From our very first meeting with Gloria Harihar and Victor Banor, it was clear this wedding would be something truly special. The couple’s warmth and easygoing nature made the planning process a breeze, and their love for one another shone through in every interaction. Their shared passions for K-pop, anime, and video games created a unique bond that added a personal touch to every element of their celebration.
With Gloria working at Walt Disney and Victor at Riot Games, contributing to the global sensation Valorant, their story was already one of creativity and magic. But what made their wedding truly unforgettable was the seamless fusion of their Indian and Nigerian heritage across two vibrant days. From traditional Hindu and Nigerian ceremonies to a heartfelt Christian wedding, this celebration was a beautiful testament to the power of love, family, and cultural unity.
A Fusion of Traditions
As guests arrived, the scene was buzzing with energy. Gloria's parents’ backyard was transformed into a vibrant venue for the Indian/Nigerian fusion ceremony. Despite the morning rush to fix the tent draping after an unexpected storm, the family’s teamwork made everything picture-perfect. Meanwhile upstairs, Gloria prepared for her big moment.
The first part of the day was steeped in Hindu tradition. Under a beautifully adorned stage, the bride and groom exchanged garlands in the Jaimala ceremony, symbolizing their acceptance of one another. The unity candle and heartfelt vows followed, filling the space with emotion and joy. After the ceremony, the couple posed for their first portraits as newlyweds, dressed in breathtaking traditional Indian attire. The bride’s lavender lehenga stood out beautifully, adding a soft, elegant touch to their post-ceremony glow.
After a quick wardrobe change into stunning traditional Nigerian attire, the couple returned for the Igba Nkwu ceremony. Gloria, adorned in a vibrant aso-oke, gracefully searched the crowd to find her groom. Amid cheers and laughter, she presented him with a cup of wine, sealing their bond as husband and wife. The fathers of the bride and groom then shared moving speeches, leaving no dry eye in the room. The evening transitioned into a lively celebration filled with delicious cuisine, cultural music, and a packed dance floor that brought together two families and cultures in perfect harmony.
Second Day of I-Do’s
Day two took us to the stunning Rockleigh in New Jersey, a venue radiating timeless elegance. Friends and family gathered to witness Gloria and Victor’s Christian wedding ceremony, a moment filled with love, faith, and promise. Gloria, wearing her older sister’s cherished wedding gown, walked down the aisle, surrounded by smiles and blessings. The couple exchanged heartfelt vows and became husband and wife amidst cheers of joy.
As the ceremony concluded, we whisked Gloria away for a quick wardrobe change. She emerged wearing a breathtaking blue lehenga, blending her cultural heritage into the evening’s festivities. Cocktail hour was filled with laughter, hors d’oeuvres, and picturesque moments as guests mingled and admired Gloria’s radiant new look.
Gloria and Victor’s wedding was a night to remember, filled with heartfelt moments and lively surprises. Gloria made her grand entrance back in her wedding dress to a room erupting in applause, setting the stage for an emotional father-daughter dance that brought many to tears. The celebration came alive with a traditional Nigerian money spray dance, symbolizing blessings and prosperity, and the couple’s custom Funko Pop-topped cake delighted guests with a playful nod to their love of gaming and pop culture. From K-pop tracks that lit up the dance floor to Gloria’s dazzling party outfit for the finale, the newlyweds celebrated surrounded by family and friends, creating memories to cherish forever.
PLANNER & DECOR EVENTS CHERISHED | PHOTOGRAPHY MMP | VIDEOGRAPHY DANNY REY FILMS | HENNA HENNA BY SHWETA | CAKE A LITTLE CAKE | HAIR & MAKEUP GLASS SLIPPER WEDDING | DJ PLATINUM ROAD SHOW
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