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Our Wedding Story: Milinda Lever & Babajide Akindele | DuduGuy Photography
Milinda & Jide are such a grounded, gorgeous and real pair – BellaNaija Weddings is honored they shared their wedding story and amazing photos by DuduGuy Photography with us.
Jide and Milinda met over 6 years ago – he thought she was a snob, she thought he was cool and made the first move. After months of late night gisting, about everything and nothing, they both knew they couldn’t live without each other.
However, every relationship has its stormy phase after the ‘honeymoon’, and Milinda and Jide share what kept them together through that patch.
Enjoy their beautiful wedding story …
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How We Met
By The Groom – Jide
I met Milinda 6 going on 7 years ago through my cousin, and from the beginning I actually thought she was a snobbish lady LOL, this is the reason they say not to judge a book by its cover. I had no idea Milinda was even interested in me, a chemistry built from there and we built a solid friendship. I enjoyed our late night conversations about ridiculous things and it eventually evolved into something special. I can still recall when I knew this woman was created for me. It was mid-October and I had been expecting to see Milinda all week but due to my work schedule I couldn’t. Eventually she came to visit, and when Milinda walked through the door, I couldn’t stop smiling. Yes it sounds cheesy but at that moment I knew I wanted to build a future with her. I spent my time counting the seconds, minutes, hours, and days that I could see her walk through the door again so that smile, that glow, that aura of her love could shower me all over again. I became a junkie and I got hooked.
As most relationships you have your honeymoon stage then eventually you have your difficult periods, which eventually caught up to us. Milinda left for London to further her education which put a rift in our relationship, but through our time apart she was still patient and persistent in making things work. We eventually found our way back to each other and I promised her if she took my hand this time around, I will love her as if it was the first day she walked through the door and captured my heart, for the rest of our lives together. 7 years later and I am marrying the woman that was molded into my peace, my sanity, my universe, and the soon to be the mother of our family we will create together.
I love you Milinda and I dedicate my heart and soul to you, as I inhale you as the definition of love so shall I exhale you as my giver of peace and life.
By the bride, Milinda
I met Jide some 6 years ago through his cousin who was my classmate. That’s where it all began. I am not sure if he was shy to talk to me but I made the first move. Getting to know him was truly mind-blowing; I enjoyed our late night gist about life and silly topics that made sense to us. It didn’t take me long to start falling in love with him. I knew he was different and he had this spark that just seems to continuously grow and I was just drawn to it. We started dating!
The first couple of years were unforgettable which he called our “Honeymoon stage”. Then I had to travel to the UK to further my education. I was not ready to leave him but I knew I had to make the move, long distance relationships aren’t easy as it took a toll on both of us. What made it worthwhile was regardless of the problems we had over the course, I could always count on him for kind words and support. Eventually the stars aligned and we found ourselves back in each other’s arms like it was the first time we met. We have grown to know each other, understand and cherish each other. I thank God for sending me a man like Jide, he is loving, caring, understanding (sometimes) LOL and best of all, he is all mine. Am so grateful to God for this union and I pray for an eternity of continuous love from the man of my dreams who has now become my reality.
I love you Jide and you will always have my heart and every piece of me.
The Proposal
A week before Jide proposed to me, he had purposely gotten into an argument with me so I wouldn’t find out his plan, as I am always good in figuring out surprises from him. His plan was to fly into London and pop the question at Heathrow Airport and take me by surprise. With the help of his mother she was able to convince me to come to the airport to pick him up and say hello to her. As he walked through the arrival hall, I was standing outside waiting and he smiled at me then showed me his upset face. I asked where his mum was and he told me she is still being cleared by customs. As we stood there for 5 minutes we didn’t say a word to each other. Jide seemed nervous for some reason I actually thought he was breaking up with me, next thing you know he summoned up the courage and turned to me and said,
“I am not a perfect man, but would love to spend the rest of my life trying to be your perfect husband”
– those words still ring in my ears till today.
Jide got down and one knee and asked me to be my wife, I was completely shocked and embarrassed and shy because everyone was watching, I said “Yes” while everyone watched and congratulated us.
