An African Wedding

We were privileged last weekend to witness not one, not two, but three wedding ceremonies for a great young couple -- Edwin Kobina Ewudzie and Dansoa Twum-Danso. Both temporarily worked in the area office building, got acquainted, and quietly developed a friendship that we were totally unaware of until they told us they were getting married. It has been fun to watch these two darling people plan and prepare for their future. Marrying in Africa can often include hurdles that are almost insurmountable. Although the younger generation is fighting to get rid of the traditional bride price, many of their parents still hold onto the tribal custom of years past. Luckily Edwin and Dansoa's parents know it's time to move on to modern traditions, so they both gave their blessing and supported their children in their plans. Neither of them works at the moment, but Edwin's skills have landed him a good job beginning in March. Dansoa thinks she has a good lead for work, too. They were determined to not let challenges get in their way. They have great faith that all will work out. It will.

  

The traditional wedding is held at the bride's home. The groom
enters after a long exchange between the parents via a mediator.
We've learned that everything starts fashionably late in Ghana.

More discussion, a long presentation of wedding gifts, and other
business that we could not understand because it was all done
in the native Twi. Finally the bride arrives with great fanfare. 

  

The ring exchange.

Ceremony number one complete.

  

That afternoon (Valentine's Day) Edwin and Dansoa were 
sealed for time and all eternity in the Accra Ghana Temple.

Dansoa's parents, from Accra, are on the left hand side. 
Edwin's parents, who traveled from Cape Coast, are on the right.

  

Day two. Dansoa arrives in a car while Edwin is patiently
waiting inside the LDS church with family and invited guests.

The civil ceremony is not required if a traditional ceremony is
 performed, but they wanted to celebrate western-style, too. 

  

Back to the temple. Pictures with the temple president and wife. 

Edwin is very close to his younger twin brothers.

We wish this darling couple all the best!