izehi photography

Scott and  Jenna’s love story started barefoot over pizza at Sammy’s Pizza in Downtown Fort, Worth.

 

Well, Scott wasn’t barefoot.

 

Jenna came in shoeless and hungry after an evening out with friends, and being the gentleman that he is, Scott invited Jenna over to enjoy the large pizza he and his friends were sharing. He noticed her, she noticed him (and his super cool batman credit card), and so began their story.

 

Not too long after their romantic beginning, Scott created quite an elaborate proposal for Jenna at the Modern Art Museum in Ft. Worth. He had a canvas painted with the phrase ‘Jenna will you marry me’ displayed among the art work, so while they were strolling inside the museum they rounded the corner and there were guitar players ready to serenade Jenna as Scott popped the question. Pretty neat idea don’t you think?  I love that Jenna and Scott had that same canvas displayed near the guestbook on their wedding day!

 

A wedding in May always has a chance of showers, and we all diligently watched skies for rain. Fortunately, I never needed to break out my galoshes and umbrella!  The outdoor tent on a family ranch outside of Granbury, stood nice and dry as family and friends from around the world (literally) celebrated the new Mr. & Mrs.  All of the details of their wedding day were so amazing.  Jenna spent months hand painting adorable wooden signs. The centerpieces on the table were creative combinations of cigar boxes, coffee beans, succulents, wine bottles, and beautiful wild flowers. Judy of VIP Seats and Sashes had the outdoor ceremony and reception locations colorfully and creatively decorated.  I’ve mentioned several times on the blog that I’m a suburb girl at heart, but this little piece of country stole my heart for the day!

 

Scott and Jenna, you two are some of the nicest, kindness, most generous people I have met.  Thank you for letting me capture your wedding day.  I hope you are loving Hawaii!

 

 

Guests loved cruising between the ceremony & reception sites in these awesome golf carts….okay, okay, I did too

 

Can you believe that the bride made this lovely bouquet herself??? Isn’t it a stunner!

Jenna, can I just say that you look like a dream in this Terry Costa wedding gown.

A chef friend catered the wedding and did a fantastic job! An omelet station, waffle station, and other tasty southern delights like biscuits and gravy rounded out the brunch menu.

Isn’t the groom’s kayak cake so fun?

 

Late last fall I approached Ebony of Ebony Peoples Events and Designs, and Shelley of Escada Weddings with the idea to do a styled shoot. I wanted to produce a styled wedding that would blend together Nigerian and American wedding culture.  The goal was to incorporate rich bold colors and and hints of Nigerian traditional elements in a new and modern way. The shoot that resulted exceeded my expectations by leaps and bounds.  It’s been hard keeping this one quiet, but I’m so glad that I finally get to share it!

 

The gorgeous stationery set designed by Laura of  Art by Ellie, is meant to emulate the design of many of the intricate native Nigerian fabrics, right down to the hand glued crystals, I think she hit the nail on the head!

Part of my vision was to have 2 different looks for a potential bride. She could go the white wedding gown route which is more traditional, or she could shake things up with a gold dress and red gele.  And see that right there, is what we call FIERCE!

 

In keeping with the Nigerian American theme of our shoot, our real life couple was a Nigerian bride and an African American groom. I think they make a very striking couple. And does the groom remind anyone else of a certain celebrity?

I couldn’t have dreamed up a more lush tablescape if I tried.  The vibrant colors, and organic touches by Twigs literally took my breath away. Who would’ve thought that an artichoke, sunflower, plums and orchids could come together so beautifully!

I had a vision for 2 very specific colors coming together, and I was so glad that M & M The Special Events Company had the perfect shades bronze and purple my minds eye had conceived.

 

How about these yummy snack filled boxes as little favors for guests?  You can’t go wrong with plantain chips, chin-chin, & Ovaltine crackers!

We also had a mini bar set up with a variety of beverages.

 

Our lovely modern bride, did a little outfit change and is modeling a look that could be worn by the bridal party.  Brides what do you think of having your ladies sport this look?

