with an air of refinement.
Femi opted for a standout look that balanced boldness with classic sophistication. He wore a striking burgundy tux jacket that contrasted beautifully against the greenery of the outdoor setting. A white boutonniere added a subtle touch of tradition, while his black Versace shoes completed the ensemble.
First Look
On the second day, Elizabeth and Femi’s first look was a moment of pure joy and connection, captured by Katelyn Faye as they saw each other for the first time. The way they shared smiles spoke volumes about the love and excitement they felt, setting the perfect tone for the day ahead.
Ceremony
Day two’s ceremony unfolded on a lush lawn, embraced by the beauty of the surrounding garden. Guests were greeted by the soft melodies of a live piano, setting a romantic tone with John Legend and love songs. Thoughtful details like lightweight blankets provided warmth against the gentle spring breeze, ensuring everyone felt comfortable.
“The most memorable part of the day was undoubtedly the exchange of personal wedding vows on day two. After hearing heartfelt speeches and toasts about Liz and Femi's journey and family traditions on the first day, experiencing their love story directly from them in their own words was incredibly touching and special."
Private Moment
After the ceremony, Liz and Femi shared a private moment. The quiet, serene atmosphere, with sunlight filtering through the trees, created a tranquil space where their love took center stage, making it truly intimate.
Decor & Setting
The reception was set in a beautiful outdoor space, where round tables with white linens and natural wood chairs created a fresh, elegant atmosphere. The centerpieces featured lush greenery intertwined with white roses and eucalyptus. Soft, neutral table runners flowed gracefully, enhancing the organic feel of the decor.
"Throughout the planning process, color and floral choices were carefully curated to reflect the couple's vision, resulting in two distinct but harmonious days that captured their love story and cultural legacy."
Reception
The reception began with a cocktail hour on the lawn and transitioned to the patio by a waterfall for the main event. Guests were guided to their tables by an elegant floral wall adorned with individual flower name cards, leading them through a picturesque floral frame into the lower patio.
As the evening unfolded, Liz and Femi took to the dance floor for their first dance, sharing a moment of pure joy under the soft glow of the fairy lights that twinkled above. The couple also had special dances with their parents, each one filled with love and emotion, making these moments even more memorable.
After the dances, they gathered around their beautifully decorated cake, cutting into it with smiles and laughter. The celebration then continued indoors, where the mansion’s downstairs area had been transformed into a lively late-night party, ensuring the night ended with dancing, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
“This blend of rich traditions made the ceremony a joyous celebration of love, heritage, and family.”
Advice from the couple:
• Embrace every part of the planning experience. While it may seem daunting and time-consuming, it all passes by so quickly. Have fun throughout the process, cherish each moment, and create lasting memories along the way!
PLANNER Weddings by Leigh | FIRST DAY VENUE Adorn Events Las Vegas | SECOND DAY VENUE Lotus House Events | PHOTOGRAPHER Katelyn Faye | VIDEOGRAPHER Lomax Wedding Films | DESIGNER & FLORIST WBL Design Studio | MUAH Glammed Up Vegas | DRESS Justin Alexander | CATERING Calabash African Kitchen, Cut and Taste Food | CAKES Las Vegas Custom Cakes | DECOR By Ancas Event Decor | RENTALS RSVP Party Rentals | OFFICIANTS Alaga Adufe Ade Peachy Keen Unions | SAXOPHONE Darien Orr Music | PIANO Beyer Entertainment | DJS DJ Mo Blvd, Ultra DJs Las Vegas
