A TRADITIONAL IGBO WEDDING | CHINEME + OGOM | OXON HILL MARYLAND

ronnie-bliss-nigerian-wedding-photoA chance meeting at a friends party followed by a few phone calls that didn't quite go anywhere was the beginning of these two lovebirds. All that changed when an innocent email sent from a different time zone landed in his inbox in the middle of the night. She claimed it was part of a mass email she sent for marketing her network business. He responded anyway thinking it was personalized to him.  He claimed he was working late into the wee hours of the night and there was her email, so why not open it.

Fast forward to Friday night's traditional Igbo wedding, Chineme and Ogom tied the knot in full customary tradition before their friends and family. From the bridal price negotiations to the breaking of the cola nut, to the blessing of the palm wine, the soon to be wed put on a full skit to entertain their guests.  And then comes the interactive part of the night, the search for the groom who had previously been stowed away amongst his friends. Enter fake suitors who  eagerly reached out to a beautiful woman promising her riches untold. Chineme had plenty of choices of men to pick from at a moment's notice to marry, but she had her eye and heart only for Ogom to whom she would offer her precious palm wine as a promise of what he can expect from their lives together. Amidst cries of take me, take me, I'm rich, I'm available, I'll love you and take good care of you, cause not just any 'ol care would do for Chineme. She searched high and low until she finally found her one true love, Ogom, the one who makes her heart skip multiple beats. The night ended with the groom's last dance with his family before joining his bride to become man and wife.

Enjoy.

Ronnie Bliss Photography_0298.jpgRonnie Bliss Photography_0286.jpg

Ronnie Bliss Photography_0290.jpg Ronnie Bliss Photography_0287.jpgRonnie Bliss Photography_0288.jpgRonnie Bliss Photography_0306.jpgRonnie Bliss Photography_0291.jpg Ronnie Bliss Photography_0292.jpg Ronnie Bliss Photography_0295.jpg Ronnie Bliss Photography_0289.jpg

Ronnie Bliss Photography_0302.jpg

Ronnie Bliss Photography_0303.jpgRonnie Bliss Photography_0304.jpgRonnie Bliss Photography_0308.jpg

Ronnie Bliss Photography_0309.jpg Ronnie Bliss Photography_0310.jpg Ronnie Bliss Photography_0311.jpgRonnie Bliss Photography_0300.jpg

Ronnie Bliss Photography_0312.jpg Ronnie Bliss Photography_0313.jpgRonnie Bliss Photography_0314.jpg

Ronnie Bliss Photography_0316.jpg Ronnie Bliss Photography_0317.jpg

Ronnie Bliss Photography_0315.jpg Ronnie Bliss Photography_0318.jpg

Ronnie Bliss Photography_0325.jpg

Ronnie Bliss Photography_0319.jpg

Ronnie Bliss Photography_0320.jpg Ronnie Bliss Photography_0321.jpg Ronnie Bliss Photography_0322.jpg

Ronnie Bliss Photography_0323.jpg Ronnie Bliss Photography_0324.jpg

Ronnie Bliss Photography_0326.jpg

Ronnie Bliss Photography_0327.jpg

Ronnie Bliss Photography_0328.jpgRonnie Bliss Photography_0294.jpg Ronnie Bliss Photography_0329.jpg Ronnie Bliss Photography_0330.jpg

Ronnie Bliss Photography_0338.jpg

Ronnie Bliss Photography_0340.jpg Ronnie Bliss Photography_0339.jpg

Ronnie Bliss Photography_0341.jpg

Ronnie Bliss Photography_0331.jpg Ronnie Bliss Photography_0332.jpg Ronnie Bliss Photography_0334.jpg

Ronnie Bliss Photography_0333.jpg

Ronnie Bliss Photography_0336.jpg Ronnie Bliss Photography_0337.jpg

DMV WEDDING AND EVENTS VENDOR SHOWCASE | BELTSVILLE, MD

  Vendor Showcase

 

When longtime and seasoned wedding events creative, Kensington Flowers and Events Inc come calling, you go!

