A TRADITIONAL IGBO WEDDING | CHINEME + OGOM | OXON HILL MARYLAND

A chance meeting at a friends party followed by a few phone calls that didn't quite go anywhere was the beginning of these two lovebirds. All that changed when an innocent email sent from a different time zone landed in his inbox in the middle of the night. She claimed it was part of a mass email she sent for marketing her network business. He responded anyway thinking it was personalized to him.  He claimed he was working late into the wee hours of the night and there was her email, so why not open it.

Fast forward to Friday night's traditional Igbo wedding, Chineme and Ogom tied the knot in full customary tradition before their friends and family. From the bridal price negotiations to the breaking of the cola nut, to the blessing of the palm wine, the soon to be wed put on a full skit to entertain their guests.  And then comes the interactive part of the night, the search for the groom who had previously been stowed away amongst his friends. Enter fake suitors who  eagerly reached out to a beautiful woman promising her riches untold. Chineme had plenty of choices of men to pick from at a moment's notice to marry, but she had her eye and heart only for Ogom to whom she would offer her precious palm wine as a promise of what he can expect from their lives together. Amidst cries of take me, take me, I'm rich, I'm available, I'll love you and take good care of you, cause not just any 'ol care would do for Chineme. She searched high and low until she finally found her one true love, Ogom, the one who makes her heart skip multiple beats. The night ended with the groom's last dance with his family before joining his bride to become man and wife.

Enjoy.

DMV WEDDING AND EVENTS VENDOR SHOWCASE | BELTSVILLE, MD

 

When longtime and seasoned wedding events creative, Kensington Flowers and Events Inc come calling, you go!

And so began the May inaugural DMV Wedding and Events vendor Showcase at the Signature Blue event center in Beltsville, MD orchestrated by the very seasoned Paulina 'Nana' Kodua of Kensington Flowers and Events, and her dear friend, Tina Ajari Bello of Elite Party Rental and Events.

The goal as stated by Nana was both "a one-stop-shop for vendors that will make your event take off with class, attention to detail, and utmost satisfaction" and an excellent opportunity for collaboration amongst event creatives in the DC, Maryland and Virginia area. Although I had a previous engagement that day, my friend and sister Chuigo, call her Chu-Chu, stood in for me and didn't disappoint.  I stopped long enough to capture a few images as vendors were setting up.

Enjoy.

Oh this cake, this cake, this cake... I actually smelled the sugar as I stood next to it. Had to zoom in for the details. God bless women ... from our head to toe. Unquie pieces to complement any attire.

Party rentals ... what's your pleasure

Custom gifts, hand selected, just for you and your guests. Leave the planning to the experts.

Right there ... got it! She's always on POINT!

Another photographer in the house, my sister, and friend Halima Kamara getting ready for the show

Ever seen anyone dance and frown? Impossible... NK introduces African dance into the mix

I missed staying long enough to get one of those bling-bling shawls I love from this mother-daughter and aunt team.

You should have seen the original authentic saris on display.And your event is not completed until there's music in the house.

Oh, I saved the best for last ... check out her info below. She makes one of a kind!

Vendors

Elegant Decor & Bouquets | Kensington Flowers and Events Wedding and Lifestyle photography  | Ronnie Bliss Photography | www.ronniebliss.com Wedding and Lifestyle Photography | Halima Kamara Photography Makup | Makeup by Lilola Beauty and Fashions. Authentic Indian Fabric and Jewelry | Priti's Fashion & Jewelry Authentic African Delicacies | RDC Catering Event Rentals |  Elite Party Rental and Events High end European Fashion Boutique | Connaisseur Paris Event Planning & Design and MC | Sisimesho The MC Guest List Services | Exquisite Guests | www.exquisiteguests.com Small Chops | Finger Affairs TF Caterers VPS Media Center My Ultimate Cake Design Tri State Linens Vava Looks by Serena Anthony Golden Touch Bliss

Mint & Gold Styled Photo Session | Houston, TX

 

Ronnie: I’m visiting Houston & would really love to meet anyone that’s available for coffee, wine, a meal or just hang out. Kelsey: I'm always game to grab coffee or wine. If you wanted to pull together a quick shoot somewhere let me know.

