Our Wedding Story: Tosin Alakija & Dotun Akinbode

Tosin Alakija and Dotun Akinbode‘s wedding was absolutely lovely! We loved every dreamy detail of the couple’s special day. The stunning canary diamond engagement ring, the bride’s fabulous custom-made wedding dress, the groom’s sleek tux, the covetous shoe selection, the couture wedding cake, the unique colour choices – the trend-setting couple chose delightful marigold yellow and Pantone Colour of the Year 2013 – Emerald – weeks before it was announced and so much more. At the top of the list is that Tosin & Dotun’s wedding day was filled with love!

Enjoy.

How Tosin & Dotun Met
by Tosin
We met way back while still in the university, I was walking down to the car park when he walked up to me and introduced himself . Apparently, he had spotted me quite a number of times before that day. We got talking and it was like we had known each other for a long time, we became friends and that was the beginning of our journey together.

The Proposal!
We went for dinner…at first I didn’t want to go but he insisted he had made reservations and all, so off to dinner we went. On getting there, we had our main course and then we got to desserts. I noticed Dotun was a bit nervous but then I dismissed it. I placed an order for my dessert (he said he wasn’t having but would share from mine) and I made a quick dash to the ladies.

When I got back to the table, I started with my dessert but then noticed there was something under my table napkin because it was bulging so I reached out to remove the “item” under it and there it was – the cutest little box ever.

For a second I was clueless but then I saw Dotun on one knee, then it hit me – that Dotun was about to propose! I heard him say how he would love to spend the rest of his life with me but didn’t get to hear every other thing he said because I was in tears and so excited. I managed to hear the part where he popped the question – “Will you Marry Me?”, I said YES and the rest like they say is history.

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It was a wonderful day of love, joy and celebration as Tosin Alakija and Dotun Akinbode said “I Do“. The beautiful bride was a vision of loveliness in her wedding dress by Bridget Awosika. With its silk tulle illusion neckline, embroidered bodice, drop waist ballgown silhouette and tiered asymmetric layers, Tosin’s dress was fit for a modern-day princess. The bride’s stunning bridal look was completed with a matching lace embroidered chapel length veil, sparkly drop earrings and a marigold, green and ivory bouquet of fresh flowers. The groom Dotun was handsome in his tailored black tuxedo paired with a white bow-tie, matching pocket square and an ivory & marigold boutonnière. Tosin and Dotun’s church blessing was filled with prayers and well-wishes as their parents, family and friends witnessed the solemnization of their union.

Tosin and Dotun’s reception was not only brilliantly transformed by Furtullah Design but it was an absolutely fun party! The couple and their bridal train brought the house down as they danced into the reception space. Even the oldies got caught up in the lively atmosphere as they rocked and cheered the couple on! From their first dance to cutting their  four-tier crystal and lace detail wedding cake which was inspired by the bride’s dress to exciting performances by Saeon and Ajebutter 22 and finally the groom’s toast, Tosin and Dotun’s wedding was an elegant soiree. As the reception kicked further into party mode, the bride transformed once more as she changed into a vintage-inspired tea length strapless wedding dress. Her groom Dotun couldn’t take his eyes off her as they enjoyed the rest of their surrounded by their loved ones.

BN wishes Dotun and Tosin a blessed and happy life together as husband and wife.

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~ Photography by DuduGuy

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White Wedding

Traditional Engagement

~ Photography: Kehinde Songonuga for DuduGuy – www.duduguyphotography.com | [email protected]
~ Additional Photography: Gallant Studios

Wedding Details
Dates
Traditional Engagement/Wedding: 16th December 2012
White Wedding: 22nd December 2012

Wedding Venues
Traditional Engagement: Knots Centre, Yaba, Lagos
White Wedding – Church: Williams’ Memorial Methodist Church, Yaba
White Wedding – Reception: KFA Events Centre, Lekki, Lagos

Wedding Colours
Traditional Engagement: Turquoise & Silver
White Wedding: Marigold Yellow & Emerald Green

Wedding Theme
Simply Classic & Elegant

Wedding Attire
Bride’s Wedding Dress: Bridget Awosika – www.bridgetawosika.com
Bride’s Reception Dress: Estilo Moda Bridal – www.estilomoda.co.uk
Groom’s Tuxedo: Bespoke
Bridesmaids’ Dresses – Beige Dresses: Oyinda Oyefule – Purple
Bridesmaids’ Dresses – Emerald Dresses: Lola Okuneye – Loolah’s Apparel
Bride’s Makeup – Traditional Engagement: Banke Meshida-Lawal for BM|Pro – www.bankemeshidalawal.blogspot.com
Bride’s Makeup – White Wedding: Tinuke for BM|Pro

Vendor List
Wedding Planner: The Bride & Her Mum
Wedding Coordinator – Traditional Engagement & White Wedding: Zapphaire Events – www.zapphaire.com
Wedding Decor – Traditional Engagement & White Wedding: Furtullah Concept and Design – www.furtullahconceptanddesign.gnbo.com.ng
Wedding Cake: Cakes by Andy Clark – Facebook Link
Food/Caterers: Golden Pot | Malas | Kaffy
Drinks: A-Z
Small Chops: 12 Baskets
Desserts: Sweet Cravings – Lolade Shobo
Band – Traditional Engagement: Faith Band
Band – White Wedding Reception: Demola Olota
MCs: Mofe Duncan | Tosan Wiltshire

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