And so began the May inaugural DMV Wedding and Events vendor Showcase at the Signature Blue event center in Beltsville, MD orchestrated by the very seasoned Paulina 'Nana' Kodua of Kensington Flowers and Events, and her dear friend, Tina Ajari Bello of Elite Party Rental and Events.

The goal as stated by Nana was both "a one-stop-shop for vendors that will make your event take off with class, attention to detail, and utmost satisfaction" and an excellent opportunity for collaboration amongst event creatives in the DC, Maryland and Virginia area. Although I had a previous engagement that day, my friend and sister Chuigo, call her Chu-Chu, stood in for me and didn't disappoint.  I stopped long enough to capture a few images as vendors were setting up.

Enjoy.

 

Ronnie Bliss Photography_0273Ronnie Bliss Photography_0263Ronnie Bliss Photography_0268 Ronnie Bliss Photography_0272

Ronnie Bliss Photography_0267 Ronnie Bliss Photography_0271 Ronnie Bliss Photography_0266 Ronnie Bliss Photography_0265 Ronnie Bliss Photography_0264

Ronnie Bliss Photography_0261 Ronnie Bliss Photography_0260Ronnie Bliss Photography_0259Oh this cake, this cake, this cake... I actually smelled the sugar as I stood next to it. Had to zoom in for the details. Ronnie Bliss Photography_0257God bless women ... from our head to toe. Unquie pieces to complement any attire.

Ronnie Bliss Photography_0255 Ronnie Bliss Photography_0256

Ronnie Bliss Photography_0254Party rentals ... what's your pleasure Ronnie Bliss Photography_0253 Ronnie Bliss Photography_0252Ronnie Bliss Photography_0251

Custom gifts, hand selected, just for you and your guests. Leave the planning to the experts.

Ronnie Bliss Photography_0280Ronnie Bliss Photography_0285Right there ... got it! She's always on POINT!

Ronnie Bliss Photography_0262

Another photographer in the house, my sister, and friend Halima Kamara getting ready for the show

Ronnie Bliss Photography_0275

Ever seen anyone dance and frown? Impossible... NK introduces African dance into the mix

Ronnie Bliss Photography_0276Ronnie Bliss Photography_0277

I missed staying long enough to get one of those bling-bling shawls I love from this mother-daughter and aunt team.

You should have seen the original authentic saris on display.Ronnie Bliss Photography_0281And your event is not completed until there's music in the house.

Ronnie Bliss Photography_0282

Oh, I saved the best for last ... check out her info below. She makes one of a kind! Ronnie Bliss Photography_0283

Ronnie Bliss Photography_0284

Vendors

Elegant Decor & Bouquets | Kensington Flowers and Events Wedding and Lifestyle photography  | Ronnie Bliss Photography | www.ronniebliss.com Wedding and Lifestyle Photography | Halima Kamara Photography Makup | Makeup by Lilola Beauty and Fashions. Authentic Indian Fabric and Jewelry | Priti's Fashion & Jewelry Authentic African Delicacies | RDC Catering Event Rentals |  Elite Party Rental and Events High end European Fashion Boutique | Connaisseur Paris Event Planning & Design and MC | Sisimesho The MC Guest List Services | Exquisite Guests | www.exquisiteguests.com Small Chops | Finger Affairs TF Caterers VPS Media Center My Ultimate Cake Design Tri State Linens Vava Looks by Serena Anthony Golden Touch Bliss

Mint & Gold Styled Photo Session | Houston, TX

  Ronnie Bliss Photography_0189.jpg

 

Ronnie: I’m visiting Houston & would really love to meet anyone that’s available for coffee, wine, a meal or just hang out. Kelsey: I'm always game to grab coffee or wine. If you wanted to pull together a quick shoot somewhere let me know.

Those two Facebook messages began a flurry of instant messages (IM) that culminated in a mini styled Mint & Gold shoot collaboration by a handful of spectacular Houston, TX wedding industry creatives from the local group of Rising Tide Society, the Houston Tuesday Together.

