A Nigerian-Ghanaian Wedding Full of Dancing, Traditions and Love

Adanna and Nana got married at The Merion on March 30, 2024.

Their Story

It’s been said that the best relationships start off as friendships.

That was the case for Adanna and Nana Akuffo, who met during freshman year at West Chester University in Pennsylvania. When Adanna transferred to Temple University, they remained in touch. In their junior year, the pair made it official.

“I feel like he was always someone I could count on and always there to listen and just be there for me,” says Adanna.

The Proposal 

Adanna and Nana’s birthdays are both in April, so they usually take a trip during that time of year.

In April 2022, they were in Dubai at a botanical garden. As they were taking a photo in front of a heart-shaped flower, Nana popped the question.

[RELATED: Looking for a photographer? Start your search here!]

Choosing the Venue 

The couple was attracted to the Merion in Cinnaminson for its modern Palazzo Ballroom. A huge dance floor was also a must-have for their 200-guest multicultural wedding. (Adanna is Nigerian American, and Nana is Ghanaian American.)

Details of the Day 

Their big day started with a first look and private vows. Adanna describes the rest of their wedding on March 30, 2024, as broken into two parts.

The first half was a traditional American wedding, with Adanna wearing a white ball gown as she walked down the aisle with her father at their outdoor ceremony, followed by a first dance, parent dances, speeches and cake cutting at the reception.

Then, they transitioned to the cultural Nigerian-Ghanaian wedding. Helping to tie the evening together was their DJ, who played a mixture of American, Nigerian and Ghanaian music.

[RELATED: The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Venues in New Jersey]

Cultural Traditions 

After dinner, the bride and groom changed into traditional Nigerian attire; Adanna was in black and gold, and Nana donned a tan outfit. Adanna went around the room to “seek out” her husband and give him a glass of wine. Then, the couple presented wine to the bride’s family. This tradition signifies “that they’re accepting him into the family and they’re blessing your union,” says Adanna.

Then, they each put on a second Nigerian outfit. Adanna stunned in head-to-toe gold as she danced with her husband while the guests sprayed dollar bills onto the newlyweds.

Their final change was into Ghanaian attire. Adanna wore a pink gown and Nana was in a red suit as they joined their guests on the dance floor.

Aisle Style 

Adanna’s cultural outfits were custom-made in Africa. “Luckily, I was able to be there in those countries to pick them up and try them on,” she says.

Favorite Moment

Most of all, the couple cherished spending time with their family and friends. “I just remember everyone having a good time, and we were so happy to be surrounded by the people that we love,” says Adanna.

Honeymoon 

The newlyweds went to Cape Town and Johannesburg in South Africa where they visited wineries, took a hot-air balloon ride and went on a safari. Adanna and Nana are now at home in Atlanta.

Sign up for our Something New newsletter for weekly wedding ideas, inspiration and advice from New Jersey Bride—sent right to your inbox!