Nkechi and Sanfa met through her brother-in-law in 2012. "I had been visiting my sister in Houston from Boston every holiday since I began grad school in 2012, and one particular visit my brother-in-law introduced me to someone he thought would be a great match for me. I was busy that day but we had a short pleasant chat and he asked for my number. He had just returned from working overseas and was home for two weeks. From that day on, he would text or call every single day, no matter where he was," said Nkechi. In January 2014, Sanfa officially asked Nkechi out on a date and the two have been together ever since. Check out their "Old Hollywood" themed wedding at The Bell tower on 34th Street , captured by Fernando Weberich.
Bride: Nkechi Onwuka 30, Medical Doctor
Groom: Sanfa Conteh, 31, Marine Engineer
Place of residence: Houston, Texas
Wedding date: 12/28/2014
Wedding location: The Bell Tower on 34th Street
Wedding theme: The Enchanted Castle/Old Hollywood
Honeymoon Destination: Puerto Rico
Engagement story:
He had just come back from work, (he works offshore) and we went shopping and passed a diamond store. To my surprise, he said we should go in and look around. Not one to refuse jewelry, I stopped dead in my tracks when he took me to the ring section and told me to choose. The whole store burst out clapping, my friends and family started calling in to congratulate and give me their choices for most beautiful ring. There was only one. He bought it right there and then. Delayed reaction, I was numb until we got back to the car, then I started screaming!
From the Groom:
My bride and the wedding planner made me feel like a million bucks! It looked so fancy! The ceremony and reception was so classy, I felt like a movie star.
From the Bride:
I felt like a princess, it was the best feeling ever, surrounded by childhood friends and family. It was intimate and gorgeous and so romantic. I felt like I was floating on air.
The couples most memorable moment:
Bride: Sanfa took the vows we had carefully scripted and tossed them aside at the altar! He proceeded to speak from his heart about how blessed he felt to have me and listed all the qualities that endeared me to him. I am still in awe of what he did; I fell in love all over again right there.
Groom: When I saw her step into the hall. She looked more beautiful than I could have imagined. I thought “this is it, she is the one.”
What makes your love special?
Bride: He called me a diamond from the first day he laid eyes on me (while I was in between changing diapers with messy hair!). I have been called many things but that was new. The clincher for me however was when I found out he was a teetotaler. We are from two different countries with very different backgrounds yet the attraction was instantaneous. He took me to meet his parents after our third date.
Groom: She is so intelligent, beautiful and focused. When I met her I could not believe she was single! She had this aura of contentment and self-assuredness that I found very attractive. On our first date, she told me she wanted to be the World Health Organization director and was working towards that. That day, I knew I was going to marry her.
Favorite wedding detail:
The flowers and candles at the altar. The set design was breat
htaking. And then we danced into the reception on petals
Wedding song:
Groom: Ed Sheeran “One.” The first line says “tell me that you turned down the man who asked for your hand ‘cause you are waiting for me.” She did exactly that, there were several guys I knew who were vying for her affection, but she turned down all other offers of marriage and decided to date me! Meeting her made me change all my plans of traveling overseas, I just wanted to be with her.
Cultural Touches:
I shared an impromptu “Makossa Dance” with my father-in-law! It is an African dance that I was so surprised he knew the moves to. The music was awesome, my nephew who had just started walking at that time, made his dancing debut, now whenever he sees me he starts to dance!
What are you most looking forward to as a married couple?
We complement each other in so many ways and we have achieved so much more together already, looking forward to the greatness we can accomplish as one.
Advice for a Bride/Groom on their wedding day:
Do exactly what you want, satisfy yourself first.
Congrats to Nkechi and Sanfa! We wish you many more years of wedded bliss !
Vendors:
Photographer: Fernando Weberich
Ceremony & Reception location: The Bell tower on 34th Street
Bridal gown: Oleg Cassini, David’s Bridal
Bridal party attire: Oleg Cassini, David’s Bridal
Groom’s tux: Mens Wearhouse
Cake: Supreme Kakes
Favors: Flora & Eventi
Wedding planners: Chioma Adure Nwogu of Dure Events
Music: DJ Tunes
Hair and makeup: Tokini Bilaye-Benibo
Flowers: Flora & Eventi
Stationery: isabellainvitations
Curated by our Wedding Features Editor, C.K. Alexander. C.K. is the owner and founder of Love Ink and Brownstone Bridal. Keep up with C.K. on Twitter here: @Love_Ink
