Danielle Simerly Obasih and Chikwerendu “Chikwe” Obasih are a Raya success story. And the two set their first date ironically on Single’s Awareness Day, February 15. “That night felt like more than just a date; it felt like the beginning of something meaningful,” she says. Less than a year later, Chikwe orchestrated a surprise proposal at the very restaurant where it all began, 5Church in Atlanta.
Once planning began, the couple landed on a dual celebration—a traditional Nigerian wedding followed by a Western ceremony. “We envisioned a weekend that felt timeless, joyful, and personal to who we are as a couple,” Danielle explains. With 240 guests in attendance, the scale was significant, but every element was considered.
“We intentionally selected vendors who understood and celebrated the vibrant style of a Nigerian wedding, while also finding others who could bring to life our vision for a chic, elegant American ceremony,” Danielle explains. Every moment was captured by photographer Hunter Hennes and the team at Red Rock Wedding Films. While paper goods by Elegant Wedding Invites and rentals from Luma Designs tied the aesthetic together.
Coordinated in collaboration with Event Design By BE, the first night was a beautiful celebration of Nigerian culture. Danielle wore two custom looks by FabriqStar, while Chikwe complemented her in richly detailed Isiagu and Agbada looks. Guests were invited into the experience through their own custom attire, live performances, and meaningful traditions—including the Igba Nkwu wine-carrying ceremony and a lively money spray. “We wanted our guests to feel like they were coming home,” Danielle shares, “and over the course of the weekend, we really did all become one family.”
On February 28, 2025, everyone gathered at The Conservatory at Blackberry Ridge for the Western service beneath a golden domed gazebo overlooking the lake. Arrangements by May Flowers lined the aisle, and a live ensemble from Southern Strings Music provided the soundtrack as Danielle made her entrance.
The bride chose a satin dress from Chosen by Kyha, complete with a cathedral-length veil, paired with pearl drop earrings and a gold bracelet gifted by Chikwe. Beauty was carefully handled by The Vanity House. The groom wore a white dinner jacket, which revealed a hidden detail upon closer look—a custom lining embroidered with photographs and handwritten nicknames. “He said it was a way to carry me with him—literally—down the aisle,” Danielle recalls.
At the reception, the live band, Epic Proportion of East Coast Entertainment, kept the energy high throughout the evening, while a custom bar and cigar lounge offered guests a place to linger between dances. Sweet Angel Cakes‘ three-tiered confection added the cherry on top of the night.
Midway through the night, Danielle changed into a beaded flapper-style dress by Nadine Merabi, and the couple re-joined the party in custom black-and-white Air Jordans—a playful shift that set the tone for the rest of the evening. “It was a fun and unexpected detail that guests absolutely loved,” she says.
As the celebration came to a close, the couple shared a private last dance to Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love”—just the two of them and the band. “After months of planning, this was the moment we could just be,” Danielle says. “It was the perfect way to end two unforgettable nights.”
