allure 26062016

June 26, 2016
The Wedding
Issue
Funke
Bucknor
Elohor
Aisien
Ndidi
Obioha
Super Wedding
Planners

4
15
26/06
Contents
email: allurefortheworld@vanguardngr.com
FASHION
4
5
Wining And Dining Etiquette For Weddings
PEOPLE
15
What To Wear To A Wedding
• Fadan Inaugurates New Executive
• Cointreau Creative Crew Launches
In Nigeria
Editor’s
Note
The role of a professional wedding planner in the success of a
wedding ceremony came to fore, for many of us , in Jeniffer Lopez’s
memorable movie, ‘Wedding Planner.’ Prior to that romantic flick, a
wedding was family, friends and the couple; cut cake, ‘chop rice’
and go.
But, there is a lot more that goes into planning a wedding. These
days, weddings are status symbol; an indication of just how stylish
and bouyant a family is.
Enter the wedding planner. Nigeria has a penchant for catching
on to a trend and making it its own. Our weddings have become,
by far, the most prominent in display of opulence in the world.
Elsewhere, you might have a few flamboyant weddings but here,
every other wedding of the rich and famous is an attempt to
overwhelm and outdo what has been done before.
To help our vagaries, the wedding planning professionals - led by
the leading planners in the country - who feature on our cover
today, ensure that the lavish taste of the couple or their families are
satisfied or even surpassed.
We call the trio ‘super wedding planners’; that, they certainly
are. Between the three, the most lavish and talked about wed-dos
have been organised.
Funke Bucknor, Ndidi Obioha and Elohor Aisien take us through
their glamorous world of planning and executing the perfect
wedding ceremony.
It’s another wedding issue. And, you are welcome!
Have a great week!
CHIBOK GIRLS: 500 days and counting.
R .
Remmy Diagbare
@ Vanguardallure1
6COVER
STORY
Elohor Aisien, Ndidi
Obioha & Funke
Bucknor; Super
Wedding Planners
Quotes...
“The first thing I did when I sold
my book was buy a new
wedding ring for my wife and
asked her to marry me all over
again”.
- Nicholas Sparks
“Do not take life too seriously.
You will never get out of it
alive”.
- Elbert Hubbard
“Many people spend more time
in planning the wedding than
they do in planning the
marriage”.
- Zig Ziglar
JEMI EKUNKUNBOR
lookposh@yahoo.co.uk
PAMELA ECHEMUNOR
pamela.echemunor
@gmail.com
YEMISI SULEIMAN
suleimanyemisi@gmail.com
FATIMA GARBA
fatigarba36@yahoo.com
EDITOR
REMMY DIAGBARE
DEPUTY EDITOR
JEMI EKUNKUNBOR
ASST. EDITOR
YEMISI SULEIMAN
STYLE REPORTER
PAMELA ECHEMUNOR
CONTRIBUTORS
PRINCESS KATE EMIKO
BAMIYO ISELEMA EMINA
JEROME CODJO-YAOVI
ONIPEDE
TEAM
CONT. EDITOR
LATASHA NGWUBE
COPY EDITOR
DODOIYI WILLIAM-WEST
CORRESPONDENTS
FATIMA GARBA
DAVINA AYODELE
LAYOUT / DESIGN
GREGORY OBI
OLAYIWOLA AJAGBE
PHOTO
OSCAR OCHIOGU
(08034746487)
ONLINE
EDITOR: JEMI EKUNKUNBOR
WEB PAGE MANAGER: OLAYIWOLA AJAGBE
SUPERVISING DIRECTOR: TUOYOR AMUKA
Printed and published by Vanguard Media Ltd
Vanguard Avenue Kirikiri Canal; P.M.B 1007
Apapa, Lagos.
For advertisement / enquiries, call DEBBIE:
08039675880,
Office Auxiliary: EBERE OKOH

FASHION
ALLURE’S
WEEKLY FAB LIST!!!
By - Fatima Garba
Looking for the latest trends to transition into? Hopefully our weekly fab list will
help you decide the major trends to keep you looking fab all day and all week.
DONE-UP DENIMS
This season’s denim is kicking
it up a notch with indigo printed
patterns, subtle acid
washing, and eyelet
texture. Pick up
the new style in
silhouettes from
wide leg jeans to
high-waisted
skirts.
Green sequined Dress
Stella Mccartney
printed denim bag
Christian Louboutin
Glitter Blue heels
Preen printed
denim dress
SEQUINS AND
SPARKLE
Go festive with sequins
and sparkle. This season
try burgundy, green, and
navy instead of more
traditional black or silver
for added unexpected,
head-turning detail as
seen by Gucci.
Kerry
Washington in
sequin sparkly
trend
BRIGHT AND BOLD
STRIPES
Nicholson Toshima
gingham top
GINGHAM
Typically a youthful
trend,gingham has grown
up this season. Look
for tailored trousers and
mid-length dresses in this
classic print to add a bit of
chic to your look.Designers
such as J.Crew,and
Victoria Beckham had this
trend all over the runways this
season.
Oscar de la Renta
gingham Skirt
Stella Mccartney
bold striped dress
bright bold striped top
Classic stripes get an
update this season in
a spectrum of colours.
Whether you reach for a
statement coat or stock up
on tanks to pair with your
favourite denim, brighten
up your wardrobe with
wide and bold stripes this
season as seen on the
runways at Ralph Lauren,
Stella McCartney and
Christian Dior shows.
June 26, 2016 / 3

