Couple’s NYC Love Story Fuels Their Hip Wedding

Inspired by the life they built in New York, Bola and Cindy designed their wedding to capture the energy of a hip, modern restaurant – reminiscent of the countless nights they had shared across the city. Captured by Amy Sims Photography, they wandered through the streets for photos together — Bola in a deep green suit, Cindy in a soft, layered gown adorned with floral applique. A gauzy topper added a romantic touch as she carried long-stemmed calla lilies. They exchanged vows in a rooftop ceremony, with the unmistakable architecture of St. Patrick’s Cathedral as their backdrop. Lush greenery and abundant florals complemented the modern cityscape. Their beloved dog, Amari, an essential member of their family, took part in the procession, dressed in a pink tulle outfit. Guests settled into their exclusive restaurant for the evening, and Bola changed into traditional Nigerian tribal attire, incorporating his signature color, green, along with beaded jewelry. Rather than a traditional photo collage, they created a gallery wall of exhibits complete with placards telling their love story as an homage to their shared passion for museums. The couple fondly recalls staying up late in the days leading up to the wedding, practicing their first dance. And on that night, in the city where their love story began, they shared that dance at last.

“I wanted a dress that showcases intricate details and craftsmanship while being easy to wear and comfortable to move around. I discovered the dress designer through online research and was able to try on dresses through a trunk sale at a local bridal shop. Finally, as a petite person, the key to getting the perfect fit was finding a tailor who knew how to alter European dress sizing into a petite frame.“

“We were inspired by the lives we lived when we lived in New York, both before and after we had met. Our goal was to create the kind of fun, hip restaurant we’d spent so many of our nights at over the years, with a mix of narrative, and surrounded by our families both biological and found.”

“Instead of table numbers, we named the reception tables based on New York restaurants that were our longtime favorites or held a memorable meaning for us.”