Wedding - Ghanaian Style

A few hours ago, we returned from a beautiful wedding of one of the young physicians at the hospital. The cathedral ceremony began at 9 AM and the reception followed about three hours later at the VIP room of the soccer stadium. At a conservative estimate, it looked like over 500 guests were in attendance with drinks and food for everyone. Both bride and groom were originally from the Upper West Region of Ghana (where Jim first worked in the late 1970s). The Dagaare women from that area were in full strength with traditional songs and dances and I couldn't resist joining in and having my turn at being lifted up into the air in the midst of their circle. Of course, the stunning Ghanaian dresses were a real treat to observe. One large group of family/friends had purchased the exact same navy blue/lime green print material for the occasion and it was so interesting to see the variety of dress designs - V-neck, scoop neck, short sleeves, sleeveless, childrens' outfits, matching purses, etc. - made all in the same fabric. The bride's dress was actually a pretty, beaded, white strapless gown very similar to western bridal wear, and the groom wore a western style light beige suit with a burgundy and white pin-striped shirt and burgundy patterned tie. The guests, however, were a mixture of both African and western fashion with most of the women in the typical fitted style that shows every contour of the body. While appearing to be poured into the dress, the magic of a few well placed slits or flared panels in the lower skirt, allows one the mobility of not only walking or dancing but climbing onto the back of a motorcycle as well. Among my favorite outfits were those of the bride's parents. Her father wore the traditional weaved smock of the Upper West and her mother's matching blue and white dress was accented by a gorgeous gold headpiece. Pictures to be posted at a future date.
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