FASHION
WHAT TO WEAR TO
By - Yemisi Suleiman
LACE DRESS
Lace is one of Nigerian
women’s best fabrics; it is
never out of fashion. From
short, long to midi length
dresses, with lace, the options
are endless.
H & M Lace
Dress
Christian Louboutin Peep Shoes
Double Drop
Earrings
shift dress
SHIFT DRESS
This dress silhouette is
known for its straight up and
down cut (no waist or belt)
and is flattering on most
women.
With the wedding season on us,
one of the most fun, but also the
most agonizing part of being a
wedding guest, is figuring out
the right dress to wear. But this
doesn’t have to be a problem
because most wedding
invitations, come with dress or
colour code for both families and
even friends. So in this regard,
the first thing to do is to do a
little research on acceptable
looks for that level of formality
or occasion. In Nigeria, the
usual wedding attire for
women, is the traditional
wrapper or lace dresses or skirt
and blouse, complete with the
traditional head gear-aso oke or
scarf.
However, if you are not one for
the traditional look, there are lots
of dresses in different colours
and styles that you can wear to a
wedding. One rule applies to
everyone; never wear all white to
a white wedding. Since white is
the traditional bridal colour, you
do not want to appear to be
competing with the bride.
Lace dress by
House of Deola
Here are some suggestions on
what to wear to every type of
wedding.
ONE SHOULDER
If you want to go super-glam to any
wedding ceremony, try a one shoulder
dress to give yourself a goddess
vibe. Whether you go with a long or
short silhouette, this tried-and-true
dress style, will definitely make you
stand out for the
occasion.
One shoulder
look
Tips To Note:
Here are some additional things to consider
when deciding what to wear to a wedding:
• Don’t show too much skin. If you wear a short
dress, cover up the cleavage. Never wear a
midriff revealing outfit to a wedding.
• Do look for dresses in pretty feminine prints like
florals, and in bright cheerful colours.
• Keep your underwear out of sight. A wedding is
not the place to show off your sexy, lacy bra.
4
black and gold heels
/ June 26, 2016
One shoulder
drap
• Don’t wear something too sexy just because
weddings are never an occasion for inappropriate

FASHION
A WEDDING
EMBELISHED
Give your wedding
guest outfit some
sparkle with an
embellished
dress. Look for
pretty details
on the bodice
or waist for a
bit of shine.
Save all over
beading for
black-tie
or formal
events.
RUFFLE
A pretty ruffled
hem is absolutely
perfect for
weddings, tired
ruffles have a
sweet, feminine
look that makes
your entire style
seem softer.
Embelished
Burgundy dress
gold emblished heels
ndidi obioha
Blac Clutch Bag
BUBA AND
IRO
Go glam the traditional
way with the iro and
buba, complete with
the head tie. It’s the
perfect choice for
most Nigerian ladies
for weddings.
toke makinwa
Double Drop
Lucite Earrings
levels of cleavage, thigh visibility or gratuitous cutouts.
• Don’t go overboard on heavy, chunky jewellery;
instead, try the personal jewellery trend.
• Don’t wear black or sequins to a daytime
wedding, as those are colours and details best
reserved for evening occasions. (The sparkle will
make you look overdressed.)
• Lastly, make sure your clothes fit and are
comfortable for sitting, eating, walking around, and
dancing. You don’t want to be the person fidgeting
with your dress throughout the ceremony and
reception.
linda ejiofor
MAXI
This versatile length
works for both beach
side weddings and formal
events alike. Look for
vivid colours, great prints
and flattering cuts for
your body type.
Marchesa Cap
Sleeve Gown
June 26, 2016 / 5

R EP ORTAGE
Ndidi
Obioha
Funke
Bucknor
Super Wedding Pla
By - Jemi Ekunkunbor
They are three strong women, wives,
mothers, and business owners
driven by passion for what they doevent
planning. After graduation and a
stint at 9-5 day job, all three, found the
pull to organise things too strong to
ignore.
Today, they get paid taking the burden
off brides’ and other corporate bodies
who require their services to plan high-

R EP ORTAGE
Elohor
Aisien
...I am a home person. I
love chilling, spending time
with my family.
•Bucknor-Obruthe
Creative Director: Nelly Mesik
Photography: Bamiyo Emina
Makeup: Joanne and Evelyn for Zaron Cosmetics
Hair: Abbey Crystal Signature
Styling: All outfits were from Enthyst Fashion Klinik
nners
end luxury events and parties.
In this encounter, they talk
about what goes into event
planning and share their most
memorable wedding planned.
Planning A Wedding Is
Like Nurturing A Baby
- Funke Bucknor-Obruthe
Funke studied Law at the University of Lagos but after a stint at practicing,
she left saying: “I knew this was not my thing”. She didn’t find fulfilment in
advertising either. Encouraged by a cousin to turn her passion into a business,
with doubt, she decided to give it a try. Her first job earned her between
N10,000-N13,000. But that move over 12 years ago, eventually gave birth to
Zapphaire Events, one of the leading event planning companies in Nigeria. She
continues to horn her skill with annual trainings abroad.
What do you look out for first when a client
comes to you?
The first thing will be to understand and find out
what it is exactly they want because a lot of people
don’t know what they want. You have to get to know
your client well because you cannot give ideas or
brief when you don’t know the client. Some people
want an elegant type of wedding, some others want
June 26, 2016 / 7

