Times of Zambia | Albert, Chalwe royal wedding inspiration

Published On July 25, 2015 » 2335 Views» By Administrator Times » Features

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THE most stunning and memorable reception décor is mainly inspired by its surroundings. Romantic, short fresh roses put in medium bowl, filled with plastic coloured stones, floated in red food coloured water. A mirror put under the bowl to complete the centre-pieces adorning an outdoor reception.
This reception at Lafina Gardens in Mitengo area along Mufulira Road was no exception. Mitengo area is commonly known for the Mitengo Cemetery. This area is developing at a very fast rate and beautiful houses are being built. Lafina gardens caters for all events, weddings, kitchen parties to name a few.
On July 18, 2015, it was a great honour to be among the guests celebrating a wedding for Albert Kapapa and Chalwe Kuseka 2nd born daughter of Mr Roy Kuseka, the public relations manager at Ndola City Council.
Albert and Chalwe chose purple, lavender and white colour theme to harmonise with the garden’s naturally green grass, spacious surroundings and impart a welcoming feel. This type of venue reminds us of how beautiful it is when one is spending weekends in the lovely gardens.
Purple is a colour which is being liked by brides from the village all the way to the city. It is a colour for royalty and when used in a wedding it shows that the couple is unique and independent. The couple paid particular attention, to a royal wedding etiquette.
Chalwe wore a princess gown, wow! She wore it better and the gown was tailored to her body shape, with bling, bling in the right place. Simple but elegant neck line, medium earrings and one bracelet as a touch up, in order to complement but not to overwhelm the nice embellishment on the wedding gown.
Hair extensions toned, pinned on the side then tied at the back to bring out her natural beauty. Chalwe’s face is an accessory in itself which needed only a little touch -up. A bracelet was the only accessory on her hand, she carried no bouquet.
The groom looked gorgeous in a black and white tuxedo to finish the royal wedding attire.
A royal wedding theme inspired has no train of bridal party and this is a wedding full of unique happenings. The bridal party consisted of the chief bridesmaid dressed in a lavender detailed dress and a best man dressed in a white shirt, purple bow tie and black trouser.
The matron, Mrs Chipili wore a purple fish tail long dress. The page boy wore a black suit, white shirt and black bow tie and the pretty flower girl wore a white dress, purple ribbon belt to emphasise the waist line and carried a small basket.
Children love to play and carry toys in their hands and they are very helpful in their development. A small white basket with a purple ribbon was given to the flower girl to hold in place of a toy. The total line up including bride and groom was 7, the number of completion.
The invited guests were surprised, used to a train of bridal party thought the others did not just show up. A unique ingredient was added and it was like a souvenir to us, had something to talk about when we reached home.
The table linen were white, purple and lavender patterned runners across the round table put on each guest table and organza material tied on every chair. The centerpieces were small, simple which gave us the invited guests to fully participate in the wedding programme.
We sat in the garden, had conversations on our round table sitting plan with the people we met for the first time. Weddings are taking place every weekend and new faces are found at every function, it’s also a good place for networking.
To the décor, lavender was added to the purple and white. Lavender is a colour which is pretty, sweet and makes the guest transit from day to night easily. It is good for those marrying in the afternoon but want the event shift in the evening. The wedding started at 16:00 hours.
The master of ceremonies added a distinctive touch to the royal wedding. Two established MC’s were hired to run the wedding program. This mainly happens to those who are being introduced into the industry by a professional.
Mr Shike and Mr Simukonda a.k.a ba Monde, made us laugh all the way, stretched our muscles and we looked younger at the end of the wedding. Laughter is the best medicine one can ever think of.
After the entrance of the bridal party and when receiving food, we were entertained by a dance group comprising of three gentlemen and a lady. Instead of just sitting listening to the DJ selection we were entertained for 15 minutes.
The right wedding etiquette requires that the father of the bride gives the speech first reason being that it has to lay a strong foundation for other speeches to follow. For Albert and Chalwe this was different. The MC called the representative from the groom’s side to give the speech.
Mr Geoffrey Barnabas Kapapa, groom’s father spoke with gusto, full of energy represented the groom’s family. One would even mistake him for an MC. He spoke to the daughter-in-law and son as though he was giving the best man’s speech, was calm and broke all ads by addressing the couple as “guys”
Mr Kapapa started the speech with a slogan One Zambia, One Nation to connect well with the guests and hold their attention. He encouraged the couple to always remember God in whatever situation they face and should learn to love each other.
He went on to say that forgiveness is another ingredient for a strong marriage. Forgiveness should not be as way to end the conversation but it should be meaningful and from the heart.
“We have done our best as parents, I have run my race, it’s your time to run your own race. We will miss you very much as we wanted you to continue being with us in our home.” he added.
Mr Roy Kuseka, being the father represented the bride’s side. He acknowledged the presence of everyone at the wedding. Reminded the guest that a wedding is not a family affair but for it to be successful it requires outsiders. Namely friends, neighbours, workmates and enemies as it can be a platform to forgive and forget each other and erase past memories.
He went on to say that marriage is not a straight line, though the surface is a happy thing. “A good and strong marriage is attainable by relying on the word of Jehovah as it helps to solve marital differences as you begin the journey. We are there as your parents if you need any assistance.” He said.
Mr Kuseka further added that marriage is a combination of feeling, taste and like, this is why there is need to adjust to it by allowing the inner selves to do this. He used himself as an example, being in marriage for 24 years.
He has managed to live this long by relying on the word of Jehovah, resolving conflicts without the neighbors knowing and above all not even the children in the same house knew about the problems. On 11th August 2015 Mr and Mrs Kuseka will be celebrating their 25th silver anniversary.
He ended in such a way that guests could not dose when the third speaker was called. It was a speech given with the invited guests in mind, so his conclusion was “this is not a sermon, so l end here, you need to eat and drink”. He was right; there is a difference between a sermon and speech. The latter must be short and memorable.
The third speech was by the guest of honour, Mr Mulenga District Education Board Secretary (DEBS), who said, marriage is about dialogue and communication to avoid any misunderstanding.
He encouraged the couple to consult from the right people who will give them solutions. Human beings’ learning is an ongoing process.
“In the presence of these witnesses gathered here, l wish to warn both parents not to interfere in their marriage; you are free to monitor what they are doing and if they are moving in the right path. He added.
In human beings just like animals they all want their independence, remember what God has joined together no man should put asunder. Mr Mulenga said this in a speech read on his behalf by Mr Kunda from DEBS office.
The scripture used on the purple and white invitation card, “Be our guest and share our joy as l join my love and best friend in marriage. Love is patient, kind, bears all things, and believes all things. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8.
The final thing it was classic and memorable wedding. We went as guests left as family members. We don’t take such privileges for granted. Thanking the family members for extending an invitation card to us.
If you are having a wedding feel free to extend an invitation card or send your photos, it is always a great honour to celebrate with you. We don’t attend wedding to prosecute crimes of wedding but rather to enjoy and for others brides and grooms to learn from your nuptial and have memorable and stress-free weddings.