Esther and Shola's Yoruba Traditional Engagement Ceremony

Although the temperatures outside Divine Grace Church in Arlington were sweltering, inside, the shimmering colors Esther and Shola chose for their traditional engagement ceremony were cool and refreshing to the eyes. While Yinka with The Perfect Look tied the bride's gele to perfection, guests eagerly awaited the bride's grand entrance.

Esther, escorted by both brothers and her Aso Ebi, danced in joyfully as guests sprayed bills.  Many prayers were prayed and more than one eye filled with tears as emotions ran high from the weight of the occasion and the remembrance of those who have passed on.

Esther and Shola's Traditional was a feast for the senses!  Check out part two of their wedding weekend here.

Esther and Shola's Dallas Engagement Session

Esther and Shola had me rolling in laughter from our first meeting when Esther mentioned her dislike of what she and her sister call the "auntie/uncle hook-up." You know, the one where a well meaning relative encourages you to meet so-so-so and so, a nice young man from a great family. Fortunately, for her she was a tiny bit open to meeting Shola, and the rest as they say is history. I could tell that family played a huge role in their lives, so it came as no surprise to me that Esther's sister was on hand during their engagement session. What did blow me away is that her oh so talented sister is a make-up artist, hair stylist and also styled their entire shoot. I am secretly hoping my sister is reading this and getting the not so subtle hint ;)

Earlier in the year, Shola planned and executed an epic surprise proposal to Esther in Klyde Warren Park, so it was important to shoot in a place that held wonderful memories for them. As we moved from day to dusk, Esther and Shola's contagious smiles and laughter made photographing their shared joy a mutual delight.

I am looking forward to their big day this weekend!

Kemi and Tiolu's Country Chic to City Glam Fort Worth, TX Engagement Session

  I really loved Kemi and Tiolu's unique vision for their engagement photo shoot.  Kemi wanted an authentic western location, and I could think of no better place than the Stockyards in Fort Worth.  Tiolu got the chance to show off his rugged cowboy persona with a touch of inspiration from  Jamie Foxx in Django Unchained.

As the evening sky darkened, the couple transformed from Country Chic to City Glam, and we enjoyed shooting around some of Fort Worth's other treasures.

Kemi & Tiolu, I hope your wedding day is everything you imagine it to be and more. Thank you for a really fun session!