R EP ORTAGE
their wedding to be fun. People have different things
they are looking for in a wedding. So when you get
to know your client, you get to know and understand
their personalities and that will allow you to be able
to answer the brief. After consulting with them, you
now create a concept for them that will actualize
their dream. Everything has to have a synergy from
entertainment to decor to design because it’s about
event design and production.
How did we get to the point where we started
needing a planner?
I think it was born out of a need in the society,
something that was lacking. I remember when I
started over 12 years ago, people didn’t know or
understand why they needed a wedding planner. I
remember trying to convince people that they needed
a planner for their events. Some people dismissed
me, some gave me a chance and I will forever
celebrate those who gave me a chance. In those
days, when family planned the wedding, you see a
lot of love but you also see a lack of professionalism
and it’s what you see that you get on your wedding
day. But when you are paying somebody to do a job,
you know that you can command and demand things
of them. So we needed this in Nigeria because we
needed to take things to the next level. Apart from
us wanting to have a fun event and a lovely day,
there is a better way to do things. If you are using
family, who are you going to pay to get to the venue
a day before? Is it your mum or dad? They will have
other things to do. So event planning was born out
of necessity because society was also changing. So
many things have evolved with event planning we
needed to move in that direction.
What is it like planning an event?
Planning an event for me is like solving a puzzle
or having a baby, nurturing that baby, and watching
him grow. It drains one emotionally because we are
mentally and physically involved. Event planning is
about details and when it is a wedding, it is emotional
because you are dealing with the emotions of both
families and friends. You also have to manage
expectations and be diplomatic. So you are the
friend, the budget keeper, the event designer. It’s
draining but fulfilling when at the end of the day,
you see the joy on the faces of the couple and their
parents. That is satisfactory for me.
What about those who think they need a planner
but have very lean budget. Is there a place for
them?
There are many things we probably want but
cannot afford. I always tell people that if you cannot
get a planner, you can always get a day coordinator
or get resources materials like my book, The
Essentials Bridal Handbook. It’s an advisory book. I
also have a Vlog series on how to plan every aspect
of your wedding. But there is always a planner that
you can afford. I don’t see a planner as an expensive
venture, I see it as a necessary venture.
With event planning, what’s new in the industry?
It’s so funny that what is new today may not be
new tomorrow. I remember that at the beginning
of last year, the trend was about special effects but
it’s now going away. For example, branding on the
stationary or even the music where the wedding
is almost done as if it is a production; everything is
rehearsed, everything is choreographed. That is
new. The effective use of good lighting is another.
There are people doing their IVs like video or cartoon
save the date. You have pre wedding photo shoots
that are out of this world. Brides are having coloured
bridal dresses now. So breaking out of the norm or
tradition and doing things a little differently that is
what is new.
How was your very first planned wedding?
My first planned wedding was of my friend Moji. I
was new to the business and didn’t know anything.
She gave me the chance. I remember she paid me
N10,000 or N12,000. She gave me an aspect of
the wedding to plan and I used that to get better.
People thought it was excellent. After that, I did
Florence Okoli’s wedding. I had no clue but I had
read and practised with a few friends’ wedding when
I was doing it for free. I made sure I paid attention to
details. I followed up on every single service provider:
video, photo, cake, decoration etc. It was excellently
coordinated. After that wedding, we got other jobs.
The key thing was that as an Igbo wedding, for once,
people ate on time. Everything was perfect and the
bride would tell anyone that she had a planner.
Guests who don’t buy aso ebi often complain
that gifts do not get to them. Do you subscribe
to aso ebi and are there things you counsel your
clients to do or not to do?
Sometimes, people are at liberty to do what they
want but at times, I think they put pressure on a lot
of people as well as themselves. If somebody buys
aso ebi and you feel you should give the person
a gift, there is nothing wrong with that. Giving gifts
at a wedding is not compulsory. Sometimes at our
weddings, we over estimate or underestimate.
Sometimes you invite 300 people but 500 show up.
What do you do? You just find a way to arrest the
situation. But when we plan, we budget for extra and
plan crises management.
Share with us the most memorable wedding that
you planned?
I think one of the most memorable weddings
for me, has been one that first of all, was strictly
by invitation. It was very controlled. We had only
400 guests. It was very intimate, with family and
friends. There was no stranger. The bride and groom
knew every single guest that came. The bride and
groom celebrated their parents in a way that made
people cry. All my team members were in tears. The
wedding was so full of love. The music was good, the
decor was beautiful, the sitting was intimate and we
got so many jobs from that one. There was so much
love between the couple and the family. The tension
was less. People came to celebrate them. There
are weddings where people come to laugh at the
celebrant.
When you are not working, what do you love to
do?
I am a home person. I love chilling, spending
time with my family and friends and also busy on my
phone.
Where is your holiday destination?
None. I like staying at home.
My First Job Got Me Three Others
- Ndidi Obioha
perfect hostess and an interviewer’s delight, there is never a thing she dreams
A that she never follows through to realisation. Extremely creative and constantly
breaking new frontiers, Ndidi Obioha has been described as a serial entrepreneur.
On graduation in 1997 from the Obafemi Awolowo University where she
studied International Relations, she started her career in advertising, moved to
telecommunication and then to banking before leaving paid job to become an
entrepreneur.
She started business with the establishment of a hair salon, Hair craft. From
styling brides hair, she saw an opening in event planning and set up Enthyst Events
Limited. From there, she delved Into bridal business and on to retailing exclusive
red carpet dresses. Only recently, she launched an event planning show on TV
scheduled to air in July. She is already working on her next line of business.
8
/ June 26, 2016

