Ashton Garden West is where Osaze and Tirhas’ culturally infused reception took place but their day actually begun in the Energy Corridor of Houston Texas. The ceremony was held at Notre Dame Catholic Church ,a Southwest Houston Catholic staple. I don’t know how the couple pulled it off but this was our first time there and a complete mass wasn’t held.
Osaze, a mild mannered and highly intelligent young man, was marrying his best friend, Tirhas. Tirhas was a sweet and kind young lady but had a witty side. Through out the day me and her shared some laughs. Osaze has shared many stories of Tirhas with me and the way he lit up when speaking of her one could tell it was the real thing between the two of them.
I’ll admit my curiosity was peaked when they shared that both cultures would be represented during the wedding. Me being Nigerian, I truly wonder how any other culture could stand along our own. The Eritrean culture is beautiful! The clothes, the sounds, the music, and the traditions were all new to me and I was smitten with it all. While Tirhas was getting ready her and her mother shared a moment, and her mother cried out and the sound her mother produce was so beautiful. Once I heard that joy filled sound I knew I was going to be experiencing something new and different that day. I will go more in depth on part two of this blog in which I speak about the their traditional wedding in which all the traditional ceremonies were held.
Once we made it to Ashton Gardens West the party began. Osaze is a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity chapter Eta Mu, which meant a lot of guys from the University of Houston were going to be there. From the legendary speech that Valor Thomas gave to Osaze burning 1000 calories strutting with brahs the night was a blast. Then the night flipped and I heard Eritrean music for the first time. At first there were many bystanders but Tirhas’ family was so welcoming that dance floor eventually was packed.
I can honestly say this was a first for me and I enjoyed photography their special day. But let me stop typing and please take a moment to view images and please leave a comment.
-Fred Agho
Second Photographer : Jamaal Ellis
Groom’s Suit : Olympus Styling
Church: Norte Damn Catholic Church
Venue : Ashton Garden West
Dj: QHolic