“ In early May, glamorous and in-Vogue Nigerian wedding style arrived in the city of Johannesburg like it had never before. This was the wedding of Kachi Nwaiwu and Agbon Steve Igbinedion, and it was to be a celebration of royal proportions that the city would not soon forget.”

In early May, glamorous and in-Vogue Nigerian wedding style arrived in the city of Johannesburg like it had never before. This was the wedding of Kachi Nwaiwu and Agbon Steve Igbinedion, and it was to be a celebration of royal proportions that the city would not soon forget.

The affluent area of Sandton, part of Johannesburg’s bustling business and commercial metro, would play host to the wedding at a venue large enough to accommodate a banquet style dinner reception, outdoor pre-dinner drinks, 3 stages and an after party to keep the prestigious guest list, which included African Royalty and dignitaries from all over the continent, glued to the dance floor.

The day began with the Catholic ceremony which was a traditional and sentimental service highlighted by the moving performance of the Grammy award winning Soweto Gospel Choir. Vibrant and beautifully designed African outfits representing many countries’ customs and traditions filled the church for this joyous occasion, whilst some of the world’s most incredible names in luxury vehicles waited patiently outside for their passengers. Names such as Maybach, Rolls Royce, Maserati and Bentley.

Kachi and Agbon’s vision was a sophisticated black tie affair. Black, white and gold were expertly paired to create a dramatic and opulent colour combination to out shine the impending Highveld winter weather. The lavish invitations highlighted an intricate “Great Gatsby/Art Nouveau” inspired laser cut design which continued to feature throughout the creative planning process. Two meter high screens at the reception received gold vinyl finishes in this motif. And not forgetting the 2.5 meter high and 8-tiered wedding cake, with alternating tiers of custom -made light boxes, also received this pattern on its edible layers.

The designer reception tables were an elegant display of lush florals, cut crystal and striking height. White floral arrangements en-masse beautifully down played the dramatic black and gold combination and the black and white striped table clothes created a dazzling colour base. Glistening gold base plates received a bejewelled black satin finish and striking 1.5 meter high white vases placed onto mirrored light boxes were individually pin spotted and finished off the chic as the ultimate wow-factor. However, Kachi’s exquisite Monique Lhuillier lace peplum wedding gown stole the show along with her laser cut Charlotte Olympia silver wedding heels! Kachi later changed into a 2nd custom-made dress to showcase the fantastic gold theme for the after-party.

Stirling musical performances by some of the best acclaimed Nigerian talent kept guests entertained throughout the evening. Kunle Ayo and his 5 piece band performed during pre-dinner and the reception, which included some fantastic traditional and contemporary Nigerian Jazz as well as some of the county’s well known gospel classics. Award-winning ChannelO VJ, DJ Waxxy took to the decks for the after party and kept the dance floor packed with his expert mix of international and African hip-hop, rap and R&B music.

Images by Ryan Graham: http://www.ryangrahamphotography.com/