The day had come. Kofi’s best friend, Franklin, would be getting married in a few hours. Kofi left midmorning to perform his groomsmen duties, but not before warning Noelle to conserve her energy for a long day of celebration. As is customary in Ghana, Franklin and his soon-to-be wife, Ivy, would hold their traditional ceremony and white wedding on the same day at her family’s estate in Airport Hills. With a white gown secured, Noelle was no longer on edge and eased into the day before taking a dip in the pool. She made sure not to get her hair wet. To be fair, there was no way she could go under even if she tried. She’d been floating for the last 24 hours.

Yesterday, Kofi slept off his hangover and, with a clear mind, shared once again that he loved her to which she confidently replied, “I love you too.” “A drunk man’s words really are a sober man’s thoughts,” Noelle said to herself as she stepped out of the pool to check the time on her phone.

Kofi’s friend, Akosua, who Noelle met briefly a few days prior, would pick her up and take her to the wedding. Noelle was relieved to not have to arrive at the ceremony alone. Akosua was really nice when they’d met and made her feel included by translating Ghanaian pidgin for her when Noelle couldn’t quite follow the dialogue among Kofi and his friends.

“Hi, Noelle. I’ll be there in one hour to pick you up,” read the text from Akosua. Noelle couldn’t decipher if that meant literally one hour or Ghana Man Time (GMT) so she decided to err on the side of caution and hop in the shower. She laughed to