Nollywood Star, Stephanie Okereke has played many movie roles and graced the cover of many posters and glossy magazines over the years, but no role yet will be greater and more important than the one she performed on April 21, 2012 when she walked down the aisle with her friend and sweet heart, International PR Consultant and businessman, Linus Idahosa.
The couple chose to celebrate this important occasion in their lives with a very intimate and classy ceremony in Paris, the famous city of love.
It is obvious that Stephanie and Linus have very high and elegant taste. This was shown in the venue that they decided to use for their nuptials. It was no ordinary event’s place, they chose the exotic, historic and scenic, Abbaye des Vaux dey Cernay.
This famous property, founded in 1118 formed the perfect backdrop for Stephanie and Linus as they professed love to each other and vowed to live happily together forever. What made this wedding very spectacular is that apart from the venue, every part of the ceremony was colourful and classy.
Their journey to marital bliss began on April 20, 2012 with a lively boat cruise. The cruise on the River Palace, took everyone on an excursion along the famous Seine River, not far from the famous Eiffel Tower. Complete with dinner, it was a very exhilarating experience for all.
We gathered that this was planned to be cool evening to welcome guests who had come from many corners of the world and put them in the right mood for the main event that was to unfold the next day.
For her special occasion, the 30 year-old star who hails from Imo State, South East Nigeria chose a sensational strapless wedding dress by Lebanese Fashion Designer, Elie Saab. The oufit is from his 2012 Euterpe Collection but the stylish Stephanie added a personal touch to her outfit with a belt dotted with precious jewels.
With the sun shining high in the cloudless turquoise sky that April afternoon, the beautiful bride shimmered as she made her into the venue for the solemnization. The debonair groom; who wore a lovely outfit by Imaggine For men, Per Nino, was very relaxed and waiting for her eagerly.
That was not all, another testimony to the stately nature of this well-crafted ceremony was that as she made her dramatic entry, the music that wafted from the orchestra as procession hymn was German Baroque Composer, Johann Pachelbel’s Canon D major. For those who don’t know this 1680s composition is Pachelbel’s most famous piece.
When she arrived the front of the hall, the official ceremonies began-and it was co-ordinated by Apostle Johnson Suleman . With popular hymns such as Blessed Assurance and How Great Thou Art being sung by the congregation and lots of prayers too for the couple, the ceremony was lively.
The highest point was when the couple took their vows. Amidst jokes and laughter, Apostle Suleiman joined them as husband and wife! Following their exchange of rings, the emotional bride and groom kissed to warm applause by guests which included first-rate Nollywood celebrities, close friends and family members.
This part of the ceremony over, guests stepped out of the little area for photo-calls, while the couple went to change into more casual but not-the-less stylish outfits.
The reception venue was a sight to behold. It was created to be enchanting and romantic. Lovely flowers, scented candles and Victorian candle stands, and other decorations added a touch of elegance to the arrangement.
Cocktails and delicious canapés were served as the wedding party mingled. From all indication’s everything on the couple’s list for the special day went according to plan.
The reception which had Frank Edoho, famous TV personality and Presenter, Who Wants to be a Millionaire (Nigeria) and broadcaster, Israel Edjarean as hosts was filled with fun and excitement. There was good music and wonderful food for all the savour.
There were very speeches as the couple wanted the event to flow and guests to have the time of their lives. One of the VIPs that joined the party at the reception was the Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah.
The day was rounded off with an energetic dance session, where everyone really let go-and the whole ceremony came to an end in superlative style with a spectacular fireworks display. The fireworks really dazzled all and lit up the lovely Paris skies for many minutes! It was a fitting finale to a truly grand celebration
Days later, Ovation, had this exclusive interview with the latest bride in town and new Mrs. Stephanie Idahosa. The elated Stephanie spoke about the preparations and gave an insight into their love story.
Congratulations on your wedding, your wedding outfit was so resplendent. Who made it and how did you come about settling for that particular dress for your special day
It was by Eliab Saab. I loved it as soon as I saw and put it on. Though I tried a few but the dress I wore just suited my personality and also the theme of our wedding. Prior to that I had looked through various designs just to pick my gown for the day. It was tough, until I saw that gown.
It must have been hectic preparing for the occasion, tell us about it, the shopping, the planning etc
I did most of the planning with my husband. We did a lot of travelling before our wedding, so we were able to decide the colours and the kind of wedding we wanted. And we had wonderful planners.
Why Paris and whose idea was it
We went to Paris because we wanted somewhere serene, beautiful and romantic. We both had a very special experience in one of our trips to France; It just had to be Paris.
The wedding proper, did it go according to plan
Yes it did, it was exactly how we had imagined it would be.
You and your husband are very popular in Nigeria, why did you leave many out of this celebration of love
We didn't leave many out of the celebration because people celebrated with us whether they were in Paris or not. Although we wanted something very personal and spiritual. It is never about the crowd you are able to pull, it was about both of us and our readiness to take our sacred commitment to the next level . But we are very grateful for all the love and well wishes we got from everyone.
Ok, let us backtrack a bit, we knew you both as business partners at what stage did dating come into the picture
Business partners? No, It was often a misrepresentation by the Press. As an International PR consultant, he had carried me along some of his business interests; one of such was for a celebrity endorsement for a Financial institution in the Middle East ready to make its way into Africa; that was our first acquaintance; his demur, professionalism and courtesy was very striking; things took a different turn as we moved along. Not too long afterwards, he made it absolutely clear he was ready to take our relationship to the next level; it was no surprise, we both fell in love.