Those two Facebook messages began a flurry of instant messages (IM) that culminated in a mini styled Mint & Gold shoot collaboration by a handful of spectacular Houston, TX wedding industry creatives from the local group of Rising Tide Society, the Houston Tuesday Together.

Kelsey Vawter, a Hair and Makeup Artist extraordinaire earned that title because this collaboration would have been impossible without her. She reached out to other creatives and our team began to form. She had a real-life power couple to model, we tossed some venues and timeline around settled on 10:30 am to give everyone a chance to get on with their valentine’s day plan.

I had a minor problem on my part though.

My original outbound Southwest Air flight conflicted with the timeline ; it was scheduled to arrive much later in the day. What’s a girl to do? Change flights of course, except it’s 2 days before departure. Enter American Airlines who happens to have an early morning but connecting flight that would get me into Houston IAD, not Hobby by 9:30 am. No time for deliberation, change flight plan already and pray there is no delay. Flight changed! Oh, remember to cancel outbound Southwest into Hobby. Canceled! And then there was the matter of the rental car, change pick up location to George Bush Airport, drop off at Hobby. Done!!.  I arrived at BWI so early that I was in line even before TSA opened. #firsttimeever.  Mercifully, AA arrived on time, I grabbed the rental car and thanks to the power of Waze (GPS) I made it to the venue, in time to receive the next IM: we’re inside.

Showtime!

When I first saw our real-life power couple Meaghan, an MD/Ph.D. student and Chris, an aerospace engineer, their chemistry was so strong I forgot my typical getting-to-know-you mental script. Meaghan looked so stunning in the exquisite gown provided by Christine of Private Label Wedding Dresses. Chris looked something straight out of the pages of GQ. The only question I could come up with was are you guys a real couple?. I don’t remember their response but their faces and body language said it all.

Oh, Chris, Chris, Chris

A quick touch up just to make sure her girl shines! Christine!!

Not a strand of hair out of place.  Hair and Makup by Kelsey  @styledbykelseyv

When you're in a sweet shop, there's only one thing to do. Did you notice the mint straws?  Elizabeth!

I cannot wait to work with again with one of the best Houston’s wedding planners, Elizabeth Abshire of EA Events & Design. She was so on point with planning the day that she even picked up a new set of mint chairs to match. Just in case! Calligraphy by Lilly and Rose Studio

This creamy goodness, to borrow from Fat Cat Creamery was by Natalie at Jade Magnolia Sweets.

What happens when several passionate creatives put their mind to a common goal? Made possible through the collaboration of these passionate wedding industry creatives:

Hair + Makeup: Kelsey Vawter - http://www.styledbykelseyv.com - @styledbykelseyv

Photography: Ronnie Bliss Photography -  http://ronniebliss.com - @ronnieblissphotography

Planning: EA Events & Design - http://www.eadesignevents.com @eadesignevents

Wedding dress: Private Label Wedding Dresses - http://www.privatelabelweddingdresses.com

Calligraphy: lilyandrosestudio https://www.etsy.com/shop/LilyandRoseStudio @lilyandrosestudio

Wedding Cake: Jade Magnolia - @jade.magnolia

Models: Meaghan - @m_roars GQ model Chris -  @cvdubs11

Venue: Fat Cat Creamery - @fatcatcreamery

I love to travel, see new places, meet new people.  My last trip to Houston, TX  did not disappoint. I met not just new people, but new friends, new places. I drove and drove some more, and had the lucky grace to meet spectacular wedding industry creatives. My adventure was so awesome, the next one is already in the works. Are you in Houston or surrounding areas mid-March? Would you like to grab a cup of coffee, wine, lunch or even dinner? I'd love to meet you. Better yet, do you have an idea we can collaborate on? Send me an email lovestories@ronniebliss.com

LANDMARK EVENT CENTER |LEKKI LAGOS NIGERIA | BOLU + TOSIN

I almost missed it.

