Wedding Shoes with African Touch
By
Afua Dabanka LONDON
e: shop@mo-saique.com t: +44 (0) 777 542 79 86 2
Dekonu Issue N° 002
UNIQUE FLORAL Trade Fair La-Accra
024341028/48 Dekonu Issue N° 002
3
Letter from the Editor
Editor's Letter Dear Readers,
Before I introduce our second edition to you, let me say thank you for your love and inspiring words about Dekornu wedding magazine. It is a joy to see your reactions towards our new magazine dedicated to just traditional African weddings from across the continent with contents to promote our cultures and to inspire you and the next generations to come. I say thank you! To our real wedding couples let me express my sincerest gratitude to you for supporting our work. We dedicate this issue just to you. May your love grow stronger and to inspire those who have giving up on love. Also my thanks to all the amazing vendors and companies who chose to collaborate with us to create this edition. We promise to keep working harder to meet your expectations. Publisher and Editor in chief
Philomina Asase
EDITOR - IN - CHIEF Philomina Asase
FOUNDER
Philomina Asase
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
William Kwaku Adjie Tuadzra
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND SALES Philomina Asase
LAYOUT AND GRAPHIC DESIGN Roger Nana
4
Dekonu Issue N° 002
6
Dekonu Issue N° 002
Dekonu Issue N° 002
7
CONTENTS 1 2 9 16 18 22 24 31 56 80 90 94 96 102 106 8
WEDDING SHOES WITH AFRICAN TOUCH MOSAIQUE Shoes by Afua Dabanka in London
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR OUR COVER STORY The Ghanaian EVE traditional wedding to inspire you
THE OAK PLAZA HOTEL The Honeymoon Hotel in Ghana you will love
ELEGANT WEDDING CAKES AND DESSERTS Desserts by Dana in Capitol Trail, USA
TRADITIONAL GHANAIN WEDDINGS Your event and destination wedding planners in Ghana
REAL WEDDINGS Beautiful Nigerian Styles
REAL WEDDINGS The Yoruba Wedding Styles
REAL WEDDINGS Igbo Wedding Styles
REAL WEDDINGS Ethiopian Weddings
AFRICAN SYMBOLS Wedding Rings by PTAH in New York
GET THE ROYAL LOOK Your Kete Weaver in Accra
AMAZING DINNING WEAR FOR YOUR WEDDING REGISTRY Imiso Ceramic Designs in South Africa
LIVING Taeillo Furniture Designs in Nigeria
THE ROMANTIC HONEYMOON IN THE EAST Zanzibar Queen Hotel
Dekonu Issue N° 002
The Ghanaian EVE traditional wedding to inspire you
Our Traditional MARRIAGE
CEREMONY
The Engagement W
hen a suitor and his family are going to propose to a woman in her family home and it is the first official meeting between the two families, they take a gift along. In the past, it was the local gin - Akpeteshie- but now most people prefer to take schnapps along instead of Akpeteshin. Among the Ga ethnic group in Ghana, the proposal is called – “OYA TSE EHE BAA” -this idiomatically means that the man is going to engage the woman and therefore she is no longer single after her parents have agreed to the proposal. Once a while, this suitor goes to the woman´s family just to pay a visit in order to keep the relationship between both families going. For one thing, marriage in the Ghanaian and the African context in general is a union between two families: the families of husband and wife. Then after some time, a date is fixed for the wedding. The groom’s family then asks for a list of items making up the bride price, which is given to the groom and his family, some days before the wedding day. Usually, the bride is not asked if she would like to marry her suitor or not, but in cases where maybe she already knows this suitor and is not comfortable with his behaviour or his family background, she can disagree to marry him. Sometimes, this is embarrassing but accepted.
The Bride Price Payment of bride price is the most important aspect of the entire marriage ceremony. Without this, there is no tangible proof that the groom is married to the bride, consequently, the bride´s family cannot and will not agree to a marriage between them. The bride price indicates that the bride has indeed been sought after from her family by the man and his family and that she did not just present herself a give-away to the man to be used. This “self-sell-out” kind of behaviour is not tolerated in most societies in Africa; some young women who got without marriage were ever banished from society. Therefore the bride’s family makes sure that this suitor will be an answerable husband, a partner who is responsible for her just like she is for him. From the suitor´s side, the bride price is the bragging right for showing off before the woman and her family: a proof that he can indeed take care of their daughter and that she is worth every effort too. The bride price absolutely doesn´t mean that the man is buying the woman. It also doesn´t mean that she has no rights or can´t have an opinion. In every Ghanaian culture, the bride price list is made by the bride’s family and not by the groom and his family. The list mostly contains items that the bride will need in her everyday life. The rationale behind the collection of the bride price is to make sure that when she goes to her new home she will not be hungry, poor, without clothing or have to go borrow from others. In other words she will not live in poverty. The bride thus has a list of such essential items that a newlywed wife needs in her matrimonial home. The bride price among the Ga ethnic group and many other Ghanaian cultures usually looks like this: 1. six pieces of cloth 2. royal sandals (with golden design on them) 3. six head gears 4. a set of underwear 5. waist beads 6. wrist rings 7. necklaces
8. ear rings 9. a golden wedding ring 10. some amount of money 11. ADIAGBA 12. The bride price is put into AYAWAS.