Kelsey Vawter, a Hair and Makeup Artist extraordinaire earned that title because this collaboration would have been impossible without her. She reached out to other creatives and our team began to form. She had a real-life power couple to model, we tossed some venues and timeline around settled on 10:30 am to give everyone a chance to get on with their valentine’s day plan.

I had a minor problem on my part though.

My original outbound Southwest Air flight conflicted with the timeline ; it was scheduled to arrive much later in the day. What’s a girl to do? Change flights of course, except it’s 2 days before departure. Enter American Airlines who happens to have an early morning but connecting flight that would get me into Houston IAD, not Hobby by 9:30 am. No time for deliberation, change flight plan already and pray there is no delay. Flight changed! Oh, remember to cancel outbound Southwest into Hobby. Canceled! And then there was the matter of the rental car, change pick up location to George Bush Airport, drop off at Hobby. Done!!.  I arrived at BWI so early that I was in line even before TSA opened. #firsttimeever.  Mercifully, AA arrived on time, I grabbed the rental car and thanks to the power of Waze (GPS) I made it to the venue, in time to receive the next IM: we’re inside.

Showtime!

When I first saw our real-life power couple Meaghan, an MD/Ph.D. student and Chris, an aerospace engineer, their chemistry was so strong I forgot my typical getting-to-know-you mental script. Meaghan looked so stunning in the exquisite gown provided by Christine of Private Label Wedding Dresses. Chris looked something straight out of the pages of GQ. The only question I could come up with was are you guys a real couple?. I don’t remember their response but their faces and body language said it all.

 

Ronnie Bliss Photography_0163.jpgRonnie Bliss Photography_0191.jpg Ronnie Bliss Photography_0190.jpg Ronnie Bliss Photography_0161.jpg

Ronnie Bliss Photography_0160.jpg

 

Oh, Chris, Chris, Chris

Ronnie Bliss Photography_0164.jpg Ronnie Bliss Photography_0165.jpg

Ronnie Bliss Photography_0167.jpg Ronnie Bliss Photography_0168.jpg Ronnie Bliss Photography_0169.jpg

A quick touch up just to make sure her girl shines! Christine!! Ronnie Bliss Photography_0171.jpg Ronnie Bliss Photography_0170.jpg

Ronnie Bliss Photography_0174.jpg

Ronnie Bliss Photography_0175.jpg

Not a strand of hair out of place.  Hair and Makup by Kelsey  @styledbykelseyvRonnie Bliss Photography_0192 Ronnie Bliss Photography_0176.jpgRonnie Bliss Photography_0172.jpgRonnie Bliss Photography_0173.jpg

When you're in a sweet shop, there's only one thing to do. Did you notice the mint straws?  Elizabeth! Ronnie Bliss Photography_0177.jpg

I cannot wait to work with again with one of the best Houston’s wedding planners, Elizabeth Abshire of EA Events & Design. She was so on point with planning the day that she even picked up a new set of mint chairs to match. Just in case! Ronnie Bliss Photography_0178.jpgCalligraphy by Lilly and Rose Studio Ronnie Bliss Photography_0179.jpg Ronnie Bliss Photography_0180.jpg Ronnie Bliss Photography_0181.jpg Ronnie Bliss Photography_0182.jpg Ronnie Bliss Photography_0183.jpg

This creamy goodness, to borrow from Fat Cat Creamery was by Natalie at Jade Magnolia Sweets. Ronnie Bliss Photography_0184.jpg Ronnie Bliss Photography_0185.jpg Ronnie Bliss Photography_0186.jpg Ronnie Bliss Photography_0187.jpg Ronnie Bliss Photography_0188.jpg

 

What happens when several passionate creatives put their mind to a common goal? Made possible through the collaboration of these passionate wedding industry creatives:

Hair + Makeup: Kelsey Vawter - http://www.styledbykelseyv.com - @styledbykelseyv

Photography: Ronnie Bliss Photography -  http://ronniebliss.com - @ronnieblissphotography

