A Romantic Wedding With Traditional Nigerian Elements at The Cummer Museum in Jacksonville, Florida

“Incorporating my Nigerian culture was incredibly important to us,” Tope Leyimu (31 and an attorney) says of her wedding to Eric Stallings (32 and a human resources administrator). Tope wore a traditional Nigerian outfit that her aunt made for the reception, while Eric coordinated in a flowing agbada and a DJ spun Nigerian tunes. An autumnal palette picked up on Tope’s family’s regal gold and maroon attire, while chandeliers and string lights created a warm, romantic glow throughout the reception. Roses, mums, carnations and agonis decorated tables while guests enjoyed a tropical orange Grand Marnier cake, which Tope has been ordering from Biscottis bakery since high school. Guests showered the newlyweds with cash as they entered the reception, a Nigerian tradition that symbolizes good fortune. “The crowd went crazy,” Tope says. “It was such a joyful and fun time.”