“I was beyond happy when Ephraim proposed,” says Rita, who first began to fall for him when they became instant messenger friends at work. “We had a lot of conversation in our first couple of months and I knew even that early on that he was one for me.”
This just might be our favorite bridal portrait ever. It’s both classic and romantic.
Lucky bride Rita found her wedding gown on her very first dress-hunting mission. And, from the look of things, she made the perfect choice with this breathtaking ruffled gown.
Pretty feet were a must for Rita on her wedding day, so to keep things romantic, she chose these pale pink pumps.
Rita let her hair and makeup stylist Lyzadora Beauty decide on her final wedding day ‘do. “I knew I was in good hands,” she boasts.
“I felt very beautiful in the dress,” says Rita of her Simone Carvalli gown. “I didn’t think I would find any other dress that was up to par.”
“Ephraim’s brothers and close friends made up his groomsman,” says Rita. “I had all my closest girlfriends, my sister and my two god daughters on my side.”
Rita’s bridesmaids looked lovely in their pretty-in-pink gowns. The official color is called blush pink, and we can believe they left the fellas blushing.
The oh-so-dapper groom and groomsman wore looks by Emmanuel of Benjof Couture.
“God blessed me with a wonderful, smart, caring and beautiful woma,” exclaims Ephraim. “One of the things that immediately stood out to me about her was her high character.”
“As I got to know Rita, I realized that she was everything I wanted in a partner and more,” says Ephraim.
“I accepted Ephraim’s proposal because he is God-fearing, he makes me laugh and he is my biggest supporter,” says Rita.
Rita’s goddaughters get a little help making their way down the aisle. Can you look at this picture and not grin from ear-to-ear? We sure can’t!
Rita’s father had the honor of escorting her down the aisle. “He has played such a huge role in my life,” Rita tells us. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without him.” The chose to have a live harpist play the traditional “Wedding March” for the big moment.
“I was nervous prior to heading to the hall,” Rita admits. “Once I got to the altar, everything just felt right. I cried.”
The happy couple opted for a traditional ceremony beneath the beautiful architecture inside of the Chateau Cocomar. “I wanted to have both the wedding and reception in one venue,” says the bride. “I always envisioned getting married inside a huge mansion, so I knew this was the right venue for us.”
The soon-to-be-newlyweds lit a candle to symbolize their two families becoming one before all. The Unity Candle lighting is a popular choice for brides because it has such magnificent meaning.
It’s time to seal the deal! Rita and Ephraim lock lips for the very first time as husband and wife. Many couples say that second to the “I do”s, the kiss is the best part. Wouldn’t you agree?
“The plan was the have an elegant wedding incorporating our Nigerian culture and I think we stuck to the plan,” confesses Rita. “I did most of the planning with assistance from Chioma of Dure Events, who also helped with day-of coordination.”
“It was very surreal to be a bride,” says Rita. “Everything happened really fast, but it was everything I wanted it to be and more.”
Ephraim and his down-for-whatever groomsman jump for joy to create this memorable photograph.
The Chateau Cocomar provided the perfect grounds for unforgettable photos.
“Ephraim loves God, and that was key for me because I wanted to find someone who during the good and bad times I could feel comfortable going down on our knees to pray,” says Rita.
We love it when a couple isn’t afraid to have fun with their photos. Let’s hear it for the fellas for this one.
“I didn’t know true love would come when it did,” says Rita. “When I met Ephraim, I wasn’t even interested in being in a relationship.”
We got one look at Rita and Ephraim’s romantic recepton space and it took our breath away.
Since love was the theme of their day, Rita and Ephraim had the clever idea to have a L-O-V-E sweetheart table made of glass and decorated in gold accents. How unique?
‘He always wants me to be happy,” boasts beaming bride, Rita. Look at those matching smiles!
Even their table numbers were done up in style!
“For the reception centerpieces we used Manzanita Tree Branches with golden wooden boxes with hanging globes, and the florals included blush pink and pink-orange flowers,” says Rita. “Keisha of Keisha Kreations created each masterpiece.”
To set things off just right, the newlyweds partied right on into their reception while their friends and family cheered them on!
For their first dance, Rita and Ephraim went with an unexpected choice: “Almost Lose It” by Trey Songz.
Rita and Ephraim’s cake was made up of yummy layers of red velvet, chocolate and buttercream cake. “We wanted our guests to have different tastes to choose from,” she tells us.
It’s time to toast! Don’t they look happy? We would be too if we were attending a wedding reception this fierce, fun and fabulous.
Let’s hear it for the newlyweds! Tell us what you loved about their wedding below and leave them a little comment love. If you want to see your wedding highlighted in Bridal Bliss, email us now!
