Lilian and Kagenza's Wedding!

Lilian and Kagneza invited us to our First Solo Ceremony Wedding.  It was almost like being at a wedding in America.. except for singing worship songs in Kinyarwanda! 

Lilian is on the CMU staff and a good friend and this is the screen that greeted the guests as they arrived at the church!

Some of the other CMU staff and Spouses
I love this picture!!  Joy all over the place!!

And then the countdown!!

It's wedding time!

 The pastor welcomed everyone and the music began...

Girls, I guess you could call them attendants, started coming in
with candles and they just kept coming.

The Moms entered with their candles and lit the candles
next to the wedding candles. 

The groom, Kagenza enters with clapping from the guests.

and then he patiently waits for his bride…..

as the girls kept coming down the other aisle.

and coming!

 Not sure,  but I think about 20 girls came down with candles!
But they weren't the bridesmaids as we think of them. 

Kagenza-- still waiting.

Then the maid of honor came in …..

Followed by these little darlings!

The ladies-in-waiting anticipating the bride's entrance--
as we all were.

Here Comes the Bride!

Looking like a Princess!

Lily was shining from head to toe!!

Her dress, veil, hair and especially Lily… were all so beautiful!

All the way down to the altar!

These shoes were across the aisle from me… Amazing!!

Then, after the long wait… the bride and groom embraced!
A very joyful moment for a wonderful couple!

The ceremony begins.

 The worship music was wonderful.

In Kinyarwanda...

and English!

Kagenza's dad runs a language translation business and so they provided all of us English speakers with head sets that
allowed us to understand the service.  Very considerate!

Kagenza's Mom gave a rousing message to the couple
and the guests.

Time for the vows!

Kagenza was first and then 

Lilian… but then….

 the Vow Crush!
Where did all the bride and groom go?

They were totally surrounded by videographers.

An opening view for the exchanging of the rings! 

Then the pastor did something really wonderful.
He invited folks up to pray for Lily and Kagenza as they
started their life off together.

It was truly a special part of the service.

The lighting of the unity candle proved to be a little difficult. 

They tried and tried… 

and finally got it!  Then they blew out their own candles and set them down.  Bruce laughs at me about this because while I think lighting the symbolic candle that makes them one is cool…. I also think they should keep their candles lit too, since they still are individuals…  But everyone blows their own candle out..  What do you think?
To stay lit or not to stay lit??

Well… Lily and Kagenza's candle will stay lit a long time since they love the Lord and each other.

Being presented to the congregation!

And making the great escape down the aisle!

And all the girls followed them.

Outside this church…  (CLA)  there were gorgeous grounds.
The perfect place for pictures.

Joy!

Gentleness!

 Organizers!

Movin' In!

 The Sweet Smooch!!!

Aren't they a great looking couple?

Congratulations!

Family Pictures!

 Still Smiling!!

Everyone taking pictures.

Pictures were winding down and we were going to take a couple people home and then head to the
reception at Makasa Farm…. A place that makes yogurt.
 I was expecting a FARM… but when we got there we found this beautiful reception hall. 

And gorgeous cake in the center of the two huge rooms.

Every detail was attended to.  Here in Rwanda people send invitations to the wedding and reception and
the bride and groom know who is coming…. of those that respond... but that doesn't stop others from inviting themselves or others they know that know the couple or someone in their families.   This already looks like it will be a big reception.

 Glimpses of the reception.

The front and back of this huge room.

Flavia and her husband…. We sat at table with them. 

and also with Susan and Joel.. CMUR work buddies! 

Ok.. so it is almost a good picture..  

Beautiful arrangements..

And the Bride and Groom's table for them and their wedding party was spectacular--all strewn with rose petals. 

And here they come….

All situated and time for things to begin. 

Exceptionally great dancers opened the evening. 

Traditional Rwandese Dancers...

And then the guys came on the scene!!

Simply beautiful...

Remember these two?  They were the speakers at the Gasabo…
or the engagement party..  and they were back together again for the Main Event!

And These Two were the Main Event!!
So cute together.

We weren't able to stay for the whole evening
and we were so sorry about that but
I was leaving the next day for the States and
had to get other things together.

Blessings on the two of you, Lily and Kagenza!
May the Lord bless your marriage and
may all your troubles be
"little ones"!!!

love,
margie