Love is so sweet! My dear niece Natacha was married last week, and the wedding along with the events leading up to it completely took over my life. That’s why I’ve been less active here and on YouTube — but I’m back now. In this post I’m sharing highlights from a beautiful Cameroonian-Sierra Leonean wedding, blending traditions from both families.
It began with the traditional wedding two weeks earlier. Watching the rituals and negotiations at a Cameroonian traditional marriage is always entertaining and meaningful. Typically the ceremony takes place at the bride’s family home, and the bride’s household playfully acts as if they don’t know why the groom and his party have arrived. The groom’s family spokesperson then explains their purpose with a poetic line like:
“We saw a flower in your garden which we want to harvest.” Here “flower” is a figurative expression for the woman.
The bride’s family then presents several women wrapped in large Ankara cloths so the groom’s party can identify the correct “flower.” Often the first few presented are not the bride, and each woman who is not the intended bride is typically given transport money to return home. It’s a lighthearted ritual, but it also serves as part of the negotiation between families. The bride price is usually settled behind closed doors. I always enjoy witnessing traditional weddings — they’re rich in culture and community. If you’re from Africa, how are traditional weddings celebrated where you’re from? I’d love to hear about it.
At the conclusion of negotiations, the bride receives a cup with a drink and presents it to the groom in front of everyone. The crowd applauds, and the bride’s father formally joins them together. That’s how Natacha and her then-fiancé Greg were married traditionally. Aren’t they lovely?
Two days before the church ceremony we surprised Natacha with a bridal shower. I organized the event and though it was closer to the wedding day than I had hoped, it worked out perfectly because all her bridesmaids were able to attend. The shower was joyful and intimate: we shared advice about marriage, played games, danced, and spent quality time together. Nights like that—when sisters gather to eat, laugh, and talk about what matters—are precious.
The bride-to-be looked radiant in her outfit, surrounded by friends and family who celebrated and supported her. Moments of preparation and shared stories made the days before the wedding especially memorable.
The church wedding was glorious and full of faith, a day overflowing with joy and gratitude. Family and friends gathered to witness the couple’s vows, celebrate their union, and pray for their future together.
I wish Natacha and Greg every blessing that marriage brings. After one’s relationship with God, marriage is one of life’s sweetest gifts. Congratulations to the newlyweds and to both families for a beautiful blend of traditions and warm celebrations.