Ugandan Wedding - Church Ceremony

At Rock Foundation School, we also have a church. Our school director, Christine, is also a wonderful God-fearing pastor.

Christine looked beautiful in her purple dress for the wedding. A second wedding pastor is seated next to her. 

The ceremony was to start at 11am. Around noon the girls were still getting their hair done by the beautician who was to go to the bride’s house next to help her get ready. Therefore, I think the wedding started after 3pm. That’s how time in Africa works, but it was a blessing to have some time to walk to town and visit with a few students! 

This little boy is dressed traditionally for the wedding. I found him (or maybe he found me) on the way back from our morning walk. 

People started gathering in the church around 11, where music/ entertainment was provided. Many of the people from the church choir were in the wedding party; so many others gave a song or two. The wedding processional was very similar to an American wedding, except for the pace at which the wedding party moves. It took about 8 minutes for them to make it down the aisle! As they moved through the church, during the ceremony, they walked in the same fashion. I love the way every moment is savored.

Christine's children were the flower girl and pin boy (ring bearer).
The bride's brother walked her down the isle. Poor girl! She had that huge shop light on her almost the whole time to help with the pictures and video. I can't imagine how hot she felt! 

During church they exchanged rings and vows. There were two pastors (like our wedding) and they both gave messages. Instead of a kiss, there is an embrace. Instead of walking out of the church and making a reception line, the bride and groom stood at the front of the church and the guests went to congratulate them. Then they went to take a few photos as guests moved to the reception.

The groom showing off the ring! Can you feel the love?!

The reception was held at the “playground” behind the girls’ dormitory. There were three tents sent up once again, with a long aisle and small tent with many cakes underneath. The bride and groom entered the reception just like they entered the ceremony. Then they made their way to their seats and had a blessing, before they went to cut the cake.

Entering the reception.

Shortly after cutting the cake, it started to rain. Through the rain the bride and groom moved to two chairs facing one another.  It looked like the “garter removal” that some Americans do at their wedding. Instead, in Africa, the bride and groom loving feed one another cake and a drink to show how well they will take care of one another. It was very romantic… till the skies opened up and it started to pour.

Look closely and you will see the bride and groom facing each other.

We sat in the tents for about an hour, working together to lift out the water that was being collected. They moved the food tables under the edge of the tents and tried to form some sort of an assembly line to get everyone fed. Then the MC got our attention and told us there were cars here to take us home. Cars!? We are a short walking distance from the guest house. Well… that’s African hospitality for you. They picked us up at the tent and dropped us off about 100 yards away at the door. I’m so sorry we missed all the singing and dancing. I can only imagine the celebration it could have been, but in Africa it is a blessing to have rain on your wedding day. I’d say this couple has been more than blessed. The rain didn’t stop till the next morning.

One of the boys that danced before the bride and groom arrived.  I  wish  we would have been able to see all the dancing and songs!