Fusion of Cultures: Samantha & George's Elegant Wedding at Poplar Springs Manor

“We met in college at our freshman orientation and quickly became best friends. We started dating our freshman year and have been together ever since. We have been through a lot over the past 11 years - moving, graduate school, new jobs, a pandemic, and even training a puppy.”
George took Samantha on vacation to Ixtapa, Mexico. After more than 10 years, Samantha thought a proposal might be coming but still wasn't sure. To keep her guessing, George waited until the last night of the trip to propose at sunset on a deck overlooking the beach.
“It was important to us to have a multicultural celebration that blended Yoruba and Western traditions.”

The bride loves a classic, elegant style, which inspired the choice of venue, floral design, and decor. Nigerian weddings are large celebrations with lots of energy and color, so the second day was bolder in terms of color and style.

Morning details

The bride was adorned with stunning jewelry throughout her two-day wedding celebration, each piece adding a unique touch of elegance to her attire. On the first day, she wore a beautiful piece of jewelry that had been gifted to her by a dear family friend, while on the second day, her jewelry was borrowed from her aunt and mother-in-law, creating a special connection between the families. The bride's attention to detail in selecting her jewelry added an extra layer of sentimentality to the occasion, reflecting her thoughtful and considerate nature.

Amy Cordy of Drive By Flowers was Samantha's florist, and she did an amazing job capturing her vision. Her bouquet was a beautiful arrangement of flowers that perfectly complemented her dress and accessories.

Bride getting ready

Samantha, the beautiful bride, had her getting ready process at the onsite bridal suite at the manor house. It was a perfect setting for a photoshoot as she prepared for her special day. Her dress was from Modern Trousseau, a wedding dress boutique in Washington, DC. She fell in love with the classic style and clean lines, and it was the first dress she tried on.

The accessories that Samantha added to her final look were stunning. On day one, she wore light blue shoes as her something blue, a full cathedral-length veil, and jewelry from a dear family friend. On day two, she opted for burgundy and gold shoes that matched her outfit perfectly, borrowed jewelry from her mother-in-law and aunt, and a gele - a traditional headwrap intricately wound around her head.


Samantha was surrounded by her loved ones during her getting ready process. Her aunt, who is a trained hair stylist, did her hair, which was super special because she had done Samantha's hair for every important event growing up. Her maid of honor was also present and provided a calming presence during this exciting time.

Samantha's getting ready process was a beautiful and memorable experience. She looked stunning in her dress and accessories, and the love and support of her loved ones made the experience even more special. As she prepared to walk down the aisle, she knew that the love and support of her family and friends would be with her every step of the way.

Groom getting ready

While the bride's getting ready process is often the focus of attention, the groom's getting ready process is just as important. It is a time when the groom can relax, prepare himself for the big day ahead, and get dressed in his finest attire.

For this special occasion, the groom chose a tuxedo designed by King Hakbal, an up-and-coming designer known for his unique and modern style. The groom looked dashing in his tuxedo, which was perfectly tailored to his body and style.

The getting ready process took place in the groom's suite at the manor, which provided a perfect backdrop for the photoshoot.

First Look

Ceremony

As the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived, the bride glided down the aisle with poise and grace, accompanied by the enchanting melody of Vesislava's cover of "On the Wings of Love" by Jeffrey Osborne. The music filled the air, and the guests were spellbound by the bride's radiance as she made her way towards her beloved, ready to start a new chapter of their lives together.

“Waiting to enter with my dad was unforgettable. When the doors opened for us to process in, I tried to memorize everything I could about the moment. Exchanging our personal vows was so special - we both shared from the heart, and it is a moment I will always remember.”

Photoshoot after the ceremony

The couple celebrated their love with a traditional Yoruba engagement ceremony, paying homage to the groom's cultural roots. The ceremony was filled with vibrant colors, music, and dancing, and was a beautiful way to honor the couple's shared heritage. Their friends and family were honored to be a part of such a meaningful celebration of love and culture.

To further honor the Yoruba traditions, the couple's clothing for the engagement ceremony and wedding were custom-made in Nigeria. The intricate designs and colorful fabrics added a unique touch to the celebration, showcasing the beauty and artistry of Nigerian fashion. Wearing clothing made specifically for them in their cultural homeland made the experience even more special and meaningful for the couple.

Wedding Venue & Decor

Samantha and George knew that choosing the right venue for their wedding was crucial, as it would set the tone for the entire celebration. While size and aesthetics were important factors, there was one specific requirement that was non-negotiable: the ability to bring in an outside caterer to provide traditional food. This limited their options significantly, but they remained determined to find the perfect location.

They wanted a venue that not only met their logistical needs but also stood out for its uniqueness and beauty. With many guests traveling from afar, it was important to create a memorable experience, and the couple was committed to finding a venue that would make their wedding day unforgettable.

The wedding decor played a pivotal role in setting the tone and ambiance for the celebration. The color scheme consisted of sage green, blush pink, and cream with gold accents, creating a harmonious blend of colors that exuded elegance and sophistication.

As the festivities continued into the second day, the couple decided to add pops of burgundy to the mix, adding a touch of depth and richness to the already stunning decor. The combination of these colors and accents resulted in a breathtakingly beautiful and cohesive aesthetic that left the guests in awe.

Reception

The reception was the ultimate celebration of Samantha and George's love, and it was full of personal touches that made it truly unique. For their first dance, they chose "Can't Help Falling in Love," beautifully sung by Kina Grannis. The dance was choreographed by the bride herself, and it was a touching and romantic moment that left everyone in awe.

In addition to the unforgettable dance, the couple also served specialty cocktails designed by George himself on both days. The cocktails were a hit among the guests, and they perfectly complemented the delicious Nigerian cuisine that was served on the second day. Arike's Pot provided a full buffet of traditional Nigerian dishes such as abula, moi moi, and jollof rice, which were a crowd favorite.

The cake, designed by Lara Stuckey of Fluffy Thoughts Cakes, was a work of art that not only looked beautiful but also tasted heavenly. The guests couldn't stop raving about the delicious flavors and perfect texture of the cake, which was a true testament to the talent and skill of the pastry chef.