Brandon & Ashley
After nearly four years of silence, I’m dusting off this blog to put up some photos of Brandon & Ashley’s wedding from last weekend.
Chances are, if you found this blog, you already know Cozz and/or Ashley, so I don’t need to spend much time introducing them. It’s more likely that you were unable to attend the wedding here in Malawi, so let me give you my perspective on the day.
In short, it was wonderful! We all expected it to rain a little during the day, but were surprised to get rain from early morning to early afternoon. But the weather did not seem to dampen people’s spirits much. Here’s what it looked like…
The Kirk of the Hills chapel at ABC, where the ceremony was held.
John and Barbara Grey’s decorations of the chapel were exceptional! They transformed the whole stage into a lush garden of tropical color!
By the time the ceremony began, there were very few free seats in the chapel.
Ashley’s cool blue shoes, with peacock feathers!
And her bouquet had porcupine quills!
The ringbearers took their responsibility very seriously.
Derek MacPherson led the bride and her father in with the bagpipes.
Ashley’s father Paul officiated the ceremony.
Ashley wore her mom’s wedding veil.
Ashley and Cozz entered the reception by dancing, as is traditional in Malawian weddings. They were greeted by their hosts and hostesses. And then the pelikani – money dances – began!
The emcee would announce an occasion for each dance: dances for various people, for the various events like cake-cutting or candle-lighting, or just for a particular song. During each dance, guests would come forward and toss money to the couple. There are cashiers stationed at a nearby table to break larger denominations into smaller ones, so that everyone has lots to throw!
After each dance, a few people would help sweep the money off the floor and collect it for the cashiers to exchange back to bigger bills. Most dances would yield two or three of these baskets full.
The garden at Four Seasons Nursery is normally beautiful, but the Sprousens transformed it into an absolutely stunning venue for the smaller, private second reception.
Cozz and Ashley’s first non-pelikani dance as a couple. 🙂
Ashley’s parents danced to a Chicago song from their first date.
Her grandparents had also selected a song from the early days of their relationship.
The girls were fascinated by the zebra cake, while most of the boys seemed to be satisfied with the other desserts. 🙂
Ashley’s sister (and bridesmaid) Annabelle giving the couple a toast.
Last dance before heading off to their honeymoon!
In short, it was a fantastic wedding!
Great photos of a wonderful wedding. Sorry we could not attend, but seeing the pictures is the next best thing to being there. We pray God’s richest blessings on Ashley and Brandon during their married life together. Herb & Trish Billingsley
What a joyous, happy time. Congratulations to the newly weds! Thank you for permitting me to “attend” the happy event.
CONGRATULATIONS ASHLEY! JUST FROM THE PICTURES I WILL SAY HANDS DOWN IT IS THE MOST COLORFUL WEDDING EVER.
MY SPECIAL CONGRATULATIONS TO DR. PAUL & LAURA CHINCHEN FOR JOB WELL DONE WITH ASHLEY. SPECIAL THANK ALSO TO NMOTHER AND REV. FOR EVERYTHING THEY DO FOR THEIR CHILDREN & GRAND CHILDREN.
Coolest wedding I have ever viewed on the internet. Thanks for sharing, it looked absolutely beautiful and stirred a little emotion in a desire to be there. Question, how did she stand on the Range Rover in those shoes? May God bless their union!
Wow! What an extraordinary wedding! The pictures really capture the love and emotions of the day! Thank you so much for sharing so I could enjoy them, too! The photographer really did a wonderful job! Congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs.!!! I’m so happy to have a new addition to my family! Love to all!