On July 14th, we to a traditional African wedding. The couple was Racheal and Dalleys Kanoti, who both are strong Christians that attend ICC West Campus, so the whole church (including us) were invited to attend the ceremony that went from 10 am till around noon. The ceremony was similar to an American wedding, yet they have different traditions. When we arrived at the church, the bride and her bridesmaids were in a car that you could not see into. They stay in their until the wedding commences. We all went into the church and sat down, watching as the groom talked with the groomsmen, with a smile on his face and in his eyes. At the ceremony, the bride walked down the isle, yet it was not to the typical wedding march, but more of an African styled song. She looked beautiful in a white gown that had a princess cut and flowed like a princess dress should. Then, after the exchanging of rings (and bashful kisses), there was a worship session! We sat through worship songs and a message from the pastor, which I had never seen before. It was beautiful how honest and open the couple were about worshiping, that this day was not only about their love for each other, but sharing in their love for God. After the ceremony inside of the church (which had beautiful yellow roses, my favorite flower), we went outside for more traditions. Overall, we were there till around 3 pm. We had pictures taken of the guests as well as the wedding party. There was dancing around the tent that had the beautiful cake (which was white on the outside, but brown on the inside…so good!). Then we ate a wonderful assortment of food. Then, the gifts were presented by the ones that gave them in a traditional ceremony. After, there was the cutting of the cake where the guests got a pre-packaged piece of the cake. The bride and groom then gave cake to their parents, and then to one another. After the cake, there was a closing prayer. Overall, the ceremony was beautiful, and was a true blessing to be able to attend such a magical tradition. God bless!
