Nigerian Wedding | Virginia Wedding Photographer
Ever since my own Nigerian wedding in 2023, I have longed to engage more in Nigerian wedding photography. The elements of these nuptial celebrations are so special, so family focused, so full of energy and bright colors, I have waited eagerly for one such wedding to come my way.
When Matt + Christine approached me about their April 2025 Nigerian wedding, I was so thrilled to be available. They were a delight to work with and we had such a fun day capturing their celebration at Virginia Crossings Hotel in Richmond, Virginia.
The Henrico Ballroom was a perfect location for this celebration!
In Nigeria, the Igbo and Yoruba are two of Nigeria’s three largest ethnic groups, each with distinct cultural identities, languages, and traditions. (My husband’s family is Yoruba, and Christine’s is Igbo, so there was some cross-over, some differences between my wedding and theirs!) Both cultures emphasize extensive family participation, with marriages viewed as unions between families rather than just individuals. Extended families play crucial roles in negotiations and celebrations, including the giving of gifts (shown above).
Igbo ceremonies often include the breaking of kola nut for blessings, and passing amongst the family members.
Another unique element to Igbo weddings is their “Ime Ego” (wine carrying ceremony) where the bride dances around the room looking for her groom, eventually identifying him by offering him palm wine. Giving him the wine symbolizes her choice of him above all other eligible men in the room.
Outfit change!!
Something that made my own Nigerian wedding AND Matt + Christine’s so special to me is the beauty of the multicultural union. I love getting to see such different backgrounds and cultures come together as one diverse, beautiful unit.
Time for more dancing!
SO many cultures have money dances as part of their wedding celebrations, and Nigerian weddings are no different! Usually a couple thousand dollars is collected by the end of the night!
Nigerian wedding photography is such a fun switch up to the normal timeline of traditional wedding day events. The love of family members, the passion of the Alaga (the master of ceremonies directing the celebration), the dancing and money showering, and excitement of guests makes Nigerian wedding photography SUCH a delight.
