I promised I would describe the wedding, but let me just say that mere words cannot do justice to the exuberant joy expressed by this lovely couple, their families and friends! I only wish my internet speed was fast enough to upload videos! Then maybe, you could get a small taste of the music and excitement! Until then, use your imagination, and remember the joy of the Lord is better than any other!
Weddings in Pointe-Noire, Congo, can only be officiated at the Hotel de Ville (City Hall) and are performed by the current mayor of the city. The couple does not get to choose their wedding date, they simply get on the schedule, then plan accordingly! Not to worry, though, they usually have to wait several weeks (maybe even months!) before their turn comes up! There were many people in attendance for this “official” part of the ceremony, and while waiting for our turn to go in, I got to meet the General Superintendent of the Congo Assemblies of God! He was delightful, and even attempted to speak some English to help me out!
The wedding began inside, with appropriate pomp and solemnity. The mayor apparently does 14 weddings every Saturday, that being a major part of his duties as mayor! I have noticed that folks tend to be a bit “long-winded” when tending to official duties, so the bride and groom were allowed to sit while some of the ceremony was performed.
Vows were said, rings were exchanged, and then the mayor introduced the newlyweds to the crowd in attendance, much like a wedding in the US.
(notice the man in the background, getting paperwork ready for the next wedding,
and the ever-present photo of the President of Congo!)
Then outside for the obligatory photos, also much like American weddings!
We then adjourned to meet later in the day at the church, for a wedding “blessing” event. The church was transformed, and a place was made again for the couple to sit. Their arrival was accompanied by music and dancing, and great joy!
Vows were said again, rings were exchanged again, but this time, the groom was allowed (actually encouraged!) to kiss the bride! I’m sorry to say, I was not close enough to get a photo of the kiss, but the groom made a big production out of rolling up the veil to reveal the lovely face of his new bride!
Then came a literal parade of wedding gifts, including furniture!
The entire time, there was music being performed by the church worship team; I think they played and sang non-stop for about 4 hours!
After the gift parade, the wedding party went outside for photos, and young people came around with snacks on trays, and soft drinks for everyone! These were greatly enjoyed by the children!
The couple came back for more singing and dancing, until they were escorted out the door by a crowd of singing, dancing well-wishers!
All in all, a tremendously enjoyable time for the guests, I can only imagine the bride and groom, as well as their families were exhausted by the end of that long day!