Planning: EA Events & Design - http://www.eadesignevents.com @eadesignevents

Wedding dress: Private Label Wedding Dresses - http://www.privatelabelweddingdresses.com

Calligraphy: lilyandrosestudio https://www.etsy.com/shop/LilyandRoseStudio @lilyandrosestudio

Wedding Cake: Jade Magnolia - @jade.magnolia

Models: Meaghan - @m_roars GQ model Chris -  @cvdubs11

Venue: Fat Cat Creamery - @fatcatcreamery

I love to travel, see new places, meet new people.  My last trip to Houston, TX  did not disappoint. I met not just new people, but new friends, new places. I drove and drove some more, and had the lucky grace to meet spectacular wedding industry creatives. My adventure was so awesome, the next one is already in the works. Are you in Houston or surrounding areas mid-March? Would you like to grab a cup of coffee, wine, lunch or even dinner? I'd love to meet you. Better yet, do you have an idea we can collaborate on? Send me an email lovestories@ronniebliss.com

LANDMARK EVENT CENTER |LEKKI LAGOS NIGERIA | BOLU + TOSIN

Ronnie Bliss Photography_0148.jpg

I almost missed it.

Bolu and Tosin's wedding that is.

Thanks in part to those nice uniformed guys, you know, the ones that pull your car over on the side of the road checking random car documents. I wonder if they can spot a fake from the real thing, but I digress. There I was dressed and raring to go but I couldn't. My ride simply didn't show. Why? my ride had been pulled over by those 'state finest' asking for that lone random document that just wasn't there. Two hours later, lots of phone calls back and forth, mercy prevailed. And so began the race, from Sagamu, Ogun State to Lagos Island. Did I mention the ever present traffic jam? Yap! It was present, but we were not deterred. From one hotel to another, changed to look wedding ready and it was show time.  Words are simply not enough to describe the magic of the day. Of the love between these two. Their embrace, the intimacy of their dance, and part three of their wedding, when all the friends took to the runway.

Words are simply not enough to describe the magic of the day. Of the vibrant love between these two. Their embrace, the intimacy of their dance, the looks they exchanged spoke volumes.

And then there was part three to this dream wedding when all the friends took to the runway. Yes! the stage was really a runway!

So very grateful to be part of Bolu and Tosin's very special day.

Ronnie heart

He's been waiting to say it, practiced it really, those two simple words that carry more weight than gold. 'I do'

Ronnie Bliss Photography_0125.jpg

Words are not necessary Ronnie Bliss Photography_0126.jpg

Sealed with a kiss Ronnie Bliss Photography_0127.jpg

Oh, his serenade Ronnie Bliss Photography_0128.jpg

So many dignitaries, I almost froze first time I saw them Ronnie Bliss Photography_0129.jpg

Yap! we did it Ronnie Bliss Photography_0130.jpg

Your parents embrace Ronnie Bliss Photography_0131.jpg

The pillars Ronnie Bliss Photography_0132.jpg

Daddy's embrace Ronnie Bliss Photography_0133.jpg

Oh, the venue, the decor, the ambiance, I can go on and on and on Ronnie Bliss Photography_0134.jpg

Daddy's entrance, you should have seen the supporting cast Ronnie Bliss Photography_0135.jpg

and of course, mommy's grand entrance, now their supporting cast was so long I gave up capturing them Ronnie Bliss Photography_0136.jpg

Just look at us. Ronnie Bliss Photography_0137.jpg

Yap! I married her Ronnie Bliss Photography_0138.jpg

Words of wisdom Ronnie Bliss Photography_0139.jpg

And more wisdom Ronnie Bliss Photography_0140.jpg

Off to cut the cake... wait till you see it

Ronnie Bliss Photography_0141.jpg

Prayer, and this one was just to cut the cake Ronnie Bliss Photography_0142.jpg

And she's been practicing for this dance Ronnie Bliss Photography_0143.jpg

Looking at your newly minted husband ... and your newly minted mom dance

Ronnie Bliss Photography_0145.jpg

Mom's still got it! Ronnie Bliss Photography_0144.jpg

Anticipating the dance with daddy

Ronnie Bliss Photography_0146.jpg

Where did my little girl go? She's now a woman Ronnie Bliss Photography_0147.jpg

Could I have this dance? For the rest of our lives ... Ronnie Bliss Photography_0149.jpg

