Another Wedding

 

After a whirlwind of activity and months of planning, both Agumo Lois's and Katie's weddings are complete! Today I share with you the last occasion- Katie's church wedding. This celebration proved interesting because the Catholic church conducted the ceremony. Enjoy getting a little taste...

On our way to Anthony's (the groom) land, where the wedding is taking place.

For special occasions that take place at the home compound, flowers are often set on either side of the driveway.

A group of kids watched us park and walk up :)

Any Catholic service or celebration here, sadly, becomes a potential profit for sellers of prayer beads. We saw this prayer bead "stand" before seeing the bride and groom!

Tents and chairs set up in an uncultivated field behind the compound.

The Catholic leaders were all dressed into loose white dresses. Because Ugandans love introductions, every catechist leader from all the parish churches was introduced. Lastly, the priest was presented. His dress was decorated with images of the Lord's supper and a dove. 

I will say, the church choir that sang was beautiful and impressive!

The local clinic head, Tony, has functioned as MC for each of the marriage and wedding ceremonies. He is hilarious and keeps the long ceremonies interesting. For example, Tony found an extra white dress to put on; however, his dress was too short. Between the length and the sandals he wore, Tony looked more like a Muslim than Catholic :)

Every seat was taken. Children crowded around the perimeter of the tents or sat on the dusty ground at their mother's feet.

Katie's relatives sitting next to the table.

See the bride? This was the tent of honor, housing the Catholic leaders, wedding party, bride and groom.

The tent where we sat. Thankfully, there was no walls so the breeze could give relief from the dry season heat.

Katie, Anthony, the maid of honor and best man.

Cutting the cake. I think that everyone standing close enough wanted to join in :)

Anthony brings cake to his new in-laws.

Katie serving her neighbors and friends after giving cake to Anthony's family.

What a beautiful smile!

I love Katie- she makes me feel carefree when I spend time with her. I'm so proud of her getting married the right way and, although I will miss having her next door, pray her marriage will bring glory to God.

Beautiful example of katenge (ka-tane-gae), locally produced African fabric. Most katenge is made in Nigeria.

Entertainment between programs included little boys dancing, Tony jabbering or the Catholic choir singing.

Luka and I got to stand with our friends part of the time.

The bridal team coming back out in their changing dresses/outfits for gifts, thanking parents and the reception.

The non-line to bring Katie and Anthony gifts

As you can see, the couple received money, wrapped presents and chickens. One of the chickens wiggled under the table and tried desperately to get away when the groomsmen were gathering the gifts :)

To provide water in the heat, a few kids had cups on sticks. A person can grab a cup then fill it up from a full jerrycan nearby. I admire the creativity and thriftiness of the Teso culture!

One of the four lines for food

Rice, cabbage, atap (a cassava flour starch) and beef (not depicted) were served for lunch.

And now a few fun videos! This is the cutting of the cake.

These are the two little boys who did one of the dances. In Uganda, it's an acceptable and common practice to give money to dancers. This video shows several spectators putting coins in the boys' pockets.

A teenager in the crowd decided to display his talent as well!

Additionally, these young ladies came up several times to do the cultural hip and bottom wiggle. We all laughed when one lady's scarf tied around her hips fell to the ground. :) 

Thank you to Mom for taking the pictures that I'm in.