R EP ORTAGE
When a client comes, what is the first thing you
want to see?
The first thing I want to see is chemistry. It is very
important. I need to be able to feel the client. I want
to see a client that is able to bring out the creativity in
me, not a client that is coming to impose her ideas.
And when I see a client that is willing to give me the
free hand to work, it makes it easier for me. So for
me, it’s very important that there is that chemistry
between us.
Everything a planner would do today used to be
the business of the entire family to take care of.
How did we get to the point that everybody now
needs a planner?
Well, I think now people are beginning to realise
that things need to be handled professionally. When
you leave things to family and committees to handle,
what happens on the day of the event? First and
foremost, family and friends handling stuff for you
will take care of their own people. Now when you
are inviting people for an event, you invite people
from different blocks of life whom you have known at
different times. Now, some of these people that you
have handed over things to that are not professional
planners, usually will take care of those they know
first and people that you as the host have Sinvited
will end up not being properly taken care of. And that
•Obioha
isn’t just right. So people are beginning to realise
just that. Once you invite somebody to a party, who
ever is in charge, doesn’t need to know that guest
to make sure that that guest is satisfied having
attended your event. That realisation of this is what
is making people use the services of a planner,
somebody who will be unbiased, a professional to be
bale to handle the event.
What is it like planning an event?
The truth is passion is what drove me into event
planning and because of that, it’s fun for me. I
actually party when i’m doing an event. When you
know your onions and understand what you are
doing, then it comes natural to you and just makes
it easy. Planning is a natural calling for me because,
I love to organise and conceptualise ideas. I love
the idea that I can be creative. I can go as far as I
want to go to bring in my ideas to bear noting the
personality of whoever I am doing their event be it
an individual or brand. All that comes into play in
conceptualising the idea for the event. So for me,
planning is fun and brings out the creativity in me and
makes me think outside the box.
Is it that creativity that has taken you to TV?
Well, The Event pro is something new that I came
up with to let people know what it takes to put an
event together; the fun, the drama, the madness and
the pressure because people don’t know or realize
the significant role the planner plays. You as the
host will not be at the venue the night before. You
need to catch your beauty sleep but as long as you
left the event in the hands of the planner, then you
can truly have your beauty sleep knowing that every
vendor that you had contracted is there to deliver on
what you had agreed upon. So those are the roles
the planner plays. Sometimes the client contacts the
vendors directly and bring in the planner as coordinator.
Event Pro, shows you the behind the scene
activities and makes you see why you need a
planner. Watching the show will also help you
see all that a planner has to go through on your
behalf. The show will be aired on Africa Magic
come July.
...when the ambience is
beautiful, it sets the guests
in the right mood.
What innovation is there in the event planning
business?
Your creativity is the innovation you bring in this
business. No one brief is the same. When you are
given a brief, the way you conceptualise and define
that brief brings about the creativity with which you
are going to deliver that event. But we try to invest
in ourselves by going for courses, conferences and
seminars abroad where a lot of the new stuff not
as a planner but vendors are shown. So we come
back here and ginger our vendors to come up with
something new and innovative having seen what is
obtainable outside the country.
How was your very first professionally planned
event?
When you’ve planned so many events, it
becomes difficult to remember. But I remember this
one because my very first job got me three other
weddings. When I left the bank, I started the salon
Hair craft at Yaba then. We then became the official
hair stylist for MBGN. Later, we also became the
official salon for the Wedding planner Magazine. A
lot of brides would come to have their hair done. I
am very creative with the hair styles because I would
consult with the brides to come up with great ideas.
I would chat with the brides and even talk about how
I planned my wedding. And one day, one of them
said to me “aunty come and plan my wedding “ . She
seemed frustrated at the time. That was how I got in.
And when she asked how much I will charge, I had
no idea because I have never charged. Eventually, I
think I charged her N100,000. That wedding got us
three other weddings.
What is your view of the concept of Aso ebi
especially where some people complain of poor
treatment because they did not wear one?
The truth is that aso ebi is usually a personal
thing. There are no hard and fast rules to it. You
have certain clients that must have that aso ebi. I am
strictly a wedding planner. We now have what we call
aso ebi planners. It is handled by them.
I think it’s been over done. You can have a dress
code or colour code so that everybody is not wearing
one freaky colour. It now makes it more interesting
because you see people come in different colours
and styles. That I would rather have than everybody
wearing same thing. When you get a little more
creative with aso ebi, that is when the concept is
appealing and more interesting.
Which of the weddings you’ve planned is the
most memorable and why?
I have planned very memorable weddings. I think
I’ve been so lucky so far that I haven’t had a bad
experience. So it’s a tough question because every
bride that I have worked with, always call me to bless
me and thank me. That can’t be bought. When I get
that it becomes memorable. An event consultant is
like a medical doctor. If you are not truthful with what
your budget is so that the event planner knows how
to handle it, for instance, if you say to your event
planner I am expecting 600 people and you end up
bringing 1,000 people, that is a recipe for disaster.
We’ve been lucky to tackle such challenges as they
come but trust me, it can be very challenging. Other
than that, it’s been an amazing journey and I would
do it over and over again.
What is the most important element of a wedding
that you’ d like to see?
I am very big on ambience. What I’ve realised
is that when the ambience is beautiful, it sets the
guests in the right mood and gets them ready to
enjoy the party.
June 26, 2016 / 9

