Wedding: From Facebook To Altar

The admiration was so strong that their wedding cake was a replica of the royal couple’s. The fairytale wedding of Covenant University Banking and Finance graduate, Onome Edegware and United States (US) based Petroleum Engineer Ikenna Nwaneri took place on November 16.
They exchanged marital vows before a large audience at the Our Lady of Apostle’s Catholic Church on Independence Way in Kaduna.


The Nation reports:
Their love story began in January 2012 when they became Facebook friends. Over the months, their love blossomed. While Onome was in London studying for her Masters, Ikenna is working in the US. Soon, it became inevitable that they had to meet.

“The connection was instant. We were friends and soul mates at the same time. It all just felt right,” Onome said.

“He proposed to me in the most romantic way ever. Just thoughts of it make me feel like I played a role in a movie.

“It was Boxing Day of 2012 and our last night in Paris. We had dinner on a boat cruise on Seine River. I thought it was the moment, but nothing happened. We left with two fortune cookies. We went to the famous Eiffel Tower, but we were not allowed to go to the last floor because it was so windy so we stopped to view the awesome scenery.

“Then, I reached for my fortune cookie and broke it, the note in it read: “When you realise you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible. Onome baby, will you marry me?’ he went on his knee and in no time, tourists were taking pictures of us.”

Ikenna, son of Sir Marcel Nwaneri, said: “Even with the rigours of long distance relationship, we kept strong. That we were domiciled in different time zones did not deter us from our commitment. We were always in touch through the various social media.”

The couple were joined by the parish priest, Rev Anthony Ikhenoba, Rev Anthony Bai and Rev Francis Kubai, who admonished them to hold firm to their brave decision of becoming one.

Their colourful traditional wedding, rich in Isoko and Ibo cultures held a day before at the Barnawa, Kaduna residence of the bride’s father Chief Mike Edegware. Family members, friends and well-wishers of the couple came from far and near to felicitate with them.

“I literally feel like a princess,” the gorgeous bride said.
Guests moved to the Musa Yar’Adua Centre for the reception.
The expansive hall was decorated in peach and blue. Same colour uniform georges and stylish blouses were worn by the women. The bride’s friends turned out in aso ebi attires to show their solidarity.

As guests came in from the scorching sun, the cool ambience of the hall relaxed them.
The podium was aesthetically decorated for the couple. Beside the podium stood a large white cake, and arranged in layers. Guests could not resist taking shots of it.

Shogo Oyeniyi, with the stage name Dr Shogo, was the emcee on the occasion.
Former Chief of Defence Staff Gen Alexander Ogomudia (rtd) chaired the event.

The couple made a dramatic entry on a blue carpet, dancing to the beats of Davido’s Skelewu. They danced slowly to Lionel Richie’s Endless Love to the admiration of guests.

The best man, Obinna Ogueri, a friend of the groom for over 15 years, since their days at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), during the toast, said the couple truly deserved each other.
The fun did not stop. Again, the groomsmen thrilled with their MC Hammer break dance steps. The train later joined the couple in moving from side to side for the Wobble dance.

Gifts were presented to the couple and branded souvenirs were distributed to the delight of the guests.
At the event were: Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) Mrs Sally Mbanefo; Col Ade Ishola and Brig-Gen Leo Erhabor.

theparadigmng.com