Event Planner Ibidun Ituah-Ighodalo glows in HiMag as she announces her New “Dream Wedding” TV Show

The June 2010 issue of Hi Magazine features event planner, Ibidun Ituah-Ighodalo of Hi Magazine on the cover. This issue of the magazine is the exclusive unveiling of Ibidun as the star of a new TV show which will air on the Wedding Channel on HiTV.
The show is called “My Dream Wedding with Elizabeth R“.
In the interview, Ibidun talks about her stint as the first “Miss Lux”, how she started her career as an event planner, the new TV show and how she planned her own wedding – in secret!
It’s an interesting read.
The photos are also very stunning as Ibidun looks beautiful in outfits by designer Odio Mimonet and glows in all the shots.

Here are some excerpts from the interview.
D: I wonder how someone so private is able to go into such an extravagant lifestyle business?

I: Well I can’t exactly say I chose it, it was and it still is my passion and I discovered it. So there was no question of it being extravagant or not it was a divine call and I answered it.

D: How has it been?

I: Well, it has had its pros and cons, but because it’s my calling, I enjoy the stress and pleasure that comes with it. Apart from that, it has boosted me in different areas like developing my people’s skill because trust me, you meet and relate with people with all kinds of personalities.

D: How did the Journey of “Miss Lux” come about?

I: I was walking in school one day and I saw a poster about the pageant so I decided to go in for the fun of it. Honestly it was all a joke.

D: (Smiles), that’s some joke. How did people react to a Microbiologist becoming a beauty Queen?

I: People usually expect to see a beauty queen emerge from the arts or social science field, so for a bit they found it difficult to comprehend because they believed people from the sciences never had the time to socialise let alone run for a pageant. The reactions were all short lived so it was never really an issue. At least not strong enough to bother me…. (smiles)

D: Remembering the Events you attended then, and the ones you attend now, how much of a difference in change is there?

I: Wow! There is a huge difference now, and in a good way. From the cuisine to the decor to the coordination of each event, a lot of things have changed. Nigerians are very open to change and that’s a good thing. We also have to bear in mind that there has been a number of new inventions. I personally have changed a number of things in the events that I plan now, there are some things that I did or used at an event back then that I would never try using now. I guess change is the only constant thing…

D: How will you measure current events standards in Nigeria to that of International Standards?

I: I would say that Nigeria is very close to international standards. While a lot of trends are innovated abroad, Nigerians still have a way of turning it around, adapting it and making it customized and unique. But don’t get me wrong; our industry still has a lot to learn and implement that’s why Elizabeth R has partners in UK, America, and China.

D: Does Elizabeth R still have a lot of stones to turn?

I: Oh yes we do, while a lot people complement us saying we have gone very far I just murmur to myself that, with God on our side ,our best is certainly yet to come.

D: Well, now to your most exciting project! The TV Show – My Dream Wedding with Elizabeth R, how excited are you? And has it been a long time coming?

I: I am excited about the show for the following reasons and more:
1. I get to enlighten the public especially young people who want to go on this path about vital tips on planning a successful wedding
2. I get to share with the public the hustle and bustle Elizabeth R faces in ensuring the very perfect wedding.
3. I get to give back to the society, which is an opportunity I have been searching for a long time. I would be able to achieve this through a competition where couples who can hardly afford anything would be given an all expense paid wedding courtesy of Elizabeth R. This gesture would make their wedding dream come true.

My team and I are really excited about putting this through. I didn’t see this coming though but I’m pleased about it all the same.

D: Exciting, we can’t wait to see what you all have under your sleeve, but I can’t help but wonder, did Elizabeth R Plan YOUR wedding?

I: Yes Elizabeth R planned the wedding; remember my wedding was a secret, not one staff knew it was my wedding; they thought it was for a Bride who was supposed to come in that day from America. When I showed up in my dress, I had all my people in tears. I am telling you I would never forget that day. It was such an experience.

D: WHAT?! That’s so hilarious, how did you pull that off?

I: It was funny; I was downstairs doing the decor till about one hour before the wedding. I even did my own bouquet (laughs). When Banke Meshida (Make up Artist of BM Pro) walked in and asked for the bride, you should have seen the shock on her face. Frank Oshodi (Nigerian Designer) made my dress, when he walked in with the dress and saw Banke doing my make up, he thought I was representing our ghost bride (laughs) that didn’t show up.

Oh my goodness, I can’t go on. That day was fantastic and I got what I wanted in everyway.

To read the complete interview, click to visit the HiMagazine website

Photography: Bamiyo Emina – TY Bello Studio
Location: Ighodalo Residence
Makeup: Tinuke Akande – BM Pro

Tags: hi magazine, Ibidun Ituah-Ighodalo, My Dream Wedding with Elizabeth R

Filed under: Movies & TV, News & Features