What did you find in Linus that convinced you enough to want to spend the rest of your life with him
He is God-fearing, a man of the spirit with a good sense of well-being, selflessness, ambitious, very focused, exudes confidence; in summary a man's man.
Where, when and how did he pop the question
It was during my birthday. He had arranged with my family and friends. And he asked if I’d marry him. It was a beautiful thing.
And what was your immediate reaction, did you play hard to get
When you know what you want, you don’t play with it, you take it seriously. The minute he proposed, I knew it was no game; I took him seriously and I said “yes”, because he totally represents what a good man should be.
Let us set the records straight, is this your first or second marriage
My first! Whatever I had initially was annulled by a Judge; making it null and void in the court of Law; moreso, there was never a dowry paid or accepted by either parents. I truly hope this sets the record straight; youthful exuberance is no excuse to be addressed as previously married. I have no ex, this is my first marriage.
Ok, back to the D-Day were members of your family there to share in the joy of the occasion
Both Families, friends, colleagues business associates; It was indeed a beautiful day.
Was there any significance about the date you chose to seal your love
We had wanted it earlier but we got too busy. The plans were already there so we just needed to create time to celebrate our love, and April seemed a good time because it is Spring. It is a season where new things are born. What better time to birth the new beginning of our live together!
Tell us the difference between Stephanie Okereke and Mrs. Stephanie Idahosa, what has changed since the transition
Marriage changes you for the better. There are changes. I am now married and have moved to another phase of life. I have a good man, soon the children will follow, and you know God loves the family, the way He intended. I believe I will be more blessed as a wife and mother than I have ever been because God takes a praying family seriously, and His grace is sufficient.
Someone told us he is a very romantic person, is it true
Oh yes, he is. A very romantic man, full of beautiful surprises!
What has been the most romantic surprise he has given you
The wedding we had was my husband's gift to me. Every day with him is a surprise.
What would you say has kept this relationship going
We have surrendered our relationship to God. That is the most important thing. God is the one driving it; and with Him at the steering wheel, we can’t go wrong.
The reception venue was wow, was it your concept, or your event planner
It was what we wanted for our wedding. How we wanted it to be. Our wedding planners were awesome.
You have grown from a Nollywood actress to an entrepreneur, tell us how the journey has been
Challenging and exciting. We have to evolve to become whatever it is we desire.
Any projects in the pipeline, and tell us a bit about yourself, growing up, education, adventure in Nollywood
I am pursuing my various business and projects which you’ll know about as they unfold. Nollywood is the platform that launched me into the world. I am an actress so it is always a delight when I am working, acting, and birthing ideas.
What is your prayer to God as you both begin this journey to marital bliss
To show us how to remain in love, which is God.
THE VENUE
Vaux-de-Cernay Abbey was founded in 1118 by a group of monks from Savigny Abbey (in Manche). In 1873, Baron Nathaniel Rothschild acquired the park and building and began a reconstruction of the Estate. In 1945, it was purchased by Mr. Amiot, an Airplane Constructor. The estate served as a research ground for over thirty years. In 1988 ownership changed hands again, this time it was bought by Mr. Savry and redeveloped as a high-class hotel and restaurant.
Vaux de Cernay Abbey, located in the Chevreuse Valley in the Rambouillet state-owned forest, is an enchanted place and the perfect spot to recharge your batteries. Vaux de Cernay Abbey’s extraordinary architecture emerges from where power and mystery preside. Thus, it has been reborn and brought back to life: a cellar transformed into a music lounge and a gothic lounge with its enormous chimneys, a former lay brother refectory into a restaurant and re-baptised ‘the prayer table’, a surprising monastic room with two spanning ridge beams and sandstone capitol columns.
According to the facility “It is surrounded by more than eight centuries of history. The former cloister, reading gallery, mill and chapter house have found their existential callings. The Cistercians created these magical places blessed by God and protected by the Kings of France we needed to revive them. St Louis and Margaret of Provence drank miracle water from the St Thibault fountain and it made this Queen of France fertile. The spring is still in the nearby woods and soothes the thirst of our guests”.
THE DRESS
Elie Saab's wedding dress, Euterpe is an ivory, strapless neckline, ball gown, floor-length gown and may be available in beige, champagne and white. This classic bridal dress is sensation if you have the figure. Technical details : Length (floor), Neckline (strapless) Silhouette (ball gown)
Color (ivory) Style: (classic).
THE DESIGNER
Lebanese fashion designer, Elie Saab was born July 4, 1964. In 1982, Saab launched his Beirut-based fashion label when he was 18 years old. His main workshop is in Lebanon. He also has workshops in Milan and Paris.
Born to Maronite Catholic parents in Beirut, Saab is self-trained. He started sewing as a child and knew that one day he would make a living out of it. In 1981 he moved to Paris to study fashion, but ended up returning and opening his workshop in 1982. In 1997 Saab was the first non-Italian designer to become a member of the Italian Camera Nazionale della Moda, and in 1997, showed his first collection outside Lebanon in Rome. In 1998, he started ready-to-wear in Milan, and in the same year, he held a fashion show in Monaco which was attended by Princess Stéphanie of Monaco.
He became an overnight success after he became the first Lebanese designer to dress an Oscar winner, Halle Berry, in 2002. Berry wore a burgundy gown by Saab to the 2002 Academy Awards when she won Best Actress. Berry later wore another dress by Saab, this time a gold dress, to the 2003 Oscars.His creations can be found all over the world, with boutiques located in Beirut, Paris and London (also in Selfridges and Harrods).
Stars who have worn his pieces include: Celine Dion, Christina Aguilera, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Rihana Milla Jovovich and now Stephanie Okereke!
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