But then I espied the oh-so-glamorous lady in the lime green ensemble (otherwise known as Miss K) who handed me a program and directed me to take a seat in the third pew. The ceremony would begin shortly, she assured me. So I sat back and waited for the show to begin. But I must say that it was hot in that church o. It was as if the church officials weren’t expecting summer this year – like summer doesn’t arrive at about the same time every year. I know this is New England, but honestly we were cooking in there! I was still contemplating the intense heat and praying that my carefully applied make-up would not melt into my lap when the groom walked in accompanied by his best man and two of the groomsmen. Dozie looked about as excited as a kid in a candy store. He couldn't stop grinning. Na wa, this love good o! A few moments later, we heard the opening bars of the requisite Wedding March composition. As if on cue, the whole church turned around to catch a glimpse of the bride. And what a glimpse it was. Chika looked simply gorgeous! A real show-stopper of a bride if I ever saw one.

Dozie was more than a little antsy throughout the ceremony. As Chika’s uncle walked her down the aisle to meet her husband-to-be, the anxious groom barely gave the man time to hand Chika over before he grabbed his bride’s hand as if he thought something or someone was going to spirit her away from him! And then when the priest was trying to ask if Dozie came to the altar of his own free will, Mr. Bridegroom didn’t even give him a chance to finish phrasing the question before interjecting with much enthusiasm: "Yes! Yes!!" The whole church erupted into gales of laughter. At least no-one can accuse Dozie of being a reluctant bridegroom! The entire ceremony proceeded beautifully, and when the couple sealed the deal with a loving kiss, sentimental goons like myself could not help but wipe a tear or two from our eyes. Oh love so amazing!

After the ceremony, we all proceeded outside to participate in a little social mingling and the customary photo-ops. And of course people seized the opportunity to give other guests the once-over and check out who was wearing what. Who can forget the young Igbo woman in the white strapless bodice top and tropical print skirt? She looked like she’d graced us straight from the Caribbean islands. And what about the lady in the white pin-striped pantsuit with a red rose to complete the look? Let’s just say was really representin’ for the Wild, Wild West. Miss O – I want to be like you when I grow up! As for the guys – they looked too fine! Personally, I am partial to the tone-on-tone style made famous by Regis Philbin, and some of the brothers were rockin’ that look to kingdom-come. Ladies, who wants to marry a millionaire?! Mmm, mmm good! But then again, I’ve yet to see anything that looks better than a Naija man in a serious native ensemble, with cap and sandals to complete the look. Let’s just say that some of the men at that wedding were very easy on the eyes. I wonder how many hook-ups were made at the occasion? Dozie, you better start asking for your commission o!

And then it was on to the reception to continue with the festivities. The MC provided an entertaining running commentary throughout the program, but I think people were either too hot or too hungry to respond with much enthusiasm. Mr. Z, you did a good job sha – make sure Dozie gives you money to dry-clean your shirt o, because de sweat wey you sweat e no be small! Props to you! All in all, there were more than a few memorable moments during the reception. The couple’s first dance was to Luther Vandross’ "So Amazing", which is one of my all-time favorite songs. It was truly an amazing moment. Later on, they also danced to Next’s ode to wives every where: "Wifey", and at that point I could tell that some of the single men in the room were beginning to get nervous. I wonder why…

Moving right along… the moment soon came for Chika to toss her bouquet to the throng of sisters who are all to ready to bid farewell to a life of singlehood. You should have seen the ladies gearing up like this was some sort of Olympic event – my sister in blue and yellow, I saw you shoving the poor woman standing next to you when you thought no-one was looking. That one na foul play o! In the end, Chika calmly threw the bouquet over her shoulder and it was deftly caught by one of her bridesmaids. Immediately, I heard some of the disgruntled losers calling for a replay. Apparently they didn’t think it was a free and fair toss! But me I can testify that the maiden who caught the bouquet would give both Carl Lewis and Peter Rufai a serious run for their money. That babe gots skills, man! Then it was time for Dozie to throw the garter to the reluctant bachelors who had to be cajoled, coerced and even forced to the floor. I don’t know why brothers always like to front like they don’t want to marry. Yet, when Dozie threw the thing, they were all jumping higher than Michael Jordan himself. Y’all ain’t foolin’ nobody! The brother who eventually caught the garter was required to have the obligatory dance with the sister who caught the bouquet. Let’s just say he went over and beyond the call of duty because they were still dancing together long after the moment was over. Was Cupid on the prowl that day? Only time will tell. But make una no talk say na me talk am o…

All in all, I think we’d all have to agree that it was a truly beautiful wedding. Congratulations again to Dozie and Chika, and may God grant them every conjugal blessing. I’m out like the box-top fade…