St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church

Traditional Engagement

Holy Ghost Christian Center Church

Wedding Ceremony

HolyGhost Christian Center Church

Ceremony

The Robert Treat Hotel

Wedding Reception

Summer

Our Wedding

Our Story

Photos

Rhoda Agyemang

Ken Kusi

Esther Babatunde

Alfred Boakye

Kathleen Ochoa

Richie Tuffour

Anu Odukale

Fred Mensah

Ebun Ogunowo

Amos Aloryi

Miracle Adewole-Bank

Alfred Akosah

Temi Odukale

George Aggrey

Natalie Baker

Eric Fordjour

Shirley Jilus

Prince Adams 

Bridgette Tutuah

Patrick Boafo

Yinka Sanya

Alpha Yeboah

Wedding Party

Asoebi Details

OUR TRADITIONAL ENGAGEMENT

What is a Yoruba Traditional Engagement?

The entire event usually plays out like a well-rehearsed play with two narrators representing both families, the 'Alaga Ijoko' (the sitting MC) for the bride's family and the 'Alaga Iduro' (the standing MC) for the groom's family. Prior to the engagement, both families meet in the 'introduction' where amongst other things, wedding dates are set and both families get to know each other. For this wedding, we will have 1 Alaga

What happens during a Nigerian Traditional engagement?

Step 1: Welcome&nbsp;The arrival of the groom's family signals the start of the ceremony, they are required to be on time and can be sent back or fined for being late. Once inside, they are introduced by their Alaga and proceed to kneel and greet the bride's family. Step 2: The Proposal and Acceptance&nbsp;This elaborate proposal 'letter' is presented by the groom's family and read out loud by the youngest member of the bride's family. After which an acceptance letter is given by the bride's family. Step 3: Meet the GroomThe groom typically makes his appearance by dancing in with his friends then proceeds to prostrate two times with his friends and once alone to his new in-laws. During the third prostration, both families stretch out their arms and pray for the groom. He then prostrates once with his friends for his family before proceeding to his seat. Step 4: Meet the Bride&nbsp;The veiled bride makes her appearance escorted by her friends who dance her in. She kneels in front of her parents for their prayers and blessings, then does the same with her future husband's parents after which she is unveiled and joins her future husband. Though not compulsory, some brides put the groom's hat (fila) on his head, this demonstrates her acceptance of the proposal. Step 5: Bling Please&nbsp;On instruction from the Alaga Ijoko she picks the gift she wants from the usually dazzling selection brought by her in-laws (a list with the required items would have been given prior to the engagement). She is expected to pick the Bible to which her engagement ring is attached. She gives her selection to her husband who puts the ring on her finger and watches happily as she shows off her ring to the world. Step 6: Bride PriceVarious envelopes containing everything from the bride price to money for the wives, children and elders in the her family are handed over to the bride's family. It is very common practice for them to the envelope containing the bride price, the belief is that both families have become one and are giving their daughter away versus 'selling' her. Step 7: Cut the CakeThe engagement cake also known as 'Akara Oyinbo' is a symbol of happiness due to its rich and&nbsp; sweet ingredients. The more recently introduced cake cutting ceremony is usually for photo opportunities. Step 8: Party Party PartyFinal prayers are said and the occasion is ended with lots of love, eating, music and dancing!

The parking lot and venue entrance are located behind the <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir//Saint+Demetrius+Community+Center,+691+Roosevelt+Ave,+Carteret,+NJ+07008/data=!4m6!4m5!1m1!4e2!1m2!1m1!1s0x89c3b4ac3c8462fb:0x8e2be58452e945cc?sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjwxujnhdaCAxV6MVkFHbqvCd0Q48ADegQIDxAA&amp;hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">venue</a>.

St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Community Center

Travel

Registry

Things to Do

Josephine & Edward

Josephine & Edward

FAQ

What is the address the the venue?

Can we bring our children?

Can I bring an additional guest?

Are there rooms blocked out with a hotel discount?

Do I need to buy a gift from the registry?

Is there a dress code?

Is there free parking at the venues?