A French Chateau Set the Scene for This European Garden Wedding With Nigerian Traditions

Tierra Oliver and Gbolahan "Bo" Okubadejo may have met on Hinge, spent their first date at a sushi restaurant in bustling New York City, and grew their relationship over the course of a stressful global pandemic, but their proposal story is infinitely more serene. To pull off the perfect moment, Gbolahan brought Tierra to a Michelin star restaurant on a farm with rolling hills and lush gardens. After lunch, they went for a stroll on the property's grounds, which is when Tierra spotted a photographer following them. When she turned around, she found Gbolahan on one knee, a ring in his hands.

The couple headed to another calm, picturesque place for their wedding: They invited 120 guests to Chateau de Villette in Condecourt, France, 25 miles northwest of Paris, for their August 19, 2023, celebration. They envisioned a fairy-tale party at an old-world chateau in the French countryside. In addition to guaranteeing sweeping views and a soothing atmosphere, the pair had one other big-day priority: “It was important that we were able to tie in traditional Nigerian customs as a part of Bo’s culture,” Tierra says. They hired Kesh Events to help them source a Nigerian caterer, DJ, stylist, and other vendors. Read on to see all the details of their event with a champagne color scheme, all captured by Lucy Munoz Photography.

The couple chose an elegant invitation suite from By Dami Studios to invite guests to their black-tie wedding. They incorporated a custom logo using their first initials throughout the suite. 

Tierra got ready in a white slip dress paired with a pearl embellished long sleeved sheer bridal robe. She changed into a sheer tulle Galia Lahav ball gown with an embellished corset and sweetheart neckline for the ceremony. “I had a very clear vision for my style” Tierra says. “I fell in love with my dress when I saw it online and I felt the same way when I tried it on in person.”

She paired her gown with a cathedral-length veil with matching appliqués, Jimmy Choo shoes with pearl details, diamond drop earrings, and a John Paradiso diamond bangle that Bo gave her on her birthday. “I wanted the gown to make the statement,” she says. “Hair and makeup were elevated versions of my everyday style.” She chose Baccarat by Maison Francis Kurkdjian as her wedding day fragrance. “It’s fabulous, French, and sweet,” she says.

Bo wore a custom tuxedo paired with custom Berluti dress shoes, a Rolex watch, bespoke cufflinks, and a pocket square he wore a white rose boutonnière as the finishing touch. Leading up to the big day, he had a facial, manicure, pedicure, haircut, and shave.

Tierra held a bouquet of blush and white cascading roses and lilies as she approached Bo for their first look. “We wanted to enjoy as many intimate moments as possible. It was important to us that while having an amazing celebration, we took time alone to appreciate the moment as a couple,” the bride says. They explored the chateau’s grounds in a black convertible, cruising around the manicured property—which was the ultimate photo backdrop.

As guests arrived at the chateau’s entrance and found their way to the ceremony, they were greeted by musicians performing on pedestals from Jazz Around Midnight. The outdoor ceremony was set up in a classic French parterre garden, where a flower-lined white aisle runner led to a platform and elaborate floral arch. The couple chose flowers in shades of champagne, ivory, and pink, which complemented the garden surroundings and ivory upholstered King Louis XVI chairs. 

The string quartet played “At Last” as Bo and the couple’s small wedding party marched down the aisle. Tierra’s “glam of honor” walked his French bulldog, Blue, along the white-lined pathway; the duo wore matching baroque-inspired custom jackets.

Tierra made her big-day debut to “Can’t Help Falling In Love With You” with her dad by her side. When she reached the altar, she and Bo exchanged personal vows they wrote for each other before joyfully recessing back up the altar.

Guests enjoyed each other’s company—and personal style—at the cocktail hour, where they dined on passed appetizers and signature drinks; these included a Champagne cocktail the bride called “xo, TO” and a vodka sip the groom, a spine surgeon, named “Dr. Smooth.”

Tierra and Bo hosted an al fresco dinner reception, where round tables were dressed with champagne-hued floor length linens and elaborate floral centerpieces; ornate textured dishware with vintage cutlery brought glamour to each spot. Place settings were completed with custom menus and linen napkins embroidered with the couple’s monogram.

The couple wanted to honor traditional Nigerian cuisine throughout their dinner menu, so they served jollof rice and moi moi alongside traditional French courses. Attendees enjoyed live music (via a cellist and piano player) and conversation over the meal.

Their pair's lemon velvet tiered wedding cake, complete with a sugar paste design, was inspired by the appliqués on Tierra’s wedding dress. A grounded cake meadow turned the dessert display into a floral moment.

The couple shared their first dance as newlyweds to “Overjoyed” by Stevie Wonder. Then, Tierra took the floor with her father to “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder, while Bo went for a spin with his mother to “Beautiful” by Asa.

During the reception, the couple stepped outside for an over-the-top fireworks display. This ended up being one of the duo's favorite memories of the day.

At the end of the evening, Tierra and Gbolahan changed into traditional Nigerian attire and held a spray dance ceremony.

They then jetted off to celebrate their marriage with a honeymoon in Positano, Italy. To couples planning their big day, Tierra has this advice: “Plan early and have all the details sorted out so you can enjoy as much of the time leading up to the wedding as possible.”