A Wedding of its Kind

All people had arrived early. It was the day that Joanita and Wairo had chosen for their nuptials and many people had turned up to witness the two lovebirds say, ‘I do!’ Unlike other days, the front seats in the church had filled first and before ten o’clock, there was none empty. Outside the church were erected a number of tents which soon filled too, and many people had to suit themselves standing under trees.
Weather
The weather was fine. The morning sky was clear with the sun not so bright and the trees swaying to the breeze. Due to rains that had been experienced a few days earlier, it was not dusty.
Precisely at eleven o’clock, the bridegroom and his entourage streamed into the church compound in procession of not less than ten cars. Heads turned and ululations filled the air as the party was ushered into the church to take up their places while the groom and his best men stood outside waiting for ‘the lady’. The bride was expected to be late, as it always happens here, but the duration of the wait could not be established.
Apprehension
Different stories are always told of brides who have stood up their men at this late hour and trepidation always fills the groom’s side until the queen of the occasion arrives. The best man could be seen making numerous calls from his mobile phone, which from a distance, one could conclude he was not reaching however he intended.
Before anxiety could set in, the bride’s motorcade arrived. The impeccably dressed bride and her maids stepped out of their cars. Slowly, they were led to join the groom and his best men for procession into the church. The occasion had formerly started.
Neither the joy nor the infectious smile on the groom’s face could be hidden contrary to what the bride exhibited. She looked somber and it was hard to explain the sobriety. Was she anxious leaving her home and people to belong elsewhere? Was she afraid of the responsibilities that lay ahead? Was she afraid that something could go wrong, or was she just afraid she had not made the right decision? No one could tell for sure.
I Do
The priest soon converted two people into one. While Wairo was the first to say, “I do”, Joanita’s “I do” instigated shrieks of joy and thumbing of anything one could reach. The church and its compound were filled with deafening sounds for almost five minutes. They were shortly pronounced husband and wife and after signing the necessary papers, they started marching out, an indication the wedding was over.
Reception
The next stage was eagerly awaited by many, the reception. Staged at the church’s hall, different foods, fruits and drinks were in plenty supply. After a short photo session at the most exciting parts of the church, which are plenty, the dignitaries of the occasion filed into the hall. Food was served. Due to the large number of people, they had to queue for self-service expect those on the high table. Those who did not secure seats ate standing or seated on many of the well mowed church lawns.
By five o’clock, the occasion had come to close and guests were leaving at will. An invitation for an evening party in honour of the newlyweds had been given for those interested. At the main gate, the freelance photographs displayed for sale photos they had taken during the occasion. Although the prices were high, those appearing in them were more than willing to acquire them.
Before long, darkness started setting in as orderlies packed gifts and other stuff to be taken to the new family. Many people could be heard exclaiming at the magnanimity of the occasion. Though many had been held before at this church, this wedding was by far the best witnessed. Joanita and Woira surely made it.