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Every single weekend, we are either planning, decorating, or in attendance of a wedding, introduction (Kwanula, Kuhingira, etc) or Kukyala. On some lucky days, it’s an inter-cultural ceremony. If you have been wondering what happens in an inter-cultural marriage, dive right in. We are here to demystify it for you.
We are always excited to plan or attend a wedding or introduction where two different cultures are colliding in love. It is always exciting watching the mix of culture in a day; the MCs trying to blend in the different languages, the mixture of the different cultural attires, or watching guests’ perplexed facial expressions when they realize what is a taboo in their culture is embraced in another. I also enjoy watching couples being led into doing things that they are not accustomed to. There’s just so much to enjoy in an inter-cultural ceremony.
On Saturday, we were yet again honored to experience such a ceremony as two young people from different regions of Uganda crossed barriers to get united to each other officially. The beautiful couple is Leilah from Buganda and Fortunate Akampulira from Rukungiri, Ankole.
Put together by Fynn Solutions, and held at Leilah’s parents’ home (introduction is held at the bride’s home) in Kansanga, the day’s theme was a combination of white, gold, and blue under a skyline tent. Fynn solutions did an elegant job by boarding the entire 150-seater tent and artistically uncluttering the tables. For chairs, they mixed Chrome and Chiavari golden chairs for guests and added blue lounge chairs for the parents.
Being a rainy season, I was a bit of worried rain would ruin this beautiful day- especially since the reception was set outdoor but lucky for them – and their guests, the day was entirely bright and sunny.
In fact, it was excessively hot as the heat run through the skyline tent and made guests a little bit uncomfortable. Good enough, Fynn Solutions had undistractedly draped the tent’s ceiling with stripes of white fabric, so the direct sun rays would not heat guests directly. In fact, it always makes sense to artistically add swags when you use a skyline tent if the function is scheduled to start during the day as those tents can get very hot. You can forget the draping if it’s a late evening reception where you want guests to have an outdoor-like experience with the sight of a starry sky.
COVID 19 seemed to have introduced a decor style that many decorators may not have been keen to take on: a minimalist style of where tables are largely spaced and there’s plenty of space between the tables and chairs. Not only does this look classier, but also gives guests enough space to freely stretch and move around when they need to stretch their legs or receive an important call. Additionally, it gives performers enough space to fully entertain guests and gives ushers enough space to reach every guest.
Leilah changed into three beautiful gomesis: blue with golden and sky-blue embellishments along with a golden sash; shimmering striped blue, gold and emerald green with a green sash, and a cardinal red gomesi fastened by a red sash.
Fortunate was dressed in a white kanzu and a maroon jacket.
To see of her guests, the bride changed into a black ball dress with emerald green embellishments. Like with all her dresses, she accessorized her dress with matching minimal accessories.
PS: The entire ceremony was carried out in the Baganda tradition as the ceremony was hosted by Leilah’s parents. In that regard, all the Buganda marriage traditions were observed.
Leilah and Fortunate’s Kwanjula Service providers:
- Decor – Fynn solutions
- Juice: Dalausi Juice
- Video and Photography: Paramount Images
- Catering: Spectrum Restaurant