An Elegant Wedding with Ghanaian Traditions at Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, California

Dzifa Kpodzo, who is originally from Ghana but grew up in Los Angeles, wed Coalton Bennett, a California native, at Skirball Cultural Center. As a nod to Dzifa’s heritage, they added shades like tangerine, gold and cerise to brighten their color palette. Dzifa wore a simple silk ivory dress for the first look and pre-ceremony photos —then she added a crystal-covered capelet for the outdoor ceremony that took place in front of a lily pond.  "My bouquet was a floral cuff which allowed me to rock it hands-free," Dzifa adds. Dzifa and Coalton included several wedding traditions in the service, such as a rose exchange and candle lighting ceremony, plus they "jumped the broom." At the reception, the newlyweds entered with dancers performing the “Adowa” and “Agbadza” — traditional celebratory Ghanaian dances. "We made our entrance into the reception escorted by Adowa dancers and then we transitioned into the Agbadza and invited all the guests to the dance floor," says Dzifa. "I loved that moment because of the way that it brought everyone together and set a wonderful party mood for all the guests." 
Our favorite #MakeTradition Moment: “Instead of having ring bearers, we had stool bearers who carried in a stool, and my aunt, who is a family elder, spoke to give us a blessing and share the meaning of the stool," Dzifa says. “The stool signifies that the bride is welcome and will always have a seat in her new home. It’s one of the many important gifts in the Ghanaian wedding tradition.”