Saba Gashugi and Egwu Nwankpah were married on July 19th, 2009 in Berrien Springs, Michigan. Read the bride’s personal comments while you click through the pics of their big day.
“The night before my wedding, my makeup artist canceled! Simone Jenkins, a MAC makeup artist, came to the rescue and I was very happy with the results.”
“When Egwu told me he couldn’t have any less than 14 groomsmen I thought he was crazy. But as I grew to know his friends, I understood why each of them had to be there for him on his wedding day.”
“By the smile on my dad’s face one might think he was happy to give me away.”
“According to those in the audience we looked like we were having too much fun on the stage. We had been in a long distance relationship for two years, we had a lot to talk about now that we were standing face to face.”
“I watched Egwu sweat throughout the entire ceremony, but after he finally said “I do.” I gave him a hand."
“My favorite religion teacher, Pastor David S. Hall came all the way from Nevada to pray for us on our special day.”
“This was the moment that a year of planning, budgeting and headaches was for and it was totally worth it.”
“It was only fitting that Lesley, my former boss from ESSENCE.com came all the way to Michigan for our wedding. If it hadn’t been for her, Egwu would have never been able to pull off his plans for his proposal.”
“It’s hard to find a handful of willing and cheerful bridesmaids, but I was lucky enough to find 14. Not to mention a couple of flowergirls that were a bundle of joy!”
“It was really important to me to start the wedding and reception on time. We were running a little late to the reception but everything went smoothly when we finally arrived.”
“I grew up near the University of Notre Dame, so in the spirit of college ball the groomsmen and I played a little touch football.”
“Six weeks before my wedding, I found out that my original reception site was under construction and wouldn’t be finished until after my wedding. It was a miracle that the Palais Royale in South Bend, IN was available on our day. I immediately fell in love with their lobby so we used it for our cocktail hour.”
“The Ballroom was absolutely breathtaking and was the perfect size for our 400 guests.”
“Our cake was made by Dee of Dee’s Specialty Cakes in Stevensville, MI and each flower was handmade. It tasted even better than it looked. The top of the cake is in the freezer and we are planning to eat it on our 1 year anniversary. I can’t wait!”
“My family is originally from Rwanda so we incorporated a few cultural traditions into the wedding. As is the custom, the bride is presented with a gourd as a blessing that she may always have food and milk in her home.”
“Egwu and his mother dancing the night away.”
“An intimate moment on the dance floor between me and my love.”
“For the reception, I put on this headpiece that is traditionally worn by women who are Rwandese royalty.”
“We were being serendaded by our dear friend, Lee Cort.”
And though you don’t believe that they do, they do come true,
For did my dreams
Come true when I looked at you
And maybe too, if you would believe
You too might be
Overjoyed…