Private moment ... in a fish bowl Ronnie Bliss Photography_0150.jpg

Sweet nothings Ronnie Bliss Photography_0151.jpg

Oh that reception suit ... made just for her body Ronnie Bliss Photography_0154.jpg

it's a wrap! Ronnie Bliss Photography_0155.jpg

YEAR 2015: AT THE CROSSROAD OF A NEW LEASE ON LIFE - PART II | RONNIE BLISS PHOTOGRAPHY | MARYLAND WEDDING PHOTOGRAHER

Welcome back! Today is the continuation of the first photography workshop I attended earlier this year. The Bayside Bride Workshop was wedding business strategies + styled shoots.

The business connections and personal friendships made at these local level are nothing short of incredible. Our Community over Competition has grown into The Rising Tide Society and a Tuesdays Together monthly networking sessions with a focus on both personal and small business growth. The uniqueness of Tuesdays Together is the bond of friendships that is nothing short of sisterhood. A community where collaboration is the norm. I can definitely say that I look forward to each networking session and the opportunity to support one of these wonderful ladies.

Enjoy the images from the wedding styled shoot.

Ronnie Bliss Photography_0074.jpg Ronnie Bliss Photography_0075.jpg Ronnie Bliss Photography_0043.jpg Ronnie Bliss Photography_0044.jpg Ronnie Bliss Photography_0076.jpg Ronnie Bliss Photography_0077.jpg Ronnie Bliss Photography_0078.jpg Ronnie Bliss Photography_0079.jpg Ronnie Bliss Photography_0080.jpg Ronnie Bliss Photography_0081.jpg Ronnie Bliss Photography_0082.jpg

Eye candy

Why drive 70 miles for a photo shoot?

When it's in the company of great friends, beautiful couple, wonderful creatives and an old cadillac.

Julie and Caleb looks absolutely gorgeous it was well worth the drive.

Ronnie Bliss Photography_0015

And the venue? well, take a look.

Ronnie Bliss Photography_0010.jpg

Ronnie Bliss Photography_0018

Ronnie Bliss Photography_0016

Here's to all the creatives who work hand in hand in support of one another:

floral designer | EightTreeStreet hair and makeup | Carolyn Thombs Makeup Artistry & Consulting table design | Jennifer Burackler with Cassel Interiors, Inc. event planning | Ali McLaughlin Photography and Daisy Saulls Photography calligarphy | Spotch & Line venue | Poplar Springs Inn Spa and Manor House Restaurant model | Julie and Caleb website | ronniebliss.com instagram | ronnieblissphotography

Sometimes baby steps is all you need

Ronnie Bliss Photography_photo

General theory is that it takes approximately 21 days to form a new habit. Let's see if that holds true on my personal quest.

Day 2 of my blogging challenge is taking baby steps by performing a simple task: make sure all updates on wordpress are applied.

Why are updates important? It ensures that the latest version of a software is running. Simply put today's task is to make sure my copy of wordpress is in a healthy state. This simple task is often overlooked if you use another plugin to write your blog like I do. I just started using BlogStomp which for many creatives and small business owners, is a major time saver. That time element alone is one of the reasons my blogging takes a back seat. By taking baby steps now I'm crossing three items off my mile long to-do list: 1) image placement? Check! 2) posting to multiple sites with one action? Check!! 3) apply wordpress updates? Check!!!

I'm taking baby steps. Which of your business or personal goals do you need help with? There's a whole 29 days left in August. Let's do this together.

xo ... Ronnie