Dotuns Blog » Traditional

Yemisi & Ayo -Traditional Wedding in Boston

Dotun — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 21:00:19 +0000

When Yemisi and Ayo decided to book me for their wedding, they made it clear they wanted me to shoot their traditional event in Boston. I figured they could always find someone local to shoot rather than fly me in and perhaps save some money. I tried to convince them but they insisted and luckily I wasn’t booked for that date. Apparently, they figured if they liked my wedding work then their traditional event was just important. And I know most couples who do these type events treat it with less priority but not them. Every now and then I try to educate potential clients that these events really doesn’t make a difference to me, I shoot it like I’m shooting my last wedding. So the rest is left up to the couple to do what they think is best for their events in regards to location, planning etc. Enjoy some of my faves from their special day and come back next week for some photos.

Showing some details as I would do for a wedding.

Ayo and Yemisi planned their getting ready so well that I was able to cover them both…very rare for traditional weddings.

Sorry guys, I just had to do it

Ayo’s Mum and Yemisi…you really need to meet them.

I think I rewarded all my brides this year if they got ready on time with some awesome portraits.

The proposal letter came in this nice packaging

Mom got a bit teary watching her boy getting drilled….can I hear some awwwww

So Ayo went down too fast and far away from the Yemisi’s parents chair, they made him and his boys crawl to their destination Ayo, I hope Yemisi can see what you went thru that day.

Her facial expression says it all

I always look forward to the carrying of the bride

It wouldn’t be them if this didn’t happen..lol

Mide and Saki – The Traditional Engagement

Dotun — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 20:45:57 +0000

It’s been a minute since I blogged a traditional engagement. As you already know, Mide and Saki are no strangers to the blog and I was honored to be a part of their traditional engagement and white wedding as well. This is going to be another full post to give future brides an idea of how I shoot these events. In summary, if you give me time I don’t shoot it any different than I do weddings. Enjoy their coverage from start to finish, I really wish I could put up more but I have to resist.

Makeup Artist – Zenab of Zfaces

I love colored shoes for wedding and engagements

Mide looking gorgeous

Love the cake, I thought with the wife on her knees next to her husband represents the event well

Love Saki’s look here, it looks more like “bring it on lady, I can take it!”

Now that’s how you focus!

I think that little girl wants to be like Aunt Mide when she grows up.

I think a friend is trying to get a friend to open that using old school method

Don’t forget my “Dotun’s is ready to go home” portraits.

Shola + Taiwo – Traditional Engagement

Dotun — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 23:42:03 +0000

You may remember Shola and Taiwo from my Old Hollywood shoot few months back. Well, here is their traditional engagement – colorful and so full of energy. I did only two of these engagements this year so I am going to do a full post to celebrate my last engagement post for the year. For my non-African viewers, I will attempt to give u a few clues here and there. My goal for this post is to make you the viewer feel like you were part of this wonderful celebration..Enjoy

PS: In the comment field at the end of the post, please let me know your favorite moment in this post. I will get around to numbering the pictures much later for better reference.

1. Typically, you have an opening prayer at traditional engagements.

3. It’s really the bride’s family day so they dance in and settle down first

5. Renny Vasquez takes care of makeup

8. The groom’s family is greeted by guards(female MC) and all they really want is just some money before letting them thru

10. The money bowls are in order

11. The brides family receives the grooms family

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15. This lady is sort of the guardian angel for both families, she brings drama and laughter to the event..you can call her an MC

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19. Brides family accepts the proposal written by the grooms family

20. Now the groom arrives, I love the look on his face. It’s more like, “you guys really want my money, huh?”

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25. While the groom pays his respect to the bride’s parents, the bride heads towards the ceremony

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30. Yes Shola can get down!

31. Another priceless moment

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38. Now that’s my Pastor Nike Wilheims. I felt the power in those prayers while I was editing

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50. Funny she tells them to hug with emphasis as if they need a tutorial for that

51. Even guests want to capture moments…..

52. Now they have to pretend it’s a nice picture…lol!

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58. Guests always love my camera

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Gboyinde and Anani – The Traditional wedding

Dotun — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 23:55:42 +0000

You probably remember Gboyinde and Anani from a few months back. In Nigerian culture, traditional ceremonies are actually of more significance than the white wedding itself. It’s when Anani makes his official request to Gboyinde’s parents for her hand in marriage. Anani is from Togo, so he pretty much has to conform to how it’s done the Nigerian way. At the beginning I wasn’t sure if Anani would be able handle the Nigerian crowd since in this case the Togo folks are smaller crowd..but I will let the pictures tell the rest. For my Togo friends viewing this post, I will leave some comments on a few shots to explain the culture but the pictures will tell story for the most part.

For this post, I’m going to skip the usual makeup and getting dressed stuffs so you can enjoy more of their beautiful day.

Decor – Garden of Eden| Makeup – Divine Touch Artistry| Assistant Photographer – Jblaze|

3. Right after her makeup we had sometime to burn for some outdoor shots. Time to do such during these events are very rare but I’m glad this was planned well.

6. I don’t need to tell you she’s gorgeous!

8. The guys give Anani a final beatdown

10. Anani gets his final advice on what to do and what not to do when he gets inside.

11. And his friend pleads for mercy..lol

12. His Nigerian adviser says “common lets do this”

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14. Now Anani takes charge of this thing!

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17. He makes his pledge to be the best husband ever!

18. Anani’s family recieves the good handshake from Gboyinde’s family…..I love the simultaneous handshake captured here.

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20. Jummy’s coverage - Gboyinde’s sister reads the official proposal to her parents.

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23. Anani’s official salute.

24. Gboyinde’s entry

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28. I love these real moments

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31. Jummy’s coverage – I love her smile.

32. Dad still not ready to let go

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34. Anani’s family receives Gboyinde after her parents blessings

35. Now can she be any happier?

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46. Usually the couple would be too tired to take any more pictures as things wind down but not Gboyinde and Anani. Yes, I shoot anywhere..hallway, floor, anything…lol

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Gboyinde and Anani – The trad shoot

Dotun — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 04:44:34 +0000

I’ve been blessed this year with lovely couples as you tell from my previous blog entries. Meet Gboyinde and Anani who tied the knot last month. Gboyinde is from Nigeria and Anani is from Togo, so the culture mix already make them a unique couple to shoot.

A little history here about Gboyinde. She actually already made up her mind that I would shoot her wedding even before she got engaged. Now for me I’d rather work with brides who are primary passionate about my work before other reasons. Enough of the talk and enjoy my favorite 10 from a a very quick e-session we had before their wedding. You will definitely be seeing them more on my blog in coming weeks.

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