A JOY AND LAUGHTER FILLED SCOTTISH-NIGERIAN WEDDING

We suspected that January would hit us with some typically Scottish weather (hello wind and rain!), so have been saving this colourful, joyous day specially! After dating long distance for a few years, Demi and Tobi got engaged while on holiday in Kenya and started planning not one but two weddings – a traditional Nigerian celebration in Lagos followed by a Scottish wedding in Aberdeen, where they live. Their story and photos are sure to brighten your day!

While she knew it was coming and had been on the lookout for a proposal for a while, Demi was “surprised and speechless” when the time came. The couple, who met through a mutual friend, were out for dinner with friends in Kenya when the music changed to one of her favourite songs. Her dessert was last to be brought out and on the plate, written in chocolate was “Demi, will you marry me?”.

Aberdeen holds many memories for Demi and Tobi, and they were really excited that both Father Gabor and the Bishop of Aberdeen, Hugh Gilbert (a personal friend) would be marrying them at St Peter’s Catholic Church. A gospel choir was another must have for their ceremony.

When it came to their reception, their initial venue choice had to be changed when their guest list grew three weeks before the big day. But Demi took it in her stride. “Fortunately, we found the perfect venue for us,” she laughs.

The colours for the day were purple and silver, and as is traditional in Nigeria, the couple’s family dress in these colours so that everyone co-ordinates. Demi’s best friend was her Maid of Honour (dressed in silver) and her five bridesmaids wore purple dresses. Her parents also wore exquisite, matching purple outfits.

“We were inspired by simplicity,” says Demi. “We had the colours we wanted and just wanted all to look pretty but still laid back. More of having a fun day than anything else.”

While Demi and her bridesmaids were getting ready, Tobi and his best man and groomsmen were preparing for the day ahead too – which included dancing around the living room and drinking a traditional Nigerian drink called Orijin (a bittersweet blend with flavours of African herbs and fruit). Anyone else really want to try it now?

Knowing that her family have a habit of running behind schedule, Demi told them that the ceremony would begin at noon when in fact it was due to start at 2pm. There were still a few late-comers, but there were also a few folks who arrived at noon as requested. Oops!

After the ceremony, Demi and Tobi headed to Johnston Gardens in Aberdeen’s West End for photos. After raining all day, the sun broke out for five minutes, and their photographers – the wondrous Joy Story – were able to capture these beautiful images of the two of them.

“We found them online on Instagram,” says Demi. “Their pictures captured joyous moments perfectly and just the right vibe we wanted for our wedding.”

Demi and Tobi had a traditional Nigerian wedding in Lagos a few weeks before their Scottish wedding, with many of the customs carried out then. However, one tradition they were keen to incorporate into their Scottish wedding was that the wedding party danced into the reception – a very happy moment on the day! Another highlight was dancing together to ‘Heaven Sent’ by Keyshia Cole, a song chosen for their first dance because the lyrics really resonate with them.

After getting married on a rainy June day in Aberdeen (which felt pretty chilly to some of their friends and family!) they headed to Greece for a mini-moon. Their hotel room, with an infinity pool overlooking the Adriatic Sea, was the perfect place to unwind after such a busy time!

Choosing just one favourite part of your wedding day is never easy but Demi says they will never forget “exchanging vows and the joyous presence of family and friends”. Her advice is to enjoy the moment and try not to get stressed out over the little details.

Ah, how much fun does their day look?! Love the tradition of dancing in to the reception. Wishing you all the very best in married life Demi & Tobi! x