The recent emergence of leaked emails involving director Cole Walliser has drawn attention to designer Yinka Animashaun, sparking a debate over professionalism and assumptions in the wedding industry. Walliser, known as the “GlamBot guy,” reportedly dismissed Animashaun’s inquiry in a condescending manner, implying she might not afford his services. This exchange quickly went viral, leading to widespread criticism of Walliser’s tone, particularly a line that read, “If you wanted to know how much it costs, you just needed to ask, you don’t need to pretend you are going to book it.”
As the controversy unfolded, Animashaun’s stunning wedding photos surfaced, showcasing a lavish celebration that highlighted both her Nigerian and Indian heritage. On November 23, 2019, Animashaun and her husband, Nitin Sikka, exchanged vows at the Westin Stonebriar Hotel & Golf Club in Dallas, Texas. The couple chose to honor their diverse backgrounds by hosting three ceremonies in one day, a decision that they felt represented their love and cultural identities.
In an interview with MunaLuchi Bride, Animashaun explained their choice, saying, “I’m Nigerian & Nitin is Indian. We wanted to honor both our cultures, and we only wanted our ceremony to be one day, so we had 3 ceremonies in one day!” Their beloved dog, Omari, also participated, dressed in outfits that reflected both traditions.
The day began with a Nigerian ceremony, where Animashaun wore a pink and gold traditional Aso Oke ensemble, complete with a Gele that honored her Yoruba roots. The celebrations transitioned to an Indian ceremony, featuring Sikka in a Sherwani and Animashaun in a beautifully embroidered Lehenga. The final event was a Christian ceremony, where she donned a classic white gown, creating a memorable blend of cultural celebrations.
Attention to detail marked every aspect of their wedding. Bridesmaids received Dior friendship bracelets, while groomsmen were gifted monogrammed overnight bags filled with essentials, including Advil and Red Bull. Their wedding later garnered recognition in the Spring/Summer 2020 edition of MunaLuchi Bride Magazine, solidifying its status as a unique multicultural event.
Animashaun and Sikka’s romance began with an instant connection after they spotted each other at a bar. Despite abrupt closing hours, they continued their evening at three additional venues. Sikka’s proposal was a private affair, featuring candles and music, with their dog carrying the ring on his collar. “At first, I just thought he was being romantic, but then he started telling me how he felt. I said, ‘OMG! You’re doing it!!!’ … It was perfect,” Animashaun recalled.
The resurfacing of their wedding photos amid Walliser’s leaked emails has not gone unnoticed on social media. Many users highlighted the irony of the situation. One commented, “She could have 10 Glambots if she wanted. This couple is clearly doing well.” Another added, “She had 3 separate wedding ceremonies!! He definitely fumbled a huge bag…”
The pricing for the GlamBot service is significant, with packages reportedly ranging from around £6,000 to £13,000, depending on the equipment. The scale and opulence of Animashaun’s wedding raise questions regarding Walliser’s initial assumptions about affordability.
While it can be argued that Walliser was attempting to maintain the perceived exclusivity of the GlamBot brand, the widely criticized tone of his email serves as a reminder that assumptions based on limited context can lead to significant misjudgments. As this incident illustrates, humility and respect are essential qualities for sustaining professional relationships in any industry.
