Lapa Processional
Liberian rituals and ceremonies.
We danced on lapas laid down by my mom and aunts to welcome us to the “village” as husband and wife. Lapa processional happens at significant points in Liberian people’s lives...usually graduation and marriage.
What is a lapa? It is a magical piece of African wax fabric that is usually two yards long that can be used as a robe, a blanket, an ironing mat, a head tie, a sling to hold a baby, you name it!
We specifically danced on twelve lapas to represent the children of my maternal grandmother to the tune of “If” by Davido.
First dances
We did the Fox Trot to “Sweet Love” by Anita Baker. Our second first dance was an Afro beats dance to “Iskaba” by Wande Coal.
Father and daughter dances were done to “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder.
Cheers to that
We had our close friends give toasts via Zoom. In person, members of our family and wedding party shared a few words.
The cake was three tiers. The flavors were almond with raspberry, oreo with vanilla buttercream, and chocolate with caramel. We also had donuts because they are our favorite!
Sweetheart Song
Schnelle is a member of the best sorority in the world, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated! It is tradition at your wedding for your Sorors (sorority sisters) to sing the Sweetheart Song to you.
Unfortunately, it being a pandemic and all, Schnelle was saddened that this tradition would not take place.
However her Chapter Sorors (Xi Tau - Cambridge, MA City Wide), gathered virtually to record the Sweetheart song and surprised her with it at the wedding.
Money Dance
West African rituals and ceremonies.
Money Spraying symbolizes a showering of happiness, good fortune, and a display of the guest's affection for the couple. The bride and groom are ushered in and dance. As they dance money is sprayed on them. The 'collectors' take the cash from the floor and place in bags for the couple.
They understood the assignment
We DANCED!
We did the Cha Cha Slide, Electric Slide, Jerusalema, Wobble, Swag Surfed and even had a soul train line!