african wedding. 12.19.09

One of the main reasons that I returned to Africa was to attend the wedding. Uganda wedding planning involves a committee of family and friends to sponsor and coordinate the event. I had attended the final [5 hour!] committee meeting on Wednesday with Benon to learn about our role as ushers, and was anxious to see how all the planning that commenced at that time and months earlier would play out on the wedding day.

Sarah and her 'maids were out the door by 4 am for hairstyling and makeup. We had hosted a barbeque party at our house the night before, so many stayed up all night. I was only able to fall asleep after the bride and her brigade had left.

True to African culture, the wedding ceremony at St. Kakumba Chapel in Kyambogo started late. And, of course, guests continued to arrive even an hour into the ceremony.

Sarah walked down the aisle to Hillsong’s “Mighty to Save”, following her maids who beautifully swayed and danced ahead of her. Much of the ceremony was similar to that of a traditional western culture wedding. There are some additional components, however, such as recognizing parents, aunties, uncles, friends, and employers in attendance. There is also a time to collect financial gifts for the couple.

The reception was held outside, with four tents set up in a square. One tent was for George’s guests, one for Sarah’s guests, one for the matron of honor and best man’s guests, and one for the wedding party. In the center was an impressive display of half a dozen cakes. Those of us involved with Empower A Child greeted and ushered guests to the reception area. When the time finally came for the wedding party to arrive, there was a procession of dance and then cutting of a ribbon before passing through the small canopy.

Half a dozen or so speeches from family, friends, and employers later, it was time to eat. A buffet line was set up to serve matoke [cooked plantain], g-nut sauce [a purple-y sauce made of nuts], meat, rice, beans, chapatti, and irish [potatoes]. After everyone ate, Sarah and George’s families each greeted the new couple formally, dancing around them and waving their arms. Sarah and George then presented each of the cakes from the display to the parents, extended family, employers, and friends of the couple.

The end of the night came with Sarah and George thanking the guests and wedding committee. Sarah graciously invited the Empower A Child group to stand with her at one point. A dancing celebration followed, to my delight. The party dispersed early, however, because many of the families had traveled from far away villages, so they had to leave.

Being able to return to Uganda has been so special, and even more so now that I was able to be a part of Sarah’s wedding day!