Bolu and Tosin's wedding that is.

Thanks in part to those nice uniformed guys, you know, the ones that pull your car over on the side of the road checking random car documents. I wonder if they can spot a fake from the real thing, but I digress. There I was dressed and raring to go but I couldn't. My ride simply didn't show. Why? my ride had been pulled over by those 'state finest' asking for that lone random document that just wasn't there. Two hours later, lots of phone calls back and forth, mercy prevailed. And so began the race, from Sagamu, Ogun State to Lagos Island. Did I mention the ever present traffic jam? Yap! It was present, but we were not deterred. From one hotel to another, changed to look wedding ready and it was show time.  Words are simply not enough to describe the magic of the day. Of the love between these two. Their embrace, the intimacy of their dance, and part three of their wedding, when all the friends took to the runway.

Words are simply not enough to describe the magic of the day. Of the vibrant love between these two. Their embrace, the intimacy of their dance, the looks they exchanged spoke volumes.

And then there was part three to this dream wedding when all the friends took to the runway. Yes! the stage was really a runway!

So very grateful to be part of Bolu and Tosin's very special day.

Ronnie 

He's been waiting to say it, practiced it really, those two simple words that carry more weight than gold. 'I do'

Words are not necessary

Sealed with a kiss

Oh, his serenade

So many dignitaries, I almost froze first time I saw them

Yap! we did it

Your parents embrace

The pillars

Daddy's embrace

Oh, the venue, the decor, the ambiance, I can go on and on and on

Daddy's entrance, you should have seen the supporting cast

and of course, mommy's grand entrance, now their supporting cast was so long I gave up capturing them

Just look at us.

Yap! I married her

Words of wisdom

And more wisdom

Off to cut the cake... wait till you see it

Prayer, and this one was just to cut the cake

And she's been practicing for this dance

Looking at your newly minted husband ... and your newly minted mom dance

Mom's still got it!

Anticipating the dance with daddy

Where did my little girl go? She's now a woman

Could I have this dance? For the rest of our lives ...

Private moment ... in a fish bowl

Sweet nothings

Oh that reception suit ... made just for her body

it's a wrap!

GLENDALE MD | NIGERIAN TRADITIONAL ENGAGEMENT AND WEDDING | AYISATU + JAMES

You meet them, you fall in love with them. Simple. That's the only way to describe Ayisatu and James. Actually, we met over the phone, through a referal. I was in Las Vegas when the call came but missed it. I sent back a text message saying I'll be home by the end of the week. Instead of the typical 'ok', the response said, call when you get a chance. So, I did what any nice girl would do, I called, time difference and all. The introduction by my circle of sisters and friends was short, and on came two giddy, excited lovebirds. Before the conversation was over, I was in love, with both of them. Sight unseen. Not for the job, but for their genuine laughter and confidence that came right through the phone. They were unique in that they both know what they wanted. We set a date to meet and it was on.

Ayisatu and James are nothing short of a blessing because they continue to be even after their wedding. What they didn't know they asked. They wanted a traditional engagement session and wanted details of the why, when, how. I provided a crash course and then did one better, thanks again to my circle of sisters and friends. I happen to be a guest at an upcoming wedding, made a phone call practically days before the event and secured an extra invite to a strictly by invitation only event all the way in Baltimore. Love you Sister Kemi :-)   Ayisatu showed up, with her game face. You would think she was getting ready to study for an exam. She paid attention, asked questions. She was there ... in the moment. Oh joy. And the only thing that kept James away? That traffic you run into when there is a ball game in Baltimore.

Next she assembled her dream team of vendors to meet at my house for a pre-planning session. Another blessing, we meet each other before the wedding, in person. Flurries of emails and text messages, an engagement session can read here. And then the big day finally came.

I should let the images take it from here.

It all starts wilththe gele (headtie) for tradition

Promises of things to come 

A little time for portrait and details

The waiting while the moderator does her thing

When your daughter is the one getting married, there's a song in your heart that only you hear, and an extra bounce in your steps And your son has found a good thing Ready for guests

Skip a few ... on to reason we are here ...

