A Classic, Tradition-Rich Wedding at the Detroit Institute of Arts in Michigan

Segi Ayeni and Gabe Thurin had two separate celebrations: a Western wedding at the Detroit Institute of Arts and a traditional Yoruba ceremony at the Sheraton Detroit Novi. The latter was a nod to Segi's Nigerian roots. "It was important that aspects of both our cultures were represented on our wedding days," Segi says. "The Yoruba wedding tradition typically consist of a week of different events that are consolidated into one day in the United States." For the Western nuptials, the couple chose a color palette of champagne, navy blue, dark green and pink, and the ceremony took place beneath elegant artwork and carvings. "Gabe's mother is African-American, so we jumped the broom, a tradition that marks the beginning of a new couple making a home together," Segi says. "It symbolizes the sweeping away of the old and the welcoming of the new. The tradition also calls on the community of family and friends to help support the couple's marriage. Guests count aloud to three and then shout 'jump!' to help usher the couple into their new life together." For the reception, Segi and Gabe relied on the museum's décor and brought in minimal accents. "We used round tables with navy tablecloths, gold chiavari chairs, and gold and champagne napkins and chargers. Our centerpieces were wreaths of greenery surrounding golden goblets and candles," Segi says. Gabe wore a classic tuxedo with green accents, and Segi chose a sleeved gown with a sweetheart neckline and jersey bodice designed by Gabe's uncle, Jean-Ralph Thurin.