Thokwane Wedding

In 2013, we have had the privilege to attend 2 Christian marriages here in Botswana. I have to admit things are done a bit differently than what we are used to in America, but it has been so wonderful to be a part of these ceremonies.

This is the wedding of Onks (Onx) and Merapelo (May-rah-pay-low) Thokwane (Toe-kwa-nee). On December 13, 2013 they held the Lobola. The Lobola is when the groom comes to pay the “bride price” to her family. In this instance, Onks brought 8 cows to Merapelo’s family as payment for her. The 8 cows was agreed upon month’s prior to the Lobola by the uncle’s of the bride and uncle’s of the groom.

On December 14, 2013 came the 1st white wedding. This wedding is held in the village where the bride comes from and in this instance it was a place called Mochudi. Oh ya, did I mention that our sweet Taylor Grace was a flower girl. Stay tuned for many pictures of her sweet face. She was so incredibly nervous as she had to dance in and out of the church and into the reception. She did great!!

Above: The bride being escorted by her parents down the aisle.

Below: Onks and Merapelo

Above: Onks and Merapelo with Onks’ mother and father.

Below: Amanda with my dear sweet friends, Mmamoruti Thokwane and Mmamoruti Kabika. Most married women at weddings wear a hat or scarf on their heads and then a shaw around their shoulders.

Above: Left Pastor Thokwane and his wife of Calvary Baptist Church, right Pastor Kabika and his wife of Gaborone Baptist Church. These are some great men and women of God. Please pray for them and their churches that they would remain strong and grow in the Lord.

Below: On December 21, 2013 a second wedding was given at the groom’s village. The ceremony was a little different without the exchange of rings and vows but a sermon in its place as they were already officially married on December 14.

At the reception we heard singing and clapping and stomping. When we looked around, we saw tables, chairs, basins, cooking pots, etc being carried on heads. When we asked what in the world was going on, someone told us they were gifts to the bride and groom being displayed.

Below: The cooking is done by family members and those from the church. The receptions are held in the villages at the mother/father of the bride and groom respectively. Anyone in the village basically can come attend so you have a lot of people who stumble in for a meal.

Above: Mmamoruti Thokwane with her mother.

Below: At the end of the last reception and much dancing, the bride and groom and bridal party all changed into traditional dress.

After marriage, the bride is now supposed to go and stay with the groom and his family for a couple of months before they can go find their own place.

Thanks, Onks and Merapelo, for letting us be a part of your day!

Oh and all the pictures are courtesy of my wonderful husband, Brent. He was the official wedding photographer…not too shabby, huh!