By Oladapo Timilehin. Photos: Funmilayo Adeyemi
It was the best day on earth for the Kolawole and Atinmore families when their adorable children, Oreoluwa Mobolaji Kolawole and Ifedolapo Oluwaseyi Atinmore, were joined as one in royal matrimony at the Habour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos. The massive engagement ceremony was witnessed by society buffs and the general public.
Bankole Omisore and Bride, Oreoluwa Kolawole
The ceremony which was a typical outflow of love, glamour, colour, and culture was hosted by the families of Dr and Mrs. Kolawole and Engineer and Mrs. Atinmore, the parents of the groom and bride respectively. There were no dull moments as the Yoruba wedding traditional rites were in full swing all through.
Couple with Groom’s Parents
Featuring the best of Yoruba culture as exemplified by Odogbolu and Ijebu Ode nationalities, the event started with an opening prayer by Mrs. Bola Bakare. After this, the master of ceremony took charge and kept the audience happy and asking for more.
CEO of Sujimoto Group of companies, Sijibomi Ogundele, Couple & Bankole Omisore
As it is the norm, the groom’s family danced joyously in to meet the equally happy family of the bride who welcomed them with gusto. And having respectfully paid homage in kind and dished out thanks for their acceptance, the groom’s family took their seats while the exchange of pleasantries continued in readiness for the arrival of groom.
Oloori Ekundayo Esther Onagoruwa, Alaye of Odogbolu, Oba Adedeji Onagoruwa, groom, Ifedapo Atinmore & Mr. Kolawole
It was not after that the man of the moment, the handsome son of the Kolawole family, decked in navy blue agbada, and looking stylishly radiant, in company of his friends, who were dressed in their sparkling white attires of different trends, made his way into the hall. It was indeed a stylish arrival with a large entourage, and the reception was loud with a bang.
Bride’s parents, Mr. & Mrs. Kolawole
Immediately he got to the place his in-laws were seated, as expected from a well groomed Yorubaman, he prostrated in respect. And, his friends joined, forming a large carpet of human backs. Their action was an exhibition of responsibility and respect which is sacred in Yoruba culture.
Members of the Bridal Train
Then the rain of prayers started, with the Kolawole family taking the lead. The parents of the groom and elders in the family followed in that order. Without iota of doubt, the elegant was enjoying a blessed and joyful day. It was not hard to imagine. It was written all over his smiling face.
Groom’s men
Then the much expected moment came. Accompanied by her beautiful friends and the music of the guest artiste, Segun Johnson, the resplendently dressed bride danced into the venue, stealing the show as she displayed her beauty in her dance steps. She was very good at it. One step at a time, like a princess, she danced majestically to the centre of the arena.
The bride’s mother receiving the certificate
Like they prayed for the groom, the bride equally got spiritual fortification from her parents. While her mother was praying for her, the father, Dr. Oloruntole Kolawole, couldn’t hold back his tears, and let them fall freely. Members of the Atinmore family also gave their prayers to the bride. It was after this that she was allowed to identify and be with her husband.
The couple in ‘Love in Tokyo’ mood
After the engagement rites were conducted, a beautiful reception that saw the groom and bribe changed to beautiful white attire, took place in the same venue.
Without any form of ado, the happily married couple took the dance floor by storm, with love written all over their faces. Segun Johnson gave them the African beats that gladden the soul.
The bride receiving prayers from a family member
The Master of Ceremony, Larry J, controlled the event in grand style. On the wheel of steel was the famous DJ Neptune, who gingered everyone’s spirit with his special mix of different beautiful Nigerian songs from Afro-pop to hip-pop.
The groom being led in by friends
Some of the dignitaries that graced the event were Oba Deji Onagorunwa of Odogbolu who happens to be the groom’s uncle, Ambassador Bayo Ladipo, Prince Seni Kosoko, Arch Dunni Opayemi, amongst other.
The couple dance
Indeed, this classy occasion will forever remain evergreen for both families, their friends and well-wishers.
Mrs. Atinmore & Mrs. Kolawole