Walking into Zandra’s room on the 10th floor of the 4 Seasons Hotel in downtown Atlanta, there was the distinct feel of determination and integrity. She knew exactly what she wanted and nothing was going to stop the year’s worth of planning from proceeding onto a flawless event.
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as much as I would love to say something really amazing, the plain truth is that Zandra looked AMAZING. She was calm, focused and had a determined face that was set like flint. Like a jewel.
The team that she had hired only added spark to every minute…
Flawless Coordinating by Wedding Soiree
Jewel studded boques by Floral Matters
Hair and makeup by Scoobie West
Videography by Sterling Barley
This photo is a total Cinderella shot..I wish I would have made her leave a shoe on the stairs.
Zandra was a very fashionable bride with 3 dress changes. She suprised her new husband with the sexy little number when the DJ announced that Mrs. Aoko had a surprise for him and placed him on the dance floor as she glided her way back into the ballroom.
Many of the guests wore traditional Nigerian attire to the ceremony and as the evening progressed, more people snuck away only to return transformed. I think for some it might have been their first time in such dress. Zandra and Michael compliment each other in the same patterend fabric while her mother contrasts them in this beautiful green print.
I had asked a few of the women about the head dress, what type of fabric it was and how difficult was the process and I was pleasantly surprised when a few of the woman had to be helped in the hallway to the ballroom. The process was surprisingly quick for somone who had no doubt had plenty of practice. The material was as crisp as paper.
Just when you think you have the biggest hat….
Nigerian weddings have a fabulous tradition of a “money spray” where the couple is sprayed with crisp new bills as they dance.
Guests were treated with homemade tea in adorable little jars as the night came to a close.
A friend of mine, Julie Harnage, has been second shooting with me for the last few months and I really like these shots of hers.
CONGRATULATIONS MR. AND MRS. AOKO!
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21 Comments
We were so honored to be a part of the special day of this awesome couple! The photographer, Shawna, did an excellent job capturing the most beautiful moments! Blessings,
The Dixons
Beautiful!! I was honored to be invited to such a magnificent wedding, “Platinum”. The pictures are lovely and captured much happiness. God Bless,
Mia
The pictures allowed me to relive the WEDDING all over again, I wish
you JOY and HAPPINES the rest of your days. I was overjoyed to be a
guest for this special ocasion in your life. Four Seasons COOOOL. Ms. Janetra
Congratulation Zandra and Michael!!! Zandra you’re such a beautiful and bright bride. Your story is truly an inspiration to me. May the love, favor and blessings of God continue to guide the both of you.
He who finds Zandra (a wife) finds a good thing
and obtains favor from the Lord. —Proverbs 18:22
My dearest first born niece,
It was truly an honor, privilege, and cultural experience to witness and be a part of your and Michael’s special day. I couldn’t help but remember that perfect little girl who always said “Dabba dabba dabba doo!” Now you and Michael embark on the incredible adventure of the rest of your lives! Remember, Saturday you married your best friend.
With all of my love,
“Aunt” Hallie
Mazel Tov! I am very happy for you. L’chaim!
To Our Friends & Loved Ones,
We are so grateful to each of you for sharing in our day. Your being there, whether in person or in spirit, has touched us in profound ways. The genuine and generous outpouring of love, joy, and support is forever engraved on our hearts. We love and cherish you all.
Shawna, there’s only one word that can describe you…PHENOMENAL. We knew we struck gold from the start. Working with you and Julie was a fun, authentic, and painless experience. We love your care-free spirit, laid back style, and artistic eye. Thank you for being such a phenomenal photographer. You are truly awewome.
With Much Love,
Michael & Zandra Aoko
Zandra and Michael,
The wedding was absolutely beautiful. I wish you both many blessings. Thanks for including me in this memorable occasion.
Sincerely,
Wendy
What a fab wedding; three dress changes by the bride – great food and our favorite photog! Congrats Mr. and Mrs. Aoko!
Zandra and Michael,
I hate I missed the ceremony, but Makiyah had her 2nd year dance recital. I know I missed a remarkable experience after I saw the slide show and pictures. I am truly happy for the both of you. Zandra, I guess it’s just something about the name “Michael” for our family. May God continue to pour his blessings on your marriage.
Love Always,
your little cousin, Dionna
What a remarkable wedding,we love everything, our beautiful African attire was so gorgeous, the beautiful bride looks like cinderella so lovely and we enjoyed every moment that we spent there, Happy married life, love from Nikky and Abbey.
It was indeed the day set aside by God wherein two people are joined together to become one, I saw LOVE, JOY and HAPPINESS radiating on everybody. I pray that God will bless the union and the family grow from glory to glory. Shawna, keep the good work up
Oh My God!!! Zandra you look simply beautiful. My you look like an ANGEL. I am so excited for you and I wish you well.
Beautiful prensentation of your blessed day. You are a handsome couple.
Thank you for sharing pictures of your special day.
Congratulations and best wishes to the happy couple!!!!
Barbara White
Simply BREATHTAKING!! May GOD bless this union!! Best wishes! Love, The Robinsons
To my cousin Zandra and my new cousin Michael,
Your wedding was beautiful. I am glad to have been apart of your special day.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, your pictures have given new meaning to the phrase. Stay and walk in beauty. You two are really blessed.
Gods blessings, Gods good, Gods speed to your love, and to your life.
My husband Emmanuel and I truly enjoyed and consider it an honour to have been a part of such an extordinary beautiful wedding. Excellently planned produced and directed. Such sweet memories for us and of course for you. It was simply the best. Love and many blessings Mary
Wishing you only the best.
Have a happy and prosperous life together.
Sincere Regards.
This is awesome, you deserve it.
Absolutely Stunning!! What a beautiful wedding…
Many Blessings,
Lesia Mescudi