In earlier days there were goldsmiths who made the rings special for the bride and if one was going into a wealthy family, they may also add some “kete” the original and correct name for “kente” (a handmade native cloth with rich and colourful designs invented by the
EWES from Ghana). Note: All of these items were handmade. People didn´t wear diamond rings in those days because they valued gold more at that time. The people of Ga ethnic group are one of the descendant tribes of Israel just like most African ethnic groups believe, so they still practise the true Israelite culture of the original Hebrews. In the book of Genesis, the Bible tells us how Abraham’s servant went to marry Rebecca for Isaac. The story tells of how the servant went with a bride price and we can see they also went with golden rings, clothing and gifts just like it done by people of Ga and in most or all African cultures. According to Mrs. Ankrah who is a church Elder and a cultural expert, there is no limitation placed on the bride price. The groom gives his bride a bride price that her family has demanded for and can also add more, if he is wealthy and wants to. If he can´t bring all items on the list, he must at least bring the six pieces of cloth, the wedding ring, the ear ring, wrist rings and a necklace called “gune” full of gold for his future wife. During Biblical times Abraham was wealthy so they added more gifts to Rebecca’s bride price.
Dekonu Issue N° 002
11
The Wedding
N
ow the wedding ceremony can start. The day set for the wedding is well organized. Before the bride price is given to the bride and her family, there are some very important traditions to pay attention to, that is before the couple can be married. In order not to create confusion, there is even a sitting order for both families. The bride´s family on the one side and some of the groom´s family on the other while the rest of them are waiting outside or will now be coming with the bride price. When the groom´s family reaches the entrance of the house they will begin to shout “Agooo” until the bride’s family responds “Ameeh” then they are allowed to come in.On both sides there is one Otsiami (a linguist) who can be a man or a woman, depending on the culture the couple come from. His or her duty is to speak on behalf of the family. Traditionally, the wedding takes place in the bride’s family home.
The Ostiami from the man´s family begins to speak thus: “We are not here for any bad mission. We were sent by the groom’s father to come and ask your daughter’s hands in marriage; that is why we are here”. The Otsiami then describes who the family is, where they come from and so on. He continues with his duty by narrating the romantic story that binds the couple: how they met and fell in love and so on.
Dekonu Issue N° 002
13
„One time our son was passing by and got to a house and saw a damsel sweeping and singing at the same time. He was so hungry and so thirsty! He first greeted her and she responded. He subsequently asked her for water to drink. The lady went in and brought him water in a clean calabash and he drunk. After drinking the water, he looked at her and saw she was very beautiful. Also, the way she treated him made him fall in love with her......... So we are here to ask if you will agree for our son to marry this particular daughter of yours?“ The Otsiami from the bride´s side will now respond and say: ”Well, if this is why you are here then you are welcome but not without consulting the bride’s family.” The next thing to do is the proverbial “Knocking” and “Acceptance”. This part of the ceremony is also important as one doesn´t go into a house without knocking so the groom´s family will first hand over an amount of money to the bride’s family as a symbol of “Knocking on their door” and there is the “Acceptance” which means that they also agree “Knockers’” son should marry their daughter. After they have done
that, the bride price will now be handed over to the bride’s family. They give the bride’s parents “Nye ke tse shamobo” in the form of money. It is to thank the parents of the bride for taking care of her since she was born. They can´t pay for the care she received from her parents but they can say “Thank you” with a little amount of money. One might think the party and the celebration of the wedding can now start, but not now. As rich, vibrant and sophisticated as our cultures are, and in this case how the Ga culture is, there is one more tradition to be performed which is “The gift to the brothers-in-law”. This in Ga is called “shabi”. Again, when we return to the story of Isaac and Rebecca in the Bible, we can see her brothers also received “shabi” from Isaac´s family. Now the woman is married and can be called “Boe ekpa yoo” meaning she´s been given six pieces of cloth and all her bride price. With all these quality and luxurious things that have to been given to the bride by her husband to-be, and been received by her family with witnesses in attendance, the couple is now considered married. Note: On the day of the wedding the bride is given different types of aromatic soaps made of natural herbs, flowers and fragrances to bathe. She also gets at least two women to help her in the bathroom and to dress her up for her big day.
