On November 29th, I would’ve been married “traditionally” for one year.

Looking back now, I realize I never blogged about the whole experience of planning a “typical” Nigerian wedding. So in honour of this anniversary, I want to share my five favorite moments from the event we dubbed “The Carnival”.

1. The first time K saw me in all my regal Esan splendour/glory: Lol! Esan women love their coral beads. I’m not often vain but even I recognize that I must have looked a sight. I wore almost 8 lbs worth of coral jewelry. I felt like royalty, like an Edo warrior princess. I didn’t want to take off that outfit. It was one of those once-in-a-lifetime moments and I loved it.
   
2. The entrance dance: I think I only vaguely appreciated the fact that it was my traditional wedding when I woke up that morning. I had a sense that I was a participant, and nothing more. I was dispelled of that notion the moment K and I danced in. There was this roar of appreciation and then suddenly, we were surrounded by people dancing, laughing, shouting. And I realized, OMG! All these people are here because of us! We’re celebrities! Mama, we made it! Lol. I hadn’t expected to enjoy it that much.
3. Seeing my friends in their self-styled asoebi: I didn’t make arrangements for aso-ebi. I barely even decided on colours. I picked the easiest colour combination I could think of: red and gold. I told my friends to wear what they wanted and they made their own aso-ebi. *sniff* It was brilliant of them. Lol. They fulfilled their aso-ebi itch, and they did it without involving me. So stress-free. I loved the idea.
   
4. Watching the Igbagbonelimin: Igbagbonelimin are the traditional Esan masquerades. I’ve been fascinated by them since I was a little girl and I knew I had to have them at my wedding. I wasn’t disappointed.
   
5. The final dance: This was the one were all our friends really danced too. It was fab.
   

   You can watch the trailer video here:

Hope you enjoyed reading! Have I given you any ideas? Brought back memories? Let’s gist in the comments’ section 🙂