Agumo Lois gets hitched!

 

My sister, Grace, and I were honored to stand in the wedding of our friend, Agumo Lois. The wedding took place in her husband's village, Akisim (about a 30 minute drive from our house). Here's a taste of the experience...

When we first got to Akisim, the bridal team wasn't at the groom's house like we expected! I consulted with a member of the home, who said she could take us to join the other bridesmaids. However, she walked away into one of the huts and didn't come out for a while. We did eventually join the bridal team, but it took a phone call and a ten minute walk in high heels under sweltering equator sun. So much for makeup!

Getting ready! We rented the ceremony dresses for 10,000 Ugandan shillings a piece (around $2.50). They were gorgeous and we all felt fancy in them! Unfortunately, there were a couple hiccups. Grace's zipper broke, so Mom safety pinned the back of Grace's dress up. Another girl's straps were too big, requiring more safety pins. Always be prepared!

The hall connecting the main room and bedroom that 14 of us used to get ready.

Dressing the bride! Poor Agumo started sweating seconds after putting on her gown. Layers of skirt might look nice, but it's also hot! Despite the discomfort, Agumo looked glamorous!

Grace and Agumo (before getting dressed up).

Lovely bride!

Mom was hairdresser, photographer, safety pin provider and moral support. We couldn't have done this without her!

Praying for the bride before leaving for church.

The bridesmaids or "maids" as they're called here. The group included (from left to right) Grace, Becky (cousin to the bride), me, Akello Ruth (neighbor and friend of the bride), Conna and Avalien (both sisters of the bride).

The wedding took place under rented tents because Akisim's small grass-thatched church would never hold the crowd.

Arriving in a convoy of missionary's vehicles and a rented car for the bride. We nearly didn't fit! There were children on laps and shoulders jammed against each other. But, hey, we made it!

Hiding behind the car until told to march down the aisle. Hold the term "hiding" loosely, because a good handful of folks came to greet us or stare :)

The local band which played for part of the wedding (when loudspeakers weren't being used). They were captivating to watch. The wooden xylophones, clappers, harps, gourd maracas and bottle-cap spinners played in perfect, practiced harmony.

One must dance down the aisle in a Ugandan wedding! This is my favorite part! I did have to keep an eye on the ground, though, to avoid falling on the uneven rocky surface. 

Seated on the side of the stage to watch the service.

The girls got their hair plated/braided the day before the wedding. The tight braids flowing into a floral poof looked stunning.

The couple saying their vows and putting rings on each other's fingers. I was deeply touched to hear Agumo say her vows. This sweet girl deserves a wonderful marriage!

After saying vows, the couple sat on the only cushioned seat in the house (er, tent). I had to laugh because it the was the matron (whose job is to carry the bride's train and wipe off the bride's sweat) was the one who shoved the couples' hands together.

Groomsmen and maids! The guys sat very patiently in their suits in the 100+ degree weather. And through a three hour service, at that!

Lining back up in our "changing dresses" for the reception.

Yeah- we get to dance back in!

Samson (left) is the bride's brother. He composed a song for her wedding, which he lip-synched with Edward (middle) and Tom (right).

Makai and Emalai took a break towards the end with their friend, Ojokwan Andrew.

The party was done after gifts, announcements (every social gathering has them!) and 5 p.m. "lunch".

One of the four tables were people got their food from. The dishes piled up as people finished.

Conna carrying an armload of her sister's gifts to the car.

Apparently decorations can be worn when they're taken down. I can't lie, I was a little jealous this guy got the bow instead of me :)

Overflow seating under the mango tree.

I wish you all the best, Emma and Agumo!

The breath-taking pine forest behind the church property.

As my friend gets married, I turn an admiring eye at these precious, strong parents. They've been together for 23 years now. I long for my marriage one day to look like theirs. They celebrate each experience together and are united in every undertaking. They are honest in arguing, faithful in affliction, patient in all circumstances towards one another. My parent's unity and love for each other is one of the top blessings in my life. I thank them for setting an example, making a safe place and sharing their love with us kids, the youth and children of Obule. My parents are proof that a couple can still be totally in love after years together.

A lot of people think I'm third born because Luka and Grace, my two younger siblings, are taller than me. :)

Despite exhaustion that Makai honestly portrays here, we're thankful to have this experience as a family and support Agumo!

(Now another marriage and wedding to go...)

Please note that some of the above photos are taken by Mom (when I was in the picture) or Grace (who took all the selfies).