R EP ORTAGE
of flowers for it to be luxury. It may just be how the flower is
arranged or where it is placed that will make it look nice and
classy. Too much of colour and everything is not good. You
go into a room and see all red or all white. Every colour has
its moods.
What does planning an event entail?
Planning an event means everything to me. Apart from
making money, I have to enjoy it. It’s not easy, you have to
be very patient, you have to be organized and be ready for
the kinds of clients you’d meet. You’d meet some brides
that will stress you, you’d meet some brides that are very
easy going. You have to be humble whatever the job.
Patience for me is the most important thing. Sometimes,
I get called upon to plan an event within 24 hours. I have
done that a few times. I can’t say no. My clients are very
important to me and I have clients that I organize private
parties for that I can’t put on social media. So we are
particular about the people we meet. We are like a one-stop
shop and we do everything from start to finish, from what
the bride is wearing or the groom to flowers, to where they
can go and shop or where they can go on honeymoon etc.
When you plan for a cross cultural wedding, how do
you ensure balance on both sides?
I have one of such coming up soon and I think as a
planner, this is very important. You have to know both
cultures and understand both families and how to manage
them and deal with them in a mature way. We plan for food
on the same level, and implement some cultural stuff on
both sides so that there is a balance.
What is new in terms of wedding planning that can
make a wedding really great?
What’s new is bringing new things into my game,
furniture, decor etc. I believe every wedding shouldn’t be
the same. I have a whole warehouse of things I use and
rent out as well. There are different things that I come up
with which I cannot say here.
•Aisien
Luxury Is About The
Details Not Price
Popularly known for her annual model search, “Elite Model Look”, not many know
she is a wedding planner as well. The Business and Information Technology
graduate of the then, London Guildhall University, started planning in 2008 and
branched into wedding planning in 2013. The former beauty queen, who specialises in
planning luxury weddings and events, has trained with some of the best luxury
planners in the world--Mark Niemierko, London, Preston Bailey- New york, Sarah
Haywood -London, and Karen Tran Pugali Italy.
Only recently in April, she was part of the destination wedding planners Congress in
Florence, Italy where she was a guest speaker.
The CEO of Prive Luxury Events also runs a bridal store, Prive Atelier where she sells
designer wedding dresses.
When you meet a client, what do you want to see
before consultation starts?
The first thing I want to see is trust. It’s very important
for them to trust me. When your client trusts you, your
job is easier. I am very particular when it comes to parties
and weddings. It has to be what I also want because of
my brand. Now we are more luxury but it doesn’t mean
expensive. When I meet a client, I try to get them to be
on the same page with me. I get to know them personally
by doing a research on them and to know what they like.
The most important thing here is how the wedding or
event turns out. If I don’t get along with my client from the
beginning, nothing is going to work well on that day. So
10
/ June 26, 2016
....When your client trusts you, your job is easier.
- Elohor Aisien
first is for my client to trust me and trust my ideas. I listen to
them and also learn from them.
You have pitched your tent with doing luxury events.
Why?
When I decided to do events, I was looking for
something different, something unique because a lot of
people were doing the same thing. And I know Nigerians
spend a lot of money on parties but it is not about the
money but about the small details. So for me, with my
clients, I look for people who understand what luxury is,
people who like unique details like the flowers, the set up
that makes it look luxury. You don’t have to have a room full
Can you recall your first paid planned wedding?
My first planned wedding was of a friend whom I had
known for years. This friend was the one planning his own
wedding because he is from the north. And he would call
me for phone number of a photographer, and I would give
him, then he would call for another thing. At some point,
I just said to him, let me plan your wedding. And he was
very happy. What he didn’t know was that I had always
wanted to be a planner from when I was 20. So I started
planning two months to the wedding. When I got there, I
made my input and they were happy. I was planning for a
bigger wedding and they were planning for less. At the end
of the day, what I told them was what happened. Till date it
remains one of my favourite because it was stress free. The
bride was so simple and they just gave me everything to
work with.
The concept of Aso ebi, do you subscribe to it?
Yes, aso ebi for me is very important, it is our culture.
We can’t escape it. Recently, I was in Italy for the
destination wedding planner congress where I was a
speaker and I had a presentation and everyone was in
love with how colourful our weddings are especially with
the aso ebi. I don’t think we appreciate it as much as
people do outside. For me, aso ebi is very important. What
I am not very keen about is make up. I see more guests
wearing make up than the bride. I feel it shouldn’t be so.
Recently, I was going out with some friends to a wedding
and they were all seriously made up. That surprised me a
bit because they were more made up than the bride. And I
was like, are you serious? I think it should be the bride that
should be beautiful. You go to a wedding, you don’t know
who is the bride and who is the guests. The guests are all
heavily made up. Maybe the bride needs to step up her
game, come out of the box with new hairstyles then the
regular look.
Also, I want to see brides go away from the classic
wedding gown to start wearing pink wedding dresses, red
wedding dresses, etc.
Which of the weddings you have done stands
memorable for you?
Ok. It would be this one wedding in Dubai. I love
destination weddings. With destination weddings, you have
few family and friends and you are able to get everything
you need to have the job done compared to one done
here where you have challenges getting things you need
to work. It was fun. I loved working for the client, I loved the
decor. Everything was just fine.
What won’t you do as a planner?
I will never tell my client it’s not possible. Everything is
possible.

L IF ESTYLE
Wining And Dining
Etiquette For
Weddings
by - Pamela Echemunor
After the “I dos” at the church, it’s time to wine and dine and make
merry. Most people tend to skip the church service altogether and
attend the reception party (no judging), but then there are certain rules
and guidelines to follow when attending a reception, so at to avoid
interrupting the flow of things for the planner. Here are a few wining and
dining etiquettes for guests at a wedding reception.
Food
Is it right to request for more
food? The answer is maybe
and maybe not, but who cares,
you’re are at a wedding, if you
feel the flow of food and drinks
is sufficient, then why not, but
try not to be a grub. Survey
to ensure everyone else has
enough before you strike.
Arrival Time
Receptions can last between 7-8 hours,
depending on when the couple leaves the church.
The most appropriate time to get to a reception
venue is at least an hour after the church service
and this is considering traffic, except of course the
venue is close to the church.
Speaking With A
Full Mouth
While eating in public, it’s paramount not to eat
with your mouth full, this rule applies to all events,
whether it’s a date or a party, whatever the
occasion, chew and swallow before speaking or
risk splattering all over the next person.
Sitting At One
Spot Or Moving
Around
Some couples leave the early hours of the
reception for the folks and more seasoned family
and friends, then the later part of the day is for
the ones who want to shake and boogie. No fault
here, just keep it simple and have fun.
Cutlery Or Not
In most cultures, using cutlery is a paramount part
of dining. But in most parts of the world especially
in Africa, eating with ones bare hands is custom.
So if you really need to eat with your hand, don’t
be shy, but remember, some foods actually require
cutlery.
Toast
When it’s time to toast at a wedding, it’s
customary to raise your glass, but make sure
it has something in it. Toasting with an empty
glass is rumoured to bring bad luck, so fill
your glass up, stand and raise it up to the
couple cheerfully.
June 26, 2016 / 11

