10 superlative things about Zahra Buhari’s wedding

All roads led to the nation’s capital, Abuja, recently for the wedding of President Muhammadu Buhari’s daughter, Zahra, and Ahmed, whose father Mohammed Indimi, is a billionaire businessman. At the week-long event, here are some of the things that stood out.


The wedding invites and passes

The invites and passes were coated in gold, black and white colours. It had the seal of the presidency engraved on it. It was simple but classy. As expected, only guests who had their invites and passes were allowed into the venue which had an overwhelming presence of security operatives, Guests were barred from going into the villa, where some of the activities commemorating the wedding took place, with their phones.

Pre-wedding henna

The cultural pre-wedding henna, also known as Kunshi is an event that showcases a Hausa bride adorning herself with locally made dye which is symbolically worn on the arms and legs in the form of artworks prior to the wedding day.

At Zahra’s henna night, she replicated this tradition in its finest form. Her arms and legs were heavily adorned with henna designs. For her traditional henna night, the 21-year-old alumna of the University of Surrey, wore a purple ankara fabric which was sewn into a simple dress that complemented her svelte figure and light complexion. Surrounded by her friends and family, she was the centre of attention as expected.

Decoration

 What is a wedding without decorations? Luxury decor was an important feature of Zahra’s wedding. At each event commemorating her wedding, there was an extensive and expensive showcase of exquisite decor. Hiring some of the best hands in that field, there was a lavish use of fresh flowers.

The decor also reflected the couple’s rich cultural heritage. There was a pronounced usage of leather cushions and throw pillows as well as traditional Hausa fabrics.  The seat reserved for the couple was decorated in blue and pink flowers just as the venues of the bridal shower and tea party, were also elaborately decorated with fresh flowers.

Attire

 Known for her simple but expensive looks, Zahra is certainly not a pushover in the style department. Like her mum, she has an eye for classy wear and accessories. Though she likes to dress in a modest manner, her careful selection of bridal wear and accessories did not come cheap. For the nikkah, she wore a white floor-length gown which she complemented with a turban of the same colour. She was also seen wearing a navy blue traditional Fulani fabric which bears a semblance to the hugely popular aso oke in the west and didn’t pair this with shoes. She revealed a well-manicured feet which was properly covered with the traditional henna as well. She later changed into another gown that accentuated her best physical features.

Jewellery

Another thing that stood out at the wedding was the bride’s choice of jewellery. Choosing an array of statement necklaces and traditional Hausa beads for her big day, Zahra was spoilt for choice as she had an array of gold jewellry to choose from. She did not shy away from wearing diamond jewellery.

Food

Guests who attended the events were treated to mouth-watering local and continental dishes. Food and drinks were not in short supply as the families of the couple ensured that guests were well catered for at the wedding.

Make-up

Zahra has always been a stunner when it comes to wearing make-up. Her wedding day afforded her an opportunity to draw attention to her face once again as she dazzled at her wedding with her simple yet classy make-up. From the choice of lipstick, eyeshadow, well-manicured nails, Zahra looked every inch the bride that she was.  Her different looks at the wedding were created by one of the most popular make-up artistes in Northern Nigeria, Fati Mamza.

Private jets

Zahra and Ahmed’s wedding will go down memory lane as a classy one that wrapped up the year 2016. For most of their friends, no expense was spared to honour the couple on their big day as they flew into Abuja from various destinations in chartered planes and private jets. The groom was also seen in one with some of his friends, arriving Abuja for the wedding. This clearly made powerful statements at the wedding.

 Wedding cake

The three-tiered cake also came in white, black and gold, similar to the wedding invite and pass at the wedding. Shaped in a unique way, the attractive-looking cake was the centre of attention.

Guests

With a high profile wedding of this nature, the guest list was loaded and had a roll call of all those that mattered in the country; from top politicians, captains of industries, members of the diplomatic corps as well as friends of the bride, they all added glitz and glamour to the wedding and reception. It was a gathering of the young and young at heart who came from all walks of life to honour the couple.