THE OAK PLAZA HOTEL
16
Dekonu Issue N° 002
ELEGANT WEDDING CAKES AND DESSERTS
1212 Capitol Trail, DE 19711,USA
+1 302-721-5798 Dekonu Issue N° 002
19
Address: East Legon (adjacent the District Police Headquarters) Accra Tel: +233 24 448 5219 Email: info@redcarpeteventsgh.com
Dekonu Issue N° 002
21
Your event and destination wedding planners in Ghana
LET UNIQUE FLORAL Organize your Outdoor Wedding.
Dekonu Issue N° 002
23
Beautiful Nigerian Styles
Amirah & Usman
24
Dekonu Issue N° 002
26
Dekonu Issue N° 002
28
Dekonu Issue N° 002
WWW.KHAMPTON.COM
30
Dekonu Issue N° 002
REAL WEDDINGS The Yoruba Wedding Styles
34
Dekonu Issue N° 002
36
Dekonu Issue N° 002
Dekonu Issue N° 002
37
38
Dekonu Issue N° 002
Dekonu Issue N° 002
39
40
Dekonu Issue N° 002
42
Dekonu Issue N° 002
Dekonu Issue N° 002
43
44
Dekonu Issue N° 002
Dekonu Issue N° 002
45
46
Dekonu Issue N° 002
Dekonu Issue N° 002
47
48
Dekonu Issue N° 002
Dekonu Issue N° 002
49
50
Dekonu Issue N° 002
Dekonu Issue N° 002
51
Obi Nwokedi Photographers Talk: 07904086221 Follow: http://instagram.com/mynameisobi/ Stalk: http://photographybyobi.co.uk/ Like: https://www.facebook.com/PhotographybyObi Locate: London, by appointment only.
52
Dekonu Issue N° 002
Dekonu Issue N° 002
53
54
Dekonu Issue N° 002
Mojibola & Deji
REAL WEDDINGS
60
Dekonu Issue N° 002
Igbo Wedding Styles
Dekonu Issue N° 002
61
Uche & Meekam
64
Dekonu Issue N° 002
66
Dekonu Issue N° 002
Dekonu Issue N° 002
67
68
Dekonu Issue N° 002
70
Dekonu Issue N° 002
Dekonu Issue N° 002
71
72
Dekonu Issue N° 002
Dekonu Issue N° 002
73
Phone: +234 814 75 42 409 Email: info@itorookon.com Web: www.itorookon.com
74
Dekonu Issue N° 002
Dekonu Issue N° 002
75
76
Dekonu Issue N° 002
Accessories by
Dekonu Issue N° 002
77
Sakumono Broadway, Sakumono, Ghana Phone: +233 (0) 202 050 925 www.9twenty5.com
78
Dekonu Issue N° 002
Dekonu Issue N° 002
79
REAL WEDDINGS
80
Dekonu Issue N° 002
Ethiopian Weddings
Dekonu Issue N° 002
81
The beautiful couple having their ethiopian coffee ceremony
82
Dekonu Issue N° 002
Dekonu Issue N° 002
83
J316photographic Calgary, Alberta USA +1 403-690-3773 www.j316photo.com /BiniamJPhoto
Dekonu Issue N° 002
85
86
Dekonu Issue N° 002
Dekonu Issue N° 002
87
88
Dekonu Issue N° 002
AFRICAN SYMBOLS Wedding Rings by PTAH
90
Dekonu Issue N° 002
UNIQUE FLORAL Trade Fair La-Accra
024341028/48
Dekonu Issue N° 002
91
KETE BY
MASTER WEAVER BOB DENNIS AHIAGBLE
00233 243 711 673 bravoden59@yahoo.co.uk
Dekonu Issue N° 002
95
Imiso Ceramic Designs in South Africa
96
Dekonu Issue N° 002
Unique Presents Ideas
for your Wedding
98
Dekonu Issue N° 002
Address: Gallery, Office & Studio Unit A102, The Biscuit Mill Building 373-375 Albert Bond, Woodstock Cape Town, South Africa
Information: Tel: 27 21 447 2627 Mail: info@imisoceramics.co.za
Dekonu Issue N° 002
99
Taeillo Furniture Designs in Nigeria
102
Dekonu Issue N° 002
PHONE:
+234 7032168811 EMAIL:
info@taeillo.com WEBSITE:
www.taeillo.com
Dekonu Issue N° 002
103
Dekonu Issue N° 002
105
Contact Information Diko Photography, Inc. Ikeja, Lagos Lagos State Nigeria
Telephone +234 8036468512
Email diko@dikophotography.net
THE ROMANTIC HONEYMOON IN THE EAST
AMENITIES • • • • • • • •
110
One of the most beautiful coral beaches of Zanzibar One of the biggest diving suitable swimming pool on the Island Our kitchen is one of Tanzanian´s finest Wide range of massages Yoga classes run by a qualified teacher Ocean-view restaurant Volleyball net Private airport transfer
Dekonu Issue N° 002
Dekonu Issue N° 002
111
RESTAURANT Colorful, tempting with smell and incisive flavors - an unforgettable experience for our Guests. Highest quality of service and using only local fresh products is what makes them feel so special. You won’t find a better place to try the ingredients of local culinary art. A visit in our restaurant will leave you with tasty, unforgettable memories. Our restaurant is a perfect blend of tradition with modernity. We will satisfy even the most demanding palates. 112
Dekonu Issue N° 002
Dekonu Issue N° 002
113
ACCOMODATION Zanzibar Queen Hotel has 31 rooms. Each of them has an air conditioner, fridge, kingsize bed and a balcony. Our hotel rooms are a quintessence of the African soul. They are the place where comfort, exoticism, modernity and diversity meet.
