I think it’s important to keep cultural traditions alive.
Being sort of British/African, we wanted something that combined both cultures together.
But we wanted to have Anglo-African fusion because that’s what we are, but also for
our little boy as well.
He’s a mixture of the two cultures.
If I sort of think about what Sean’s mum has said to me, she said, “I love, you know,
African culture, you know, I’m getting to experience African culture, and combining
it with the British culture is just amazing.”
There’s a lot of value with appreciating what different people bring to each other,
and there’s a lot of fun about it.
Having our son and other people understand that no culture’s better than each other,
it’s about understanding both sides and respecting both sides.
Yes, I totally agree with that.
It’s very different, and it’s been really
interesting learning about, you know, Mide’s culture.
The bit that I’m gonna be most nervous about is the speeches, because I know that I’m
gonna feel quite emotional on the day.
My sons are my best men.
Seeing them doing the speeches…
Yeah.
I’m a practicing Christian and so it was important that
I spoke to the vicar and it was done in church.
We are going with a harp and flute player, because it will be something quite sentimental.
Lots of bright color.
Burnt orange, and purple, some prints, that really gives that African-ness.
The elusive nature of love itself means that today is a gift.
Love is what we’ve come here to witness today.
Love for these two.
You may kiss the bride!
Where I’m originally from in Sierra Leone, it’s all about music, it’s all about dancing,
and drumming is a significant part of that.
There’s also dancing in; dancing in will be very important.
There you go!
Lots of music, lots of dancing.
Lots of African food is going to also be really important.
There’s a particular sweet we have in Sierra Leone called granat cake.
And basically it’s peanuts.
We’ve got a lady who knows how to make huge sculptures out of it.
Sean and I saw it and we were like “wow, this is just absolutely spot on!”
Growing up with significant people in our lives, Sean’s dad and my brother, and they’ve
passed away, one of the things we are going to have at the wedding is remembering those
individuals who were quite close to us.
Within Sierra Leonian culture you also have
godparents that will be guardians of your marriage.
The idea is they’re the individuals who look after your marriage, and if you ever
have an argument, they’re the person that would be supporters.
We’ve gone with two godmothers.
They’re both my aunt, and they both love Sean, so I don’t think I will ever be supported.
They’ll be supporting him.
No, I was quite happy with the choice of godparents.
What they tend to do in Sierra Leone is something cool, giving of water.
Both mothers would give water to the bride and groom, and you know, give them their blessing.
The way that your family has embraced us, you know, this real sort of community feel
and openness of feelings and emotions, it’s not really a very English way of doing things.
I hope they appreciate the introduction, or reintroduction of Africa.
You do tend to see a lot of negative in the media, and just to see a different feel of
the fusion that we’re trying to create.
Yes, it’s been brilliant.
Thanks for watching World Wide Wed.
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