Here are a few things that made their day unique.
- Lots of colour - (those who attended as well as bridesmaids) The bridesmaids (about 7) wore yellow and a shade of green I find hard to describe (closest colour I can name is army green... but different again... The younger girls (flower girls?) were in white/pink lace dresses... sorry the photos don't pick up on this very much (was hard to get photos over so many tall heads!)
- The pastor who preached was Spanish (very thick accent) though he preached in Spanglish and sermon was translated into Swahili, (though many in congregation also spoke Acholi). This pastor was quite dramatic - so used his voice that it sounded as though he might loose it by becoming hoarse! The pastor was from the church the couple attended - though the church runs an African service and Spanish service at seperate times.
- I was quite amazed by the pastor's very direct approach to the couple - turning to the husband he said - "J, you MUST love your wife... you must love her when the food is good and when it is not so good!" with constant emphasis, a thick accent (you have to try to imagine this - it really makes it even more dramatic!) and then actually asking for J to respond - "Can you do this?" to which the poor young man nodded nervously! He was also asked if he would really be willing to die for his wife?
- The most notably African influence came through with this rather loud/joyous/festive/distinct noise the women made with their tongues during pauses throughout the ceremony (an African friend since told me it is a noise the Arabic people taught them) and while the bridal cars exited. My ever-keen-to-embarass husband mentioned to one of his friends that he was keen to see his wife replicate that sound. The young man just grinned!
- There were a few more outgoing women (likely the women who had least exposure to our more conservative western culture) who freely danced and made the tongue noises to the bride and her maids as they settled into the car.
When I look at the above photo of the pastor, I can just hear that thick accent, can you?
Most importantly this sweet couple are starting out together - with the Lord's strength - we pray that the Lord would help them to keep their eyes fixed on him in all the ups and downs of married life! God is so good!
