During the big break between school years the locals use this as a time to get married. It is easier for families to travel because the kids are not in school and Christmas time is a time filled with parties anyways. This January we celebrated a dual wedding in Tavala village!
Getting ready...the beautiful bride is Losa, one of my cousin sisters. Her two flower girls are Eta (my sister) and Selena (my cousin).
Heading into the church!
The groomsmen and bridesmaids.
The first wedding was between Bubu Edward and Bubu Kwani.
The second couple were Losa and Harry who are sitting in the middle. Mama Sara and Papa Hivo are sitting beside them as their witnesses.
The wedding was very westernized and spoken in English. They exchanged vows, rings, and were blessed by the pastor. The one change was the kiss! The man only kisses the woman on the cheek. I still cried!
Outside the wedding parties came to the reception area and it was time for cake cutting.
The wedding party had to eat their cake and drink their juice first. The sun was scorching so we were using umbrellas as shade.
Then two custom mats are laid down in front of each couple and people can come give them gifts or money. Baby powder is used as a way to show you have been at a "lafet" or party. They always go easy on us "white misses" and don't powder us too much!
The family of the bride then sings traditional wedding songs in local language to signify they give away the bride happily to the groom. Bubu Fred (on the right) looks like he is texting! He says he was calling Papa Chris, who was spending the holiday break in Port Vila, so he could hear the singing.
Losa made a beautiful bride! Here she is with her younger sister Lulu and I.
The wedding was a beautiful and memorable day!
that was lovely....
ReplyDelete