Tucked away at the back of a barbershop, past the ladies plaiting hair ready for the new school term and the guy caged into the foreign exchange booth is a tiny, dark hallway. It’s at the end of this small space that you’d have found me sitting patiently with an encouraging if not strained smile, waiting for my Nigerian family wedding outfits to be sewn and dying for the loo.
Less than 24 hours to go before my cousin’s big day and I was watching the gold and coral material I’d brought her over a week ago get sewn into the dress that I’d be wearing the following morning. She moved with grace and speed, making both my outfit and Princess’ within a couple of hours – which of course begs the question why it wasn’t ready before I arrived, but hey, let’s not go there. I was brought back to my aunt’s advise. She’d told me to always give a date at least a week sooner than when you actually needed the tailors to make your outfits because they were notorious for being late. Man was she right.
The next morning we made it to the wedding on time and I watched what was undoubtedly the happiest day in my cousin’s life. I’d love to show you some photos from the day of the actual happy couple but I can’t. We were asked not to share the photos socially and as much as the blogger in me wants to post just one or two….I have to be respectful!
It was my first Nigerian family wedding where I wore the traditional clothing, complete with a really big gele. It was Princess’ first Nigerian wedding period. She had a great time and was enamoured with the whole proceedings from the moment she tried on her outfit and had the totally one off treat of me straightening her hair (far too time consuming. plus the heat’s crap for her hair).
Part of me thought I wouldn’t like wearing similar outfits to everyone else, it kind of goes against my rebellious nature, but it was actually lovely to see all of the different ways people had used the wedding lace to make their own unique outfits. We matched but in a way that was complimenting rather than over the top.
It was great seeing so many family members, some of whom I hadn’t seen since I was a teenager or even younger. Some I admit I don’t think I’d met before, but that didn’t stop my dad to introducing me to them all. I joke that I’m Nigerian by name only and that I’ve never felt that I ‘belong’ to either side of my heritage, but particularly not to my Nigerian side, having no recollection of the country and not understanding much Yoruba, but interestingly I didn’t feel too out of place that day. Maybe because all eyes were on the wedding party and the happy couple and not too many people outside of my immediate family tried to converse with me.
Whatever the reason, it was awesome being surrounded by family and watching my cousin take the next step in his life.
Getting a little weepy now so I’ll leave it there. Just want to say a massive congratulations to my cousin and his new wife. I know he actually visits Circus Mums from time time to time so I very much hope he sees this
Sounds like a really special, lovely day. Best wishes to the happy couple.
It was a fab day, thanks for your kind ways my love!