Advice for Other Couples:
Just know that things won’t go as planned on your wedding day. You will argue countless times with your partner and vendors regarding the wedding preparation but on your special day remember to just have fun, forget about everything else and enjoy “Your Day”!
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Milinda & Jide’s day was beautifully captured by DuduGuy Photography. A heartfelt ceremony was followed by a glorious reception with the theme – winter in a summer setting. This was reflected by the wedding decor – silver trees that lined the reception aisle. Elegant touches like their suspended wedding cake was simply stunning.
The bride opted for one dress only – a lovely lace number, as she wanted to throughly enjoy it throughout her day. The groom was dapper in a suit crafted by his mentor.
Their traditional attire was lovingly bought by Milinda’s now mother-in-law, Jide’s mum – the aso oke fit her and her groom perfectly, befitting for a regal couple. Segun Gele did an amazing job on her makeup for both events as well as the wedding planning.
The couple was serenaded in a surprise song by Capital F.E.M.I for their first dance, and had funny man Gbenga Adeyinka the 1st leave everyone in stitches.
BellaNaija Weddings wishes Milinda & Jide a marriage more beautiful than their wedding.
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Photography: DuduGuy Photography
White Wedding
Traditional Engagement
Milinda – “My traditional attire was lovely. Starting from the colour – gold top & wine wrapper (which was selected by my lovely mother in-law), the fan, the definition on the clothing was just absolutely lovely. Initially I didn’t think the colour was that great but when I saw the final sewing, it came out really well. The gold came out very well with my skin and combined with the wine it was a “Wow” moment.
My beads were bold in wine and was fantastic for the event. It was a great occasion and make my best memories which I will cherish for a life time.”
My traditional make up was fantastic. It complemented my look and outfit. I couldn’t ask for more. It was done by a wonderful, lovely to be around Professional – Mr Segun Gele – he also planned my wedding! It was like he knew what I wanted. I didn’t need to look at the mirror until he was done and I loved what I saw. My eye brows had colours of my traditional outfit and it blended so well.
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All Wedding Photography: Kehinde for Duduguy Photography – instagram.com/duduguy1 | www.duduguyphotography.com | info (at) duduguyphotography.com
Bride’s Review: Kehinde was awesome and patient.
Wedding Info
Wedding Dates
Traditional Wedding: 16th day of January 2014
White Wedding: 18th day of January 2014
Wedding Venues
Traditional Wedding: Best Western Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria
White Wedding: The Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos Island, Lagos, Nigeria
Wedding Colours
Traditional Wedding: Royal Blue and Baby Pink
White Wedding: Silver and Red
Wedding Attire
Bride’s Makeup for Traditional & White: Segun Gele – instagram.com/SegunGele | +1 832 2477193 | segunolaleye2003 (at) gmail.com
Bride’s Review – White Wedding Make-up: My wedding make up was WOW. Also done by the same guy (Segun Gele). It’s weird because I can’t remember making any correction. It was as if he looked at me and knew what suits me. The make up was natural and made me the center of attention like it was meant to be. Fabulous!
Groom’s Suit: Sanct – Mr. Israel Ukoko
Groomsmen Suits: Ebony Stitches
Vendors
Wedding Planner: Segun Gele – instagram.com/SegunGele | +1 832 2477193 | segunolaleye2003 (at) gmail.com
Wedding Cake: Dream Cake, Ikeja, Lagos
Catering Services: Kaffi Catering Services
Cocktail Drinks: Blue Breeze Cocktail Services – 08037676085
Master of Ceremony: Gbenga Adeyinka the 1st
Wedding Decor & Bouquet: Aderemi Olaleye for Rexkraft Events
Address: 131 Ogunlana Drive Surulere, Lagos
www.rexkraftevents.com
Phone: 07055573238
Email: rexkraft (at) gmail.com | Facebook page: Simply Rexkraft
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E-mail: weddings (at) bellanaija.com | E-mail for #AsoEbiBella: asoebibella (at) gmail.com