FEATURE
The
Wedding
PLANNER
by - Ibiyeye Titilayo Muinat
THE PROPOSAL SYNDROME
Let me guess, MR RIGHT proposed or you have this uneasy
feeling that any moment from now, he might just pop that big
question you’ve been waiting to hear since you find yourself
in that state you have no control over love.
After the initial excitements from you and your girlfriends, narrating endless of times how he went
down on his knees and all those stuffs we girls always gist about, you are left to deal with the rest on
your own. (Well, the nice ones can stay behind and discuss the role they are willing to play) most women
soon realize that engagement is one of the most significant psychological transitions in their lives.
The engagement stage is more than simply planning a big party/wedding. It involves introspection and
emotional analysis. It involves open communication with your fiancé, family and friends. It involves
acceptance of fear and dealing with over whelming excitements. Once a bride realizes the complexity of
this transition, she can address her emotions and move forward in planning for both a fabulous party
and a successful next chapter in her life.
Deep down, the newly engaged woman often feels some unexpected emotions of fear and anxiety.
It is these important internal details that an engaged
woman must face and confront, if she ever hopes
to arrive at the altar fully prepared to enter into a
healthy marriage.
Eight years in the wedding business, I have seen a
lot of cranky, frustrated, angry, tired even depressed
brides. I must confess, it has never been funny having
to deal with them. These emotions could be as a result
of some unresolved conviction within the bride’s subconscious
mind while in other cases, it might be as a
result of stress. A bride once said to me on her wedding
day “I don’t think I love him, I think I just like
him”. It was that day the preacher in me was born!!!
Anxiety/Adrenaline Rush
What am I going to wear? My wedding has to be my
friend’s conversations for months, which venue am I
using? I’m not too tall, I need a shoe that would make
me stand out and I need to look S-P-E-C-T-A-C-U-L-
A-R! Which makeup artist should I use? Seriously?
Ladies, you need to relax!! Slow down, take a deep
breath and avoid health issues because things can’t go
well if you are all messed up.
Fear
Have you asked yourself recently “hope I’m not making
a mistake?”, “Is he the right guy for me?” These
questions most times, create confusion and fear you
have never experienced before. There is no other time
in your life when you are truly giving up one identity
for another. The transition is more complex than
simply taking a new last name, a literal change of
identity and a decision that brings with its own set of
questions and anxieties.
You are also giving up your identity as a single
woman. Women often worry, “I’m losing my youth”
or “I’m spending the rest of my life with this guy” A
stage in your life, the only stage you have ever experienced
is ending and many women experience feelings
of loss as a chapter closes on their lives.
Accepting Your Feelings
In reality, these thoughts could not be more normal.
In every other major life transition, simultaneous
feelings of loss and gain are not only expected, but
encouraged. When you graduated from secondary
school, when you graduated from the university,
when you moved away from your home, when you
left your first job for a better opportunity, those
around you understood and sympathized with your
conflicting emotions. But, did those feelings of sadness
and loss hinder you from taking that next step
and succeeding with flying colours? Of course not!
You allowed yourself to address and analyse your
thoughts, then you proceeded with the change. This
is exactly what you need to do during your engagement
as you prepare for your journey to the altar and
marriage. It is important to realize that feelings of fear
and anxiety are normal and not a sign your guy is not
good enough. Discuss and analyse them with those
around you. Don’t allow your friends and family to
focus solely on the wedding planning details to the
exclusion of your internal struggles.
Feel free, relieve yourself of unnecessary stress and
smile through it all. You know why? Because a smile
is the best makeup you can ever wear.
Tiyilayi Ibiyemi is a wedding vendor; a makeup artist
and a jeweller . she is also a Wedding consultant.
12
/ June 26, 2016

