A Traditional Nigerian Engagement Party | Laura and Michael Part 1

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Traditional Nigerian Engagement | Laura and Michael - Part 1

 [W]here to begin with this traditional Nigerian engagement? I was contacted by Laura and Michael earlier this year (a little later than the average booking). Their photographer had pulled out and they needed a photographer to cover 2 celebrations. The first an engagement party; the second a wedding. The more I heard though the clearer it became, this was no ordinary engagement party.  Michael is of Nigerian descent and it is customary for Nigerian families to hold an engagement celebration prior to the wedding. It is a coming together of 2 families in love, joy and friendship.During the celebration, both Michael and Laura would follow certain traditions. Everyone was in traditional Nigerian dress. I'm a huge black and white fan, but it was kind of hard to stick to that - it was like colour overload here!First up, Michael and his boys would have to perform a dance for both families. A few nerves were evident but the guys performed admirably. Michael would then have to show respect for his future wife's family by laying in front of them (boys included) and literally touch his future in-laws feet. Once he was given acceptance it was the turn of the girls.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2"][et_pb_text admin_label="Text" background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid"]A "bride" was presented to Michael, dancing and trying to tempt him, but he was not for turning. This fake floozy would need to do much better than that to sway Michael, his heart was well and truly already taken.Laura and her girls then took to the floor, dancing all the way. Laura had to show the same respect to both sets of parents also after which Laura and Michael came together. A ceremony was performed and rings given in a truly moving way and then it was onto the evening.A quick change for Laura before her and Michael were showered with dollars (another traditional custom) and danced into the night.This really was a coming together not only of two families but of two cultures. It really was something to see Laura's family really going for it and embracing the whole celebration. Both families looked incredible and love and laughter were definitely in the air.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label="Row"][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text admin_label="Text" background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid"]