in contemplation...

In church while waiting for the bride's arrival. Haven't really been to church for quite some time (unless having mass for my Dad's wake counts). But my friend, Obi, is getting married, so I had to come. I have never been a church-goer, probably because I always find it irritating that most priests in the Philippines would rather talk about politics than the word of God. Not to mention numerous secrets they hide behind their robes. It was a great day for a wedding even though I think we reached triple digits with the temperature. Good thing both the church and the reception venues were air-conditioned.

It was a Catholic wedding although the bride and groom are both of Nigerian descent. It was because of this that a lot of the guests were wearing their traditional Nigerian attire complete with elaborate hats. I would love to post a picture, but am not sure if they might take offense( so I took this from the web). They also incorporated some of the Nigerian wedding customs like the breaking/sharing of the "kola nut". After the ceremony the nut was passed around for the guests to taste... it has a weird combination, slightly spicy and totally bitter. Two flavors I am not fond of... Yikes! I had to chew on something else to get rid of the taste from my mouth. Lots of dancing followed with guests throwing money at the new couple (kinda like pinning money on the bride and groom at Filipino weddings). I could not even begin to comprehend everything that happened in that wedding. All I know (and I think that it's the most important), is that it was a great wedding and my friend (the groom) is made a happier man.

you may kiss the bride...