Our model bride and groom changed into a striking blue native, and we ended the shoot on this colorful note.

 

There is no way I could’ve pulled off this shoot on my own.  Tremendous thanks to each of the following creative geniuses whose talents enriched this shoot:

Ebony of Ebony Peoples Events and Designs

Shelley of Escada Weddings

Art by Ellie

Aristide Events Center

Rosa Clara

Twigs Floral and Design

M & M The Special Events Company

Krystal Turner – Make-up Artist

Models:  Tolu Biyi, Rita & Milton Roberts

 

 

Shoes, shoes, shoes. I like them but they don’t like me back.  My feet are flat and big; nooooot exactly a shoe designers dream client.

 

However I haven’t let my size 13′s stop me from living vicariously through others!

 

Soooo, I’m starting a new series on the blog here, all about shoes.

 

After all isn’t Cinderella proof that one pair of shoes can change your whole life?

 

With spring in the air, I thought it would be fun to start with some bold bright colors.  How about a little something blue?  Aaaaand we can’t forget the bling; I love me some bling!

 

Check out these shoes from Manuella  with the lovely purse to match!

 

In a Bridal store…

Every bride,

Every mom, aunt, grandmother, father & sibling

Every wedding dress,

Every bridal shop owner,

Every mirror,

They all have a story.

 

The Magic Room, A Story About the Love We Wish For Our Daughters by Jeffrey Zaslow weaves together all of these stories.

 

I have been thoroughly engaged uncovering the treasure of each story.  I could say more, so much more, but really, you should just read the book

 

It was love at first taste.

 

 

When my friend Amy of Marcoot Jersey Creamery encouraged me to try some of MJC‘s yummy quark, I spread a tiny bit on a piece of bread and fell in love.  Quark, a soft spreadable cheese more well known in German communities is just one of the deeee-lightful Artisan cheeses Amy & her family of seventh generation dairy farmers produce.

 

While visiting the Marcoot Jersey Farm & Marcoot Jersey Creamery last month I got a good sense of appreciation for how hard dairy farmers work.  I may be a suburban girl through & through, but I can mostly definitely tip my hat to the small farmers of America!  I made sure to show my utmost appreciation by sampling everything I could:  fresh mozzarella, gourmet flavored ice cream, havarti, cheddar, and of course my personal favorites quark & cheese curds.  Friends, you haven’t lived until you’ve eaten quark & curds from MJC!

 

Food this good is a work of art, so I enjoyed doing a bit of food photography. It was fun to experiment in a different genre of photography, and I really enjoyed showcasing their delicious products!  Never have I had a more tasty shoot!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The way some people dream of the Big Apple is how I’ve always dreamed about Chicago.  This January I got the chance to visit the windy city & make  that dream a reality! While visiting a friend in Southern Il, we took a whirlwind roadtrip to Chi-town.

 

And. I. Loved. It.

 

Brief though it was, I loved every second of my visit. As we drove down the Mag Mile (I know, I sound JUST like a local ) I glanced to my right and left in glee.  I loved the vibe of the city: urban, fast paced, & rich in culture.

 

 

 

 

 

I perused a guidebook and collected tons of fascinating facts to sprinkle in conversation (because I’m nerdy like that). For instance, did you know Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer was invented in a Montgomery Wards store in Chicago?  If you make it to Who Wants to be a Millionaire someday and that question earns you big money; you can thank me then

 

NO visit to Chicago is complete without sampling some deep-dish pizza; and sweet mother of pearl Giordano’s was divine!

 

 

I got lucky & got to enjoy the first heavy snowfall of the season.

 

 

 

 

I also made time to visit Sue the ginormous T-Rex at The Field Museum.

 

 

 

For those of you taking notes, I ticked off 3 whole items from my 101 in 1001 list!

#5 Visit Chicago

#15 Take a road trip (we drove from St. Louis to Chicago) &

#94 I also visited a chiropractor while I was in Illinois.  Don’t worry, I’ll refrain from showing off those images

 

 

Here’s my favorite photo from the trip: my friend Amy & I

 

I love how Akin first got Abi’s phone number.

