Brad Quamina 11/11/23 Brad Quamina 11/11/23

A Love Enchanted: Kevin and Jennifer's Elegant Nigerian Wedding Journey

**Introduction:**

In the heart of Baltimore, at the luxurious Westin Hotel BWI, a love story unfolded, culminating in the regal splendor of The Belvedere & Co. Events. Kevin and Jennifer Obike, a Nigerian couple, embarked on a journey of love and elegance that resonated through every moment of their wedding day.

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**Love Unfurls:**

Kevin, in his quest for love after a string of challenges, found unexpected brilliance in Jennifer. Their connection on Hinge marked the beginning of a transformative journey. Kevin shares, "Jenny shines so bright in my life, I still pinch myself to this day to make sure she’s real."

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**A Groom's Proclamation:**

In a heartfelt note to his bride before the wedding, Kevin's words painted a poetic picture of their journey. From the enchanting discovery on Hinge to the culinary wonders of December, Kevin recognized Jennifer as his soul's companion. He spoke of trials that tested their bond, yet Jennifer stood as an unwavering star in the constellation of his life.

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**A Bride's Reflection:**

Jennifer, reciprocating the love, penned a heartfelt note to Kevin. Reflecting on the swift passage of time since their Hinge connection, she expressed excitement about officially becoming his wife. Jennifer thanked Kevin for his unwavering support, protection, and love, acknowledging the challenges they weathered together.

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**Preparations at Westin Hotel BWI:**

The Westin Hotel BWI served as the backdrop for the couple's preparations. Imbued with the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria, the atmosphere was filled with anticipation and celebration. Jennifer, draped in elegance, and Kevin, radiating joy, prepared for a day that would etch itself into their hearts forever.

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**The Belvedere & Co. Events:**

The grandeur of The Belvedere & Co. Events provided the perfect setting for their vows. Against this elegant backdrop, Kevin and Jennifer exchanged promises of love, creating a tapestry of memories that would last a lifetime. The venue echoed with the joyous celebration of a love destined to be.

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**A Journey Together:**

As the sun set over Baltimore, Kevin and Jennifer embarked on a new chapter of their lives as a married couple. Their elegant Nigerian wedding at The Belvedere & Co. Events was a testament to love's enduring power and the beauty of two souls converging into one harmonious symphony. May their journey be filled with continued enchantment and a lifetime of shared joy.

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*Note: The couple's personalized details, cultural elements, and poetic expressions have been woven into the narrative to capture the essence of their unique love story.* To listen to their love notes to one another before the wedding, click the link to their full wedding feature film online here: Jennifer and Kevin Wedding Feature Film.

If you want a consultation for cinematography and photography for your wedding, click here.

Jennifer in her robe at the Westin Hotel in Baltimore before getting ready for her wedding at the Belvedere Co. & Events.

Brad Quamina 5/10/22 Brad Quamina 5/10/22

5 Tips for Taking Beautiful Engagement Photos

I find often that my couples are experiencing photoshoots for the very first time when they book with me, let alone, engagement portraiture. I only have one exception of a couple who had 3 engagement photo shoots! Wow. It’s not what you think, their first shoot did not go too well and consequently hired Quamina Image Wedding Photography and Videography then we shot again on their original wedding date. That couple’s wedding turned out pretty well and that’s another blog to be written at a latter date. Moreover, I’ve written out some ideas to help you and your fiancé prepare yourself for a great engagement shoot and so you do not have to spend extra on another shoot. Enjoy.

1. Be Yourself!

Pace yourself, be colloquial with your photographer, come to the shoot calm and happy and most importantly, Be Your Most You. It’s only you and your fiancé in your moment. Your fiancé asked you for a life in marriage and you said YES! The photographer is just there to capture your love, passion for each other and the fun that you will have.

2. Match But Do Not Match

Yes, you read that right. Let’s face it, some of us love to match with our significant other on dates, random occasions and make “I Wuv U” t-shirts for those trips to Jamaica. A couple’s shoot is a little different. We highly recommend a luxe look. That includes dressing to impress with your fiancé and wearing colors to complement each other. We also recommend seasonal or a slight wedding replica look. Now remember, you should match your fiancé’s swag but not wear their swag. That would be the same exact colors and scheme. If Nina wears a turquoise skirt, maybe my tie will be turquoise (maybe with some textured design) but my jacket will be a burgundy, or another neutral color, but not the same as her skirt. If she wears a red dress, I’ll come with a black suite, white shirt, red pocket square and maybe some red bottoms. Get the hint? But it’s totally your shoot, and it’s your time to remember for life. This is just a swag recommendation.

3. Bring A Change of Clothes

Consider having two looks for your engagement shoot, luxe and chic casual. A luxe look includes a tailored suit and beautiful gown. I think most ladies are familiar with what Beyoncé calls it, the freakum dress. A casual look for your engagement is something relaxed, maybe seasonally inspired and definitely stylish. Which one should you do first, you ask?? For a Quamina Image Engagement Shoot, I suggest that you dress in your casual chic first and your fine attire second. By the time you are ready for your second look, you will be set for dazzling sun set portraits. Taking beautiful photos during sun set will produce beautiful wall art for you to frame and hang at home. Also, since you’ll most likely be in an area of fine dining, you’ll already be dressed for the occasion to go have a nice dinner with your fiancé. You two deserve it, you just spent 2 hours cheesing.

**4. Pinterest Your Most Must Have Poses**

Define or get an idea of your style of posing by spending a few minutes a day for a week going through Pinterest, pinning your favorite poses then run them by your photographer a couple weeks before your shoot. Your photographer will already have 5 go-to poses that he will utilize with several different angles each. Adding 4 or more must have poses will enhance your engagement shoot. Practice these poses before the shoot and your experience will more than double.

5. Look Your Best

I know I’ve iterated this twice already but these images will stick with you, your spouse, your parents, siblings, kids, grandkids and so forth. That said, make sure that high thread fine suit, dress, pants, shirts, pocket square doesn’t have a wrinkle in sight. Although photographers can do some amazing things in post-production, you don’t want your photos taking longer because your photographer has to spend so much time “photoshopping” things that could have been taken care of before the shoot. Some brides like to have their makeup done for their shoot. I encourage this and there is absolutely nothing wrong if you prefer not to. But the artist can create a look of your desire or something you cannot even imagine. Make sure that you tell your MUA what you’ll be wearing and the occasion.

Beware, you two will be the starlight of the evening. Be prepared to be complimented by people of all walks. Your engagement shoot should be fun and unforgettable. Remember to look your best, these photos will be printed digitally, posted on your walls, tables and in albums. These photos are not only for keepsake, you will also post a 20x30 enlargement at your wedding for your guests to see. So read this blog, save it to your internet browser favorites and visit often.