Recognizing Jacob Zinkula from one of her classes during sophomore year at a popular bar near campus, Tomisin Ogundipe – now a senior – tapped him on the shoulder, said hi, and shared that she always thought he was cute. “I texted her the next day, but the message didn’t go through… It turns out, she claims at least, that she had accidentally entered in her number incorrectly,” laughs Jacob. Thankfully, he reached out again on social media, they scheduled their first date, and the rest is history! 

Having always wanted to get married in the spring or summer, Tomisin stayed strong when booking her venue, despite 2022 being a busy year for weddings and availability. Thankfully, the church she grew up attending was available on June 18th, as was a beautiful nearby country club close to her family home in Cary, North Carolina, allowing the couple to get married in the same month as their dating anniversary. 

Before the celebration itself, however, the couple honored Tomisin’s Nigerian heritage with a traditional Nigerian engagement ceremony the Thursday prior to their wedding weekend. “In Nigerian culture, it’s not just two people coming together during a wedding, but two families,” shares Tomisin. “We tried to emphasize this throughout the weekend, and it was really special to see both of our families meet and embrace the idea.” 

The bride desired a classic wedding – one that she’s been planning since she was a little girl. “I always wanted a Southern elegant wedding in a country club and was thrilled to be able to live out my dream!” smiles the bride. “I’m a big romantic-comedy junkie and like to think I got some inspiration from the iconic movie Bride Wars… Though our wedding wasn’t at The Plaza, we still had an amazing time!” she muses. 

A string quartet performed during the ceremony, which was officiated by the Ogundipe family’s pastor, who has known Tomisin since she was just four years old. The couple shared personal vows and had family members recite readings, blessings, and prayers over them. For a nontraditional twist, their pastor stood in the aisle, so the couple could face their loved ones. “With our vows, toasts, and even the first dance, Tomisin and I also really wanted to be open and vulnerable,” Jacob notes. “We wanted to share our feelings for each other and our appreciation for everyone in attendance.” 

“Seeing people from so many areas of my life all together, having a great time, was something I’ll never forget.”

After the “I dos,” friends and family made their way to the country club to enjoy the newlyweds’ his-and-hers signature cocktails – including Jacob’s “7 and 7” whiskey cocktail chosen to honor his grandfather – during cocktail hour, where a live pianist played romantic melodies. “The string quartet [at the ceremony] and the pianist [at cocktail hour] really resonated with me because I played the piano and violin growing up,” shares Tomisin of the musical detail. 

Loved ones entered the glamorous reception ballroom to discover a stunning space filled with white-and-gold tablescapes, high and low centerpieces featuring compilations of romantic florals in blush and ivory, as well as plenty of greenery throughout the room – most notably decorating the grand staircase. Warm candlelight and crystal chandeliers illuminated the classically elegant setting, and the pair’s monogram was incorporated in nearly every detail, from cocktail napkins at the bar to custom cookies offered to guests before they departed for the night. 

After a delicious dinner service and heartfelt toasts, the real party began. “We focused on the experience and the entertainment, which meant having a great DJ at the reception!” Jacob shares. “Jacob and I both love to dance, and we were grateful that the dance floor was never empty!” the bride confirms. The groom adds, “Being on the packed dance floor with my bride, as well as so many friends and family, might have been the best part. Everyone was just having a great time and letting loose, including a lot of people I had never seen dance before… Seeing people from so many areas of my life all together, having a great time, was something I’ll never forget.”