WHEN RAHAMAT ODUNSI first met Alhaji Mansaray in college, she was drawn to him right away: “It was the beard—a true masterpiece,” she says, laughing. In the six years since their friendship blossomed into a relationship, the couple has weathered many storms, including the losses of her mother and his father. So when COVID-19 hit during their engagement, it actually spurred them toward the aisle. “Our love and support of one another has carried us through difficult times,” Rahamat says. “So what the heck were we waiting for?”
Rahamat got to planning; but in contrast with the flashy weddings typical in her Nigerian culture, she decided to keep it simple. “We wanted our wedding to be about us,” she says, “the focus on love.”
Floating World Gallery presented a blank canvas for the couple’s vision of bringing nature in through greenery. Both the nikkah—traditional Islamic wedding ceremony—and reception took place in the space; a cocktail hour between the two offered Nigerian finger foods known as “small chops” and old-school bottles of Coca-Cola, a favorite of the couple’s. Dinner was also important: Rahamat and Alhaji pegged caterers specializing in traditional African dishes.
Ultimately, the day defied expectations and perfectly encapsulated their love for each other and family. “Plan your wedding for you,” Rahamat advises other couples. “Ignore what society and social media say will make your wedding special and focus on the couple—nothing else.”
The bride wore a custom gown from Nigeria and a custom hijab. Photographed by Gabrielle Daylor Photography
A neon sign served as a fun photo-op for guests. Also on prominent display at the reception: reverent homages to the bride’s late mother and the groom’s late father. Photographed by Gabrielle Daylor Photography
Instead of one large cake, the bride and groom each had their own—hers was vanilla with buttercream, his was almond with strawberry buttercream. Photographed by Gabrielle Daylor Photography
For the reception (and bouquet toss!) Rahamat changed into an embellished dress by Teuta Matoshi. Photographed by Gabrielle Daylor Photography
Guests enjoyed individual mini cakes in an assortment of flavors from Bombon. Photographed by Gabrielle Daylor Photography
“We wanted to bring nature in,” Rahamat says. “Greenery was the vibe.” A lush hanging installation was interspersed with Edison bulbs. Photographed by Gabrielle Daylor Photography
Venue Floating World Gallery, rentfwg.com
Wedding Coordinator April Steele, weddingsbyaprilsteele.com
Bride’s Attire Ceremony: custom, Matopeda, matopeda.com; Reception: Teuta Matoshi, teutamatoshi. com; Hijab: custom, Mayyisah Atelier, instagram.com/mayyisah
Bride’s Hair & Makeup Hair: Akute, instagram.com/extensionsbyasia; Makeup: Abimbola Makeup Artistry, instagram.com/abimbolaartistry.com
Groom’s Tux The Black Tux, theblacktux.com
Rings Hers: James Allen, jamesallen.com; His: Helzberg Diamonds, helzberg.com
Florals Kehoe Designs, kehoedesigns.com
Catering Difference African Catering, instagram.com/differenceafrican; Party Passion, instagram.com/madamchopbetter
Cakes Alliance Bakery, alliancebakery.com
Sweets Bombon, bomboncakes.com
Rentals House of Rental, houseofrental.com
Entertainment DJ Phlame, instagram.com/dj_phlame
Videographer ImagesXpert Media, imagesxpert.com
Photography by: Gabrielle Daylor Photography
