Congrats, Nina & Efiom: Calabar, Nigeria
I’m so happy to FINALLY get the other images from Nina and Efiom’s white wedding on the blog! This was the second of Nina & Efiom’s wedding ceremonies. This one followed their Igba Nkwu ceremony. Their white wedding was held in Calabar where they lived. I really wish I could show these images HUGE because they are insane!
I have to admit something here. One of my criteria for making the trek to Nigeria to cover a wedding is that, when it’s all said and done, it can’t look like I shot it here in the States. What does that mean? Well, if it’s shot in some church or hotel, and the resulting images don’t have any kind of different feel from a church or hotel you’d see here, I’m not as excited about the opportunity. It’s a huge pain to get there and to work there. I want the real deal if I’m going to go through all that, yeah? When we were planning this coverage, things were starting to look like I’d only be able to cover the white wedding. I wasn’t too keen on that. The prize for me was their traditional wedding, so I was resistant to covering just this one.
It all worked out, and I’m so happy. I really thought the church wedding was going to pale in comparison to my coverage of the traditional ceremony, but once I started shooting this one, it became apparent that would not be the case. I got some of my strongest work from the trip for this wedding. It’s definitely not like any church you’d see here. That’s for sure. But the whole thing, the light, the people, the vibe really brought everything together for me. I’m *so glad* I was able to shoot this wedding as well. It was unbelievable. Pictures, right?!?!
Getting ready at the hotel.
First look!
Running late. Let’s get on with it!
Nina’s mother and grandmother prepare.
The completely and totally amazing choir warms up.
This shot of the two guys has got to be one of my most favorite images from the entire trip. Much love.
Nina is kept in the air conditioning as long as possible.
LOVE the gesture on the right, barely touching the door.
How much do I love this location? Look at the above image. I love it, lots!
Nina getting out of the car and getting ready to enter with her dad in the background.
The weight of the ceremony starts to settle in. You can see it throughout the ceremony.
Anticipation!
Oh my word they were amazing! Goosebumps. Seriously.
Don’t even get me started on these guys, haha.
This B&W is just so freaking hot.
This abstract jumped out at me. I like.
Proud daddy Bassey.
Look how he is holding her hand. It says so much.
Check out Efiom’s brother’s reaction to Nina and Efiom hugging rather than kissing. Cute.
The deed is done. Contentment sets in.
Love love love the motion of the robes by the fan.
Time to celebrate!
Seriously, they spray Holy water with a garden sprayer. How wild is that?
I’d say the choir is 110% into their job, no?
This place just photographs sooooo well.
The choir receives communion.
The signing of the register, surrounded by loved ones.
Beautiful, huh? Congrats once again, Nina & Efiom. I’ll never forget the wonderful times I had on this trip.
Posted on May 11th, 2009 by Climie
Filed under: Destination: Nigeria, Nigerian - Igbo - Efik, Wedding Previews
Marc:
You absolutely killed this one and did an amazing job.
Your work is this optical illusion that 20 photographers must have been at work to capture so many amazing perspectives… Genius. And she is *Stunning*… seriously.
Wow! I love the images. What a cool, unique wedding. I haven’t read what brought about photographing this Nigerian wedding, but it looks like you made the most of a great experience.
Adam – I got this wedding from having done the first one over there in 2007. You an go down to the categories and click “Destination: Nigeria” and see where it all began.
Amazing series. I see now why you we’re excited to get there. Well worth the effort.
These are absolutely amazing and authentically Nigerian in character and ambience. My absolute favorites are all the black and whites with the incense and smoke from the priest and the two altar boys by the stairs. Nina and hubby looked stunning and I am so they would be so delighted with these pictures.
Just fantastic Marc – what more can I add – amazing job. If you ever need help on one of these weddings let me know and I’m on the flight!
Fantastic series of images!
awesome job. i felt like i was there…celebrating. lol.
made me miss home!! can’t wait till december.
Climie is our all time photographer. Thanks for doing such a wonderful job and being a great sport. It does look like you were in 20 places at once. We are more than pleased with our pictures. PS: Did you notice me ducking in the “garden sprayer” pic? Whew, all those hours doing makeup would have been wasted!
This is what wedding photography should be, the series of pictures you posted tells a very beautiful story, well done climie, nice work as always
Wow Marc you captured my cousin’s wedding very well. Well done to you, felt like I was there, I even saw my parents.
I might be needing your servce soon.
Regards