Friday 6 September and Saturday 7 September 2019
The Mims family from Virginia, USA were out in force to celebrate the marriage of their son James Maurice Mims Jnr to Bolanle Ashley Lawuyi. An eclectic mix of family and friends from across the globe were on hand to witness this unique fusion of two distinct cultures: Nigerian and American.
First off the traditional wedding, held on Friday at the Centurion Centre on Collonade Road, was attended by some 200 guests, the Nigerian contingent resplendent in their traditional iro and buba and aso eki outfits that brought a unique glow to the ceremony. The ritualised engagement and betrothal protocols were well orchestrated by the Co-MC’s: Ebun Oladejo and Nike Oyetoran, who injected a blend of humour into the proceedings, while maintaining the essence of this Yoruba cultural tradition. For their part, the American contingent readily joined the celebrations, with the groom, James Jr, his father James Sr and mother Valma, and their extended family, enthusiastically embracing this ancient African tradition. They were formally welcomed by the bride’s family, led by the parents Dr. Richard Lawuyi and Deaconess Tinu Lawuyi, symbolizing the union of the two families in matrimony. The sumptuous dinner that followed, included the best of Nigerian and Canadian cuisine. Then came the bride and groom dance, which allowed the guests to acknowledge the new couple by “spraying” them with hundreds of dollar bills, to round off an altogether enjoyable evening.
By contrast the church wedding on Saturday at the Redeemed Church on Auriga Road, was understandably a more sombre affair, presided over by our own Pastor Olawale. The reception at the National Arts Centre on Elgin Street, brought back the sparkle to the celebrations, as the newly wedded couple were serenaded by over a hundred guests, over a splendid dinner of exotic chicken and trimmings.
Black Ottawa Scene was there to capture all the images from this wondrous celebration.
All photographs copyright Black Ottawa Scene