HEALTH
HEALTHY LIVING101
by - Teri Mendes
BECOMING A PARENT
Things That Might Surprise You
10
... CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK
6. You Can Work from Home with a Child
(But Only Up to a Point)
There are two periods of your children’s lives when
working from home with them is a breeze: Before
they’re walking (e.g., when they can entertain
themselves by discovering their toes) and after they’re
old enough to understand that when you’re working
from home, you’re really not available. If your kid is
good at entertaining him/herself, working from home
is easy, but it might still give you pangs of guilt when
your attention is divided. It’s hard for parents to say
“No, I’m busy now” several times a day. So even if
you’re lucky enough to get to work from home, a nanny
or a daycare comes in handy once your child is old
enough.
7. Don’t Worry If Your Child Isn’t Reaching
Development Milestones but Be Proactive
Every child develops on his or her own timeframe.
So try not to rush getting your child to talk, walk, run,
or read. They grow up all too fast anyway. And with
potty training, it will only happen when the child is
ready so, don’t be in a rush. Only the flip side I do
encourage crosschecking the children’s milestones and
making sure you are on track. A good way to do this is
the ASQ Questionnaire, type that
into Google and add your Child’s age
in and it will come out, based on
communication, cognitive, fine
motor skills, gross motor skills and
problem solving categories. I find it
extremely helpful as a guide. It’s also
a more proactive way to tackle issues
as opposed to just worrying.
8. You Can Never Take Too
Many Pictures or Videos
In the first few years, you’re
probably going to constantly take
pictures and videos. Sadly, that falls
off as you and they get older. You will
never regret having too many
pictures of your rapidly growing
child, though, so it’s something to
watch out for.
It also helps if you develop a habit
of organizing your photos and videos
soon after you take them. Otherwise,
you’ll have a mess of images and
videos that are as daunting as the
thousands of emails you have in your inbox.
Most important, though: Back up, back up and back
up your photos and videos, both locally and offsite. We
like Crashplan for an automated, bulletproof backup
system. Those files are probably the most precious ones
to save (and the only ones you can never, ever
recreate).
9. Going Out—Anywhere—Will Never Be the
Same
Once you become a parent, time shifts. What used
to be a five-minute run to the shops or market will now
take forty-five minutes to account for bundling,
dawdling, snack-packing, car-seat-fiddling, and other
extra steps.
Eating out is also a whole new experience. There are
Cheerios on the floor to feel guilty about, crayons to
keep from rolling off the table, and angry-looking
fellow diners (at least in your mind) to deal with. And if
you manage to get out for a date night alone with your
significant other, you’ll probably spend all of the time
talking or worrying about your child.
10. You Will Never Be the Same
Parenting changes you. I expected this, but I didn’t
expect just how radically it would. It’s not like you turn
into your mom or dad overnight, but your values,
perspective, and habits get realigned to one single
creature: your child (or your children, if you have more
than one).
It also means:
• Your habits might change for the better. You’ll
think more about the nutritional value of your food,
driving safely, spending money more wisely, living
longer, and exemplifying good ethics.
• Poop will no longer be taboo (if it ever was).
Oh, the poop stories you will be able to tell when
you’re a parent.
• Your relationship with your partner will
change. You can’t really know until it happens
whether it’s for better or worse, but parenting changes
the other person too and how you look at him/her.
• You may have to part with previous
entertainment choices. (Play video games and watch
TV? Sure, but now it’s Talking Tom and My Little
Pony/Voltron.)
• You will never take free time for granted
again.
• You might actually have more fun and become
more creative. (Inventing dog costumes, drawing on
the sidewalk, and trying new ways to make peas
appealing weren’t on my to-do list before.)
• You will likely experience a love and a bond
that you never could’ve imagined.
Finally, remember none of the negative stuff on this
list—as terrible and messy as they sound—will really
bother you in the long run. You’ll discover many new
things about yourself as a parent—things that make
you stronger, and more vulnerable in a sense too.
Author Elizabeth Stone made this terribly true
observation: “Making the decision to have a child is
historic. It is to decide forever to have your heart
walking around outside your body.” I think most
parents would agree that it is so, so worth it. Just think
of this as mental preparation.
Hope this helps! Let me know what surprised
you as a new parent. I’d love to hear from you
email me - terimendes@gmail.com
For comments and questions please email terimendes@gmail.
com, @terimendes. I would love to hear from you, till next
week. - it’s ta ta for now! XOXO
TERI Speaks
Good day Teri,
Please send me the 1-6 this things I should not eat
before bed through my email. My name is Hon, I read and
saw your column via vanguard news papers. Hon
Dear Hon,
Thank you for your mail and enquiry. Below are the first six
things you should not eat before bed.
Peanut Butter, Icecream, Alchohol, Candy bars, red meat &
celery. Best wishes, TM.
June 26, 2016 / 13