Types of rooms: • Standard Double Room These rooms are a truest quintessence of the African soul. This type of room is ideal for two people. Every room has a king-size bed and own balcony which provides beautiful garden view. Rooms are located on the ground floor.
114
Dekonu Issue N° 002
• Standard Double Ocean View Room These rooms are the place where luxury, exoticism and diversity meet. All the rooms are located on the first floor. Every room has a king-size bed and own balcony which provides beautiful Ocean view. We’ll make sure that thanks to African interiors you will have a time of your life.
• Suite Double Ocean View Spacious Suite that combines elegance and luxury with the traditional African style. Perfect for couples who appreciate comfort and space. Large window revealing a view of the Indian Ocean will make every new day special and unique. Beautiful interiors of the Suite will make everyone feel royally. Dekonu Issue N° 002
115
VENDOR LIST AFRICA WEDDING RINGS AND ACCESSORIES 9twenty5 Jewellery Sakumono Broadway, Sakumono, Ghana PHONE: +233 (0) 202 050 925 WEB: www.9twenty5.com
JUWELRY BY ITORO OKON EMAIL: info@itorookon.com PHONE: +2348147542409 WEB: itorookon.com
EVENT PLANNERS RED CARPET EVENTS BY GABRIELLA East Legon (adjacent the District Police Headquarters) PHONE: +233 24 448 5219 EMAIL: info@redcarpetevents.gh
UNIQUE FLORAL Trade fair La Accra EMAIL: info@uniquefloralgh.com PHONE: 00233 20 4341 048 PHONE: 00233 20 4341028 PHONE: 00233 204341025 WEB: uniquefloralghana.com
PHOTOGRAPHY KODEZ PHOTOGRAPY Teshie Accra Metropolitan, Greater Accra Ghana EMAIL: kodezphotos@gmail.com PHONE: 00233 24 467 7419 WEB: kodezphotography.com
FABRICS KETE BY BOB DENIS AHIAGBLE Accra, Ghana EMAIL: bravoden59@yahoo.co.uk PHONE: 00233 24 371 1673
116
Dekonu Issue N° 002
WEDDING REGISTERY IMISO CERAMICS Gallery, Office & Studio Unit A102, The Biscuit Mill Building 373-375 Albert Road, Woodstock Cape Town, South Africa EMAIL: info@imisoceramics.co.za PHONE: +27 21 447 2627 WEB: imisoceramics.co.za
AMERICA CAKES & DESSERTS DESSERTS BY DANA 1212 Capitol Trail, DE 19711, USA PHONE: +1 302-721-5798 EMAIL:cakes@dessertsbydana.com WEB: dessertsbydana.com
WEDDING SHOES KAMICA HAMPTON – NOT JUST A LABLE Texas, Houston EMAIL: Customerservice@Khampton.com PHONE: 1-800-514-3741 WEB: khampton.com
WEDDING & ENGAGEMENT RINGS STUDIO OF PTAH 55 Chrystie St. b105 New York, NY 10002 USA EMAIL: info@soptah.com PHONE: + 1 212-343-9706 WEB: soptah.com
PHOTOGRAPHY J316photographic Calgary, Alberta USA +1 403-690-3773 www.j316photo.com /BiniamJPhoto
EUROPE SHOES MOSIAQUE SHOES: Afua Debanka EMAIL:shop@mosaique.com PHONE: +44 (0) 777 542 79 86 WEB: mo-saique.com PHOTOGRAPHY: Obi Nwokedi Photographers Talk: 07904086221 Follow: http://instagram.com/mynameisobi/ Stalk: http://photographybyobi.co.uk/ Like: https://www.facebook.com/PhotographybyObi Locate: London.
118
Dekonu Issue N° 002
Dekonu Issue N° 002
119
Reserve your
space today!
Advertise with us. Email: mail@dekonu.com Web: www.dekonu.com Tel: +43 688 645 977 30 120
Dekonu Issue N° 002
Dekonu Issue N° 002
121
122
Dekonu Issue N° 002
Dekonu Issue N° 002
123
