Opeyemi Elizabeth and Giovanny Joseph’s wedding reflected a love story shaped by intention, culture, and faith. The couple exchanged vows on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Château de Villette, surrounded by family, close friends, and thoughtfully layered details.
They met years earlier in New York City. “We met at a Super Bowl party in Harlem,” Opeyemi says. “I was in dental school at Columbia, and Giovanny was working in public health in the Bronx.” Seven years later, Giovanny proposed during the couple’s first trip to Europe.
After attending a wedding in Rome, he planned a stop in Paris. “We completely fell in love with the city—it reminded us of New York in so many ways,” Opeyemi shares. Under the guise of brunch, he led her to a rooftop where a violinist played “Can’t Help Falling in Love” beside a floral heart display. “That’s where he asked me to marry him.”
When planning their wedding, Paris felt like a natural continuation of their story. Working with Melissa Williams of B Astonished Events, the couple envisioned a destination that would feel immersive for guests. After reviewing several venues, Château de Villette stood out for its scale and character.
The celebration began with a chartered dinner cruise along the Seine, featuring cuisine from Haitian Mama Paris, a restaurant the couple discovered on an earlier trip. DJ Claude di Martian flew in to curate a soundtrack that set the tone.
Opeyemi’s Nigerian heritage was woven throughout the celebration, beginning with her welcome party look. Her dress and the bridal party robes were custom-designed in Lagos by Lateefah Raheem of Teefah Designs, using a woven bronze damask fabric native to Nigeria. “I loved how it sparkled—it reminded me of the Eiffel Tower at night,” she says. She paired the look with Christian Louboutin sandals, while Giovanny wore a tailored suit by Dolvini Bespoke.
For the ceremony, Opeyemi found her look at Carine’s Bridal in Georgetown, DC. “The first dress I tried on was an Oscar de la Renta from the Fall 2024 collection,” she recalls. “Afterward, my mom and I knew—it was the one.” Later, she changed into a custom-fitted design by Nigerian designer Veekee James. During planning, the bride traveled to Lagos for fittings, where Emagine by Bukola also created her Yoruba traditional attire. She completed her look with Amina Muaddi lace and crystal heels and a sculptural Cult Gaia calla lily bag. Her beauty team—Edith Williams on makeup and Eugenze on hair—flew in from London. The weekend’s details and quiet in-between moments were captured by photographer Elizabeth Austin and videographer Blair Williams.
Giovanny wore a white silk tuxedo with a subtle floral pattern by Brian Alexander Bespoke, later changing into a green tux paired with Dior dress shoes. Groomsmen wore custom tuxes made in Nigeria by Deji and Kola, while bridesmaids wore custom sage gowns by Hanifa Bridal.
The couple exchanged vows during an unplugged garden ceremony. Opeyemi walked down the aisle alongside her mother, dressed in traditional Nigerian regalia. Their officiant, Marc R. Antoine, has been a longtime mentor in Giovanny’s life and also led their premarital counseling. “His words felt grounding and intentional,” she says.
The reception unfolded across the château grounds, with florals by Peonies Studio, and live music during cocktail hour by Blackstone Agency Paris. Guests enjoyed a European-style meal by Entre Mets, selected during a tasting months earlier. Toasts were given by Opeyemi’s mother, Giovanny’s father, and the maid of honor, followed by a musical tribute from Giovanny’s sisters. Opeyemi and her Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority sisters performed a stroll, while the DJ kept the energy high throughout the night.
The couple’s first dance was set to a soulful cover of “Turn Your Lights Down Low” by Solomon Joseph, transitioning into a Kompa version, honoring Giovanny’s Haitian roots. After the reception, guests returned to the host hotel, many continuing the celebration.
The newlyweds later honeymooned in the South of France, staying in Nice and visiting Eze, Cannes, and Monaco.