 

While a group of students were sitting in the school cafeteria for lunch on campus at Abilene Christian University in Texas, Akin got phone numbers from everyone in the group; supposedly so he could get everyone more involved in the African Students Association.

 

There’s just one catch.

 

ACU didn’t have an African Student’s Association.

 

Abi found this out later that evening when Akin confessed to only wanting her phone number.

 

Smooth, very smooth.

 

Akin’s approach definitely caught Abi’s attention, but she still took her time in letting him get close.  Akin eventually won her heart, and in his words when they officially started dating he felt like he had won 3 marathons in a row.  Years passed and their relationship grew closer despite Akin’s move to Dallas and the long distance trips to Abilene.  A sunset dinner overlooking the Dallas skyline was the perfect setting for Akin’s proposal.

 

Their wedding was full of color, tradition, class, and most of all love.  Abi & Akin, it has been my supreme pleasure to work with you and document your love story.  I hope your story continues to inspire others & that you someday travel the world together; maybe even that world tour!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*update

Here are all the fabulous vendors that did such a wonderful job on this wedding

Planner:  Elegant Nuptials and Events // Baker:  A Slice of Life and Romano’s Bakery // Caterers:  Afro Kitchen Catering Services, Chrisco Catering, Cooking Pots Catering Services, His Glory Catering Services //  Head-ties:  The Perfect Look by Olayinka Ojo // Bride’s Make-up Artist:  Kassie Coleman // Photographer:  Izehi Photography // Reception Decor:  Elegant Affairs, High Fire Designs // Reception Entertainment // Kebe, Genesis Band // Videographer:  Bosfem Productions // Venues:  Ceremony – Reedemed Church of God Household of Faith Arlington, TX; Reception – Sheraton Hotel Arlington, TX // Bride’s Wedding Dress – Demetrios // Men’s Suits – Al’s Formal Wear

 

 

I am brimming with excitement to be a part of something new!

Today is the debut of ‘Black Love’; a collaboration between Munaluchi Bridal and Huffington Post Black Voices.  Every Sunday the Huffpo (as the cool kids call it) will highlight couples and share their love stories.

 

Aaaaaaaand (drumroll please) one of my fabulous couples Akin + Abi gets to be featured today on both the Huffpo AND Munaluchi’s website!  Here are just a few one of the images from their wedding day.  I’ll post all the gorgeous images later this week, but for now please go leave Akin + Abi some love on the Huffpo & Munaluchi Bridal.  Don’t forget to check back later this week for their full feature!

 

 

 

 

Nigerians of their generation aren’t known for public displays of affection, but their love is communicated in thousands of different ways.

 

She cooks the foods only he loves, and he never forgets a birthday, holiday, or anniversary.

 

Today many would say their story is the stuff that dreams are made of.  I wish I’d known them when they first met: my dad, the popular playwright with swag in every inch of his afro, mustache and platform boots.  And then my mom, class and elegance echoing from her 70′s sweaters, afro, and glasses.  Together on campus, they were quite the dashing pair.  And oh how I wish I had a photograph of them from that time period!

 

I didn’t know them then, but I’m proud to know them now.

 

I love that they have their own private jokes, that they still lovingly serve one another, and that they still talk. That they are friends…still.

 

This past weekend, they celebrated another wedding anniversary.  Mom & Dad, here’s to 32 more years & counting!

It’s been waaaaay too long since I posted about My Wedding Dream Book, so there’s no time like the present for another installment!

 

 

Some wise, wise friends once gave me this advice they were given when they got married:  when planning your wedding budget the 2 areas you do not skimp on are the photography (duh!) and the honeymoon.

 

The question about the honeymoon is where to travel to?  Beach, mountain, domestic, abroad, city, country; so many choices!

 

I’ll admit, that I have a few places I’d love to see (Italy anyone?), but mostly I’m curious about where YOU would go to for your dream honeymoon destination…budget not being an issue of course

 

*update* And if you’re already hitched, do share where you went on your honeymoon, and if you’d recommend that to others.