Everywhere around the world, weddings are a big deal and Africa is no exception. Each wedding is unique – with the bride and groom displaying a sense of their culture and often times their convictions in the various aspects of their wedding.
In Africa it is a day of celebration – and I do mean the WHOLE day! Recently we were privileged to attend the wedding of a young man, a good friend, in our church. It was a glorious occasion that we would like to share with you.
The entire church gathers together in celebration, at christian weddings, with many from the congregation involved in various aspects of the day.
For us, the day begins at 8:00 a.m. when we arrive at the church to have our car decorated.
Along with others, we are privileged to be driving the bridal party to various events in a decorated motorcade.
After our car is decorated, we pick up the groomsmen at their gathering place and bring them to the church.
Then it is off to the bridal location – of course this is where all the action is!
Here is a short video clip of the ladies gathering at the bride's home. This is a woman's event; friends and family of the bride sing and dance to encourage the bride and bless her as she leaves for the wedding ceremony. What fun!!
Another fun difference came during the processional. The groomsmen who were already at the front of the church dance slowly down the aisle as the bridesmaids slowly dance up the aisle; meeting in the middle, they make their way to the front.
The ceremony itself is a mixture of KiSwahili and English and a mixture of African culture and western influence. The emphasis is not on setting the scene, like so many western weddings, instead it is about bringing two families together under God, commitment to each other and charging each of us to be faithful.
All of this has been quite the ordeal with preaching and singing, even an offering; it is after 1:00 p.m. when the church service finishes.
Now, onto the steps of the church for pictures!
Everyone gets into these pictures. Pictures are taken with family, friends, co-workers, you name it.
At the right is a picture of the married couple with the youth of the church.
The bridal party then piles into the decorated cars to make their way to a pre-selected location for more formal pictures while everyone else goes on to the reception venue.
Picture-taking is a long process, especially at weddings; a crate of soft drinks is provided allowing everyone to refresh themselves after the pictures before moving on to the reception.
We are grateful for nice weather as many times receptions are help outside to accommodate everyone.
The party is big and becomes bigger as uninvited folks show up during the reception; no one is turned away, everyone is welcome to celebrate the union. Food is served, everyone joins together in singing and dancing as one group to celebrate with the new couple.
Finally it is time to give gifts. Music is played and everyone lines up to give their gift and bless the new couple.
This was a new sight, we had never before seen a bed given at a wedding reception -- what fun! Hopefully the folks that gave the bed also transported it home for them!
It's now after 5:00 p.m., we've enjoyed the day, but we are worn out! As we leave, the party continues. These folks know how to celebrate!
Pray for Juma and Carol as they begin their new life together under God.
Pray that they would keep God first in their lives.
Pray that they would be faithful to God and to one another that their marriage would be a testimony for all to see.
Everyone gets into these pictures. Pictures are taken with family, friends, co-workers, you name it.
At the right is a picture of the married couple with the youth of the church.
The bridal party then piles into the decorated cars to make their way to a pre-selected location for more formal pictures while everyone else goes on to the reception venue.
We are grateful for nice weather as many times receptions are help outside to accommodate everyone.
Finally it is time to give gifts. Music is played and everyone lines up to give their gift and bless the new couple.
This was a new sight, we had never before seen a bed given at a wedding reception -- what fun! Hopefully the folks that gave the bed also transported it home for them!
It's now after 5:00 p.m., we've enjoyed the day, but we are worn out! As we leave, the party continues. These folks know how to celebrate!
Pray for Juma and Carol as they begin their new life together under God.
Pray that they would keep God first in their lives.
Pray that they would be faithful to God and to one another that their marriage would be a testimony for all to see.