the ligaments or cartilage can result in instability or
changes in the normal relationship between connecting
bones. This creates increased pressure on the cartilage
and eventual wear of the joint. For similar reasons,
injuries to the bones around a joint can result in long
term damage.
Dr. Aham Onyike
Aging And Joint Pain Problem
...CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK
Obesity is an increasingly big culprit. The correlation
has been demonstrated in the United States where
there is an obesity epidemic. Increased body weight,
which adds stress to lower body joints, is a wellestablished
factor in the development of osteoarthritis.
The knees carry the brunt of someone’s body weight
and are particularly at risk. Likewise, as we see more
obesity in Nigeria, we can expect increased incidents
of arthritis. Every extra kilogram a person gains, adds
4 kilograms of pressure on the knees and six times
the pressure on the hips. Therefore, gaining weight
increases the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis
later in life.
Other aspects of one’s lifestyle outside diet also play
important roles. Athletes and people whose jobs
require repetitive impact, such as military personnel
and labourers, have a higher risk of developing
osteoarthritis. This is due to a cumulative damage on a
micro scale which manifests later in life.
Joint alignment can also result in cumulative damage
and accelerated wear of the joint. In particular,
individuals who have “K legs” are particularly
vulnerable to arthritis. More commonly but yet with
less risk “bow legs” create a higher likely hood of joint
arthritis later in life than in individuals with straight
legs.
Old injuries of the tissue can lead to osteoarthritis later
in life. This explains why individuals with neglected
injuries such as in sports in their younger years tend
to suffer the consequences later in life. Injuries to
Genetics plays a role in the development and
progression of osteoarthritis, particularly in the hands.
Individuals whose parents have arthritis are more likely
to have arthritis. Inherited bone abnormalities can
affect joint shape or stability, or can result in cartilage
that is more prone to wear.
Muscle weakness, unlike genetics, is a causative
factory in arthritis that can be controlled. Studies
show that weakness of the muscles surrounding the
knee is associated with osteoarthritis,
especially in women and makes the
pain and stiffness worse after onset.
Strengthening exercises for muscles
around a joint are important in
reducing the risk or in slowing down
the progression of arthritis. A trained
physical therapist can be valuable in
providing guidance.
By understanding the various causes of
joint pain, we can provide solutions to
prevent them in people who are at risk.
We can also delay the onset of eventual
crippling pain in patients who present
early. Finally, we can offer surgical
solutions to relieve pain in patients
who need it. With modern orthopaedic
treatments, old people should not just wither away
and accept joint pain as part and parcel of aging. They
should seek expert evaluations and precise treatments.
Dr. Aham Onyike is a U.S. Trained and Board Certified
Orthopedic Surgeon, specializing in Joint Replacement of the
hip and knee, and Sports Medicine. You can connect with Dr.
Onyike through Linked In ‘Dr. Aham Onyike’, email Aham@
CASSurgery.com, and social media @CASSurgery
KATHY EMIKO
BodyPerfect
EAT RIGHT TO
LOSE WEIGHT!
A LONG TERM VIEW
A frighteningly common occurrence in recent years
is to find yourself stuck in a vicious circle of yo-yo
dieting. Too many magazines and books offer the
elusive holy grail of ‘lose weight quick’ – which simply
doesn’t exist. All you end up doing is putting all the
so-called ‘weight’ (usually more water than fat) back
on and mucking up your metabolism in the process.
All these diets focus on a short-term policy of ‘don’t
eat this for a few weeks and all your wishes will be
achieved’. This is blatantly untrue, and anyone who
advocates such measures should be ashamed. You
should be looking at long-term goals based on what
you should and can eat to stay fit, healthy and slim.
On top of all this is the physiological impact that
results from constantly ‘failing’ at diets. I spend a lot of
my working life undoing both the physiological and
psychological problems that long-term yo-yo diets
14
/ June 26, 2016
• HEALTHY FRUITS
HEALTH
News101
not just slimming but fitness
bring – namely, incredibly low self body image and
metabolisms that don’t know whether they’re coming
or going.
Diets don’t work – why? Because the second
you start observing one is the moment you start
resenting it. Even if you manage to follow your
choice of diet through to the bitter end, it is rare
to find the lost weight staying off. More commonly
it comes straight back on again, simply because
you quickly resume your ‘normal’ eating habits.
The good news is that all this can be undone with a
little love and patience – from you, that is. It requires
time and effort to do so, but think of the reward – how
about never having to stand in front of a mirror and
feel ashamed, disgruntled or worried about how you
look? It is fantastic to feel positive about your body
(even if it has, as everybody does, a minor sag or a
dimpling of cellulite) and to enjoy feeding it with
healthy nutritious foods.
My philosophy is that we all know (albeit
sometimes very deep down) exactly what we shouldn’t
be eating, and it is this way of thinking that has helped
me give many people long-term and happy weight
loss. You are also the one who knows how much of the
excess fat you want to burn off, and what your
exact motivations are. Now, with all that
experience and knowledge bound up inside of
you, shouldn’t you be able to lose that fat
once and for all?
Of course, we all need a helping
hand, which is exactly what BodyPerfect
is designed to offer. Over the next few weeks
I want you to spend time writing things down and
thinking issues through. By working through these
questions and exercises, you will achieve a long-term
approach to healthy eating; helping you to become
and stay the person you wish to be. No matter how
keen you may be to get started on any food diaries or
meal plans, make sure you see your doctor. There is a
lot of important information to take on board, and it
would probably even be worthwhile reading it through
a couple of times to make sure it has all sunk in.
FROM THE DESK OF PRINCESS
KATHY:
Three important keys to healthy eating: VARIETY,
WHOLESOMENESS, MODERATION.
Princess Kathy is a certified nutrition and fitness consultant.
Email: bodyperfectng@aol.com | http://body4jesus.blogspot.com

Fadan Inaugurates
New Executive
P EO PLE
“ONE PARTY AT A TIME!”
:08034746487 | 08039675880
By Oscar Ochiogu
The Fashion Designers Association of
Nigeria (FADAN) held its inauguration
cockatil party to swear in its newly elected
executives after its recently held elections.
Mrs Funmi Ajila- Ladipo was elected for a 2nd
term in office and will steer the affairs of the
association with the new executive for the next
3 years.
The inauguration cocktail, kicked off with
red carpet activities at the Nike Arts Gallery in
Lekki, Lagos.
While thanking members for the honour
dew her, President of FADAN, Mrs. Funmi
Ajila-Ladipo said the association would
continue to lead the way in keeping fashion
alive with trends as well as timeless fashion
pieces.
Funmi Ajila-
Ladipo
Stella Awoh
Modela
Abi Kolakuddus Aisha Achonu Rufai Ladipo
Eku Edewor Kaylah Oniwo Bola Balogun
Nkolika Okoli
Bidemi Zakariyau &
Betty Irabor
Cointreau Creative
Crew Launches in
Nigeria
By Pamela Echemunor
Ijeoma Ejiofor &
Kiki Okonkwo
Bimbo Balogun
Ada Nwoke Clara Okoro Bomo Wanaemi
Patricia Faleye Koffi
Chika Balogun
Denola
Adepetun
Zainab
Balogun
Denola
Adepetun
Neku Atawodi
Luxury brand, Cointreau recently, launched
a global philanthropic programme in Nigeria
tagged; the Cointreau Creative Crew. The
programme which was originally launched in
the UK late last year is aimed at promoting the
development of women’s creative freedom and
expression as well as encouraging women to work
towards taking their initial dream and extending it
into a tangible creative reality. Entrepreneurs will
be afforded the opportunity to be awarded a grant
of € 20,000 to support their creative project.
Betty Irabor, Founder and Publisher of
Genevieve Magazine and the Creative Curator of
the Cointreau Creative Crew, Nigeria, enlisted a
network of seasoned professionals, entrepreneurs
and creatives including, Lami Tumaka, Barbara
Lawrence, Ituen Bassey, Eku Edewor, Neku
Atawodi, Yagazie Emezi, Denrele Sonariwo
& Afua Osei. These women form the jury and
committee of the Cointreau Creative Crew were
unveiled at the campaign launch.
June 26, 2016 / 15