“We spent $3.7 million in cash. You should know what we are doing.”
When Davido declared his Miami white wedding to Chioma Rowland would be ‘the greatest white wedding ever witnessed,’ he wasn’t exaggerating. With a confirmed $3.7 million spent in cash, the August 9 ceremony held in Biltmore Hotel has gone down in history as an opulent showcase in African destination weddings.
Private jets ferried in Nigeria’s elite and passionate debates about Chioma’s alleged $1 million engagement ring were rife on social media. And in a cruel twist of fate, — perhaps to show that even money couldn’t solve everything— visa denials left key guests, including Chioma’s own parents, watching the fireworks display over Biscayne Bay via Instagram Live.
The Wedding Breakdown
Pre-Wedding Festivities
The festivities leading up to Davido and Chioma’s white wedding kicked off in spectacular fashion with the Havana Night-themed pre-wedding party on August 8, 2025, in Miami. The event, which instantly became the talk of social media set the tone for what would be one of the most extravagant weddings in Nigerian celebrity history.
The venue was transformed into a tropical paradise, with lush palm fronds, vibrant floral arrangements, and elegant lighting creating an atmosphere of opulence. Bold signage reading “Chivido Miami 2025″ adorned the space, reinforcing the couple’s personal branding and the exclusivity of the event. The décor, a seamless blend of Cuban-inspired aesthetics and high-end glamour, featured rich hues of orange, cream, and brown, perfectly complementing the theme.
Among the sea of A-list guests were some of Nigeria’s biggest stars, including Adekunle Gold, who brought his signature suave style, and Teni, whose infectious energy lit up the dance floor. Media personality Tunde Ednut was also in attendance, capturing the night’s most memorable moments and sharing them with his millions of followers. The party was a whirlwind of laughter, music, and heartfelt toasts, with Davido and Chioma at the center of it all, radiating joy and love.
The Main Event (August 9)
August 9, 2025, marked the culmination of Davido and Chioma’s love story in a breathtaking white wedding ceremony at Miami’s iconic Biltmore Hotel, a venue synonymous with timeless elegance and luxury.
The historic hotel was transformed into a dreamlike paradise, with 20,000 white roses cascading from crystal chandeliers and meticulously arranged floral installations framing the oceanfront terrace where the couple exchanged vows. The décor featured towering centerpieces of orchids and lilies, while soft candlelight cast a golden glow over the 300 guests in attendance. Every detail, from the monogrammed “Chivido 2025” napkins to the custom-designed aisle runner, reflected the couple’s meticulous attention to creating a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
What Chioma Wore
Chioma, radiant as ever, stunned in a custom Galia Lahav gown, a masterpiece that instantly became the talk of the fashion world. The dress (leaked in clips that sent social media into a frenzy) boasted intricate lace sleeves, a corseted bodice, and a 15-foot train that trailed behind her like a river of silk. The design was a stark contrast to her playful pre-wedding white cut-out mini dress, symbolizing her evolution from Davido’s “Assurance” muse to a bride commanding global attention.
What Davido Wore
Davido, ever the stylish groom, complemented her in a Dolce & Gabbana tuxedo, its sleek lines punctuated by subtle Ankara fabric accents — a nod to his Yoruba heritage. His polished black shoes and diamond bracelet completed the look, embodying a fusion of Afrocentric pride and international glamour.
The Heartwarming Moments from the Wedding
The evening was punctuated by emotional highlights that transcended the typical wedding spectacle. The couple’s first dance, set to an unreleased love song rumored to be titled “Chioma Forever,” was a tender moment that left guests misty-eyed. As Davido spun Chioma across the dance floor, the lyrics—whispered promises of forever—seemed to echo their journey from scandal and loss to redemption. Later, the skies above Miami erupted in a 10-minute fireworks display, synchronized to Davido’s greatest hits, a dazzling metaphor for their explosive love.
Perhaps, the most talked-about highlight came when Davido rolled up his sleeve to reveal a fresh “Chioma” tattoo inked boldly on his forearm. The permanent declaration was unveiled mid-reception and was met with roaring applause.
Guest List & Absences
The pre-wedding celebrations for Davido and Chioma’s Miami wedding brought together an enviable roster of A-list celebrities and music industry icons, some of which include:
The Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, Davido’s uncle. International superstar Akon, a longtime collaborator and friend of Davido, legendary producer Swizz Beatz and rap icon Meek Mill brought hip-hop royalty to the mix.
On the other hand, Nigerian music sensation Adekunle Gold and media personality Tunde Ednut were also spotted at the Havana Night-themed party.
Notable Absences
Yet, amid the revelry, the event was marked by significant absences that were felt during the ceremony:
Cubana Chief Priest, Davido’s close confidant and hype man, took to Instagram to share his heartbreak after being denied a U.S. visa. His emotional post revealed the frustration of missing his best friend’s milestone moment, despite his wife representing him in Miami. “I woke up this morning with mixed feelings. I’m happy, but I’m still sad,” he wrote, addressing the U.S. Mission in Nigeria with a plea for future access.
Equally heartbreaking was the absence of Chioma’s parents, whose visas were reportedly revoked due to an alleged overstay during a previous trip to the U.S. to care for Chioma during a postpartum health crisis. The controversy sparked debates online, with critics questioning the rigidity of visa policies even as supporters highlighted the family’s extenuating circumstances.
Controversies & Criticisms
Davido and Chioma’s Miami wedding, while a spectacle of luxury, was not without its detractors. The most vocal criticism came from Ossai Ovie Success, an aide to the Delta State governor, who lambasted the event as a “waste of money” in a scathing social media post.
Ovie questioned the necessity of a lavish white wedding in Miami just a year after the couple’s equally extravagant traditional ceremony in Lagos. “Having too much money doesn’t justify careless spending,” he argued, comparing Davido’s choices unfavorably to billionaires like Aliko Dangote, Elon Musk, and Mark Zuckerberg, whom he claimed would never indulge in such ostentation . His remarks struck a chord with many Nigerians, sparking debates about wealth disparity and the optics of flaunting millions abroad while economic struggles persist at home.
On social media as well, the wedding’s exclusivity instructions became a hot topic. Guests were required to wear color-coded wristbands for access to shuttle services, a move some netizens deemed elitist. The strict “no white or cream” dress code reportedly enforced to ensure Chioma remained the sole focus in white also drew anger, with critics calling it excessive for a celebration already dripping in opulence .
Hot takes flooded platforms like X (formerly Twitter), contrasting the couple’s $3.7M budget with Nigeria’s inflation crisis, while others defended the couple’s right to spend as they pleased.