The Letter ... from his family to her family ... worth dancing for

And one very bold young lady who did not skip a bit reading the letter, well, except for those family names that must be pronounced correctly Part 1 formality taken care of ...

Here comes the groom, with bells and whistles And the most important tradition of all ... reverence to her parents, and his parents. A must!

A reminder that you asked, strike that, you 'begged' for her hand in marriage. And in your sheer exuberance when your dance is on, you forgot the matching cap, but that's why God made brothers

Here comes the bride, in matching blue veil, with an entourage of sisters and friends

The prayers From a mother's heart, and you know a girl needs a second mom so she prays too

From your new parents because there are no in-laws

It's time to bid 'your girls' farewell, no more clubbing, book club is perfectly fine

Did I say prayer?

Africans have first dibs on that thing called prayer. Ask any African kid, they can write a book So we pray on the ring He can finally put a ring on it (I didn't coin that!),

raise it high, put the world on notice

No tag necessary the look says it all

Did I say prayer?

Finally, showtime

Made possible by the love and passion of these awesome wedding vendors

Photography:   Ronnie Bliss

Co-Photographer:  Toyin Photos

Master of Ceremonies:

Cake: Classic Bakery

Catering: Royal Envy Catering & Decor

Music:  Kingdjfm

Headtie/Gele – Dondonni Makeovers

Makeup – Shervii

Wedding Coordinator:  Subtle Touch Events

Video:   Expert Vision Productions

YEAR 2015: AT THE CROSSROAD OF A NEW LEASE ON LIFE - PART II | RONNIE BLISS PHOTOGRAPHY | MARYLAND WEDDING PHOTOGRAHER

Welcome back! Today is the continuation of the first photography workshop I attended earlier this year. The Bayside Bride Workshop was wedding business strategies + styled shoots.

The business connections and personal friendships made at these local level are nothing short of incredible. Our Community over Competition has grown into The Rising Tide Society and a Tuesdays Together monthly networking sessions with a focus on both personal and small business growth. The uniqueness of Tuesdays Together is the bond of friendships that is nothing short of sisterhood. A community where collaboration is the norm. I can definitely say that I look forward to each networking session and the opportunity to support one of these wonderful ladies.

Enjoy the images from the wedding styled shoot.

Eye candy

Why drive 70 miles for a photo shoot?

When it's in the company of great friends, beautiful couple, wonderful creatives and an old cadillac.

Julie and Caleb looks absolutely gorgeous it was well worth the drive.

And the venue? well, take a look.

Here's to all the creatives who work hand in hand in support of one another:

floral designer | EightTreeStreet hair and makeup | Carolyn Thombs Makeup Artistry & Consulting table design | Jennifer Burackler with Cassel Interiors, Inc. event planning | Ali McLaughlin Photography and Daisy Saulls Photography calligarphy | Spotch & Line venue | Poplar Springs Inn Spa and Manor House Restaurant model | Julie and Caleb website | ronniebliss.com instagram | ronnieblissphotography

Sometimes baby steps is all you need

General theory is that it takes approximately 21 days to form a new habit. Let's see if that holds true on my personal quest.

Day 2 of my blogging challenge is taking baby steps by performing a simple task: make sure all updates on wordpress are applied.

Why are updates important? It ensures that the latest version of a software is running. Simply put today's task is to make sure my copy of wordpress is in a healthy state. This simple task is often overlooked if you use another plugin to write your blog like I do. I just started using BlogStomp which for many creatives and small business owners, is a major time saver. That time element alone is one of the reasons my blogging takes a back seat. By taking baby steps now I'm crossing three items off my mile long to-do list: 1) image placement? Check! 2) posting to multiple sites with one action? Check!! 3) apply wordpress updates? Check!!!

I'm taking baby steps. Which of your business or personal goals do you need help with? There's a whole 29 days left in August. Let's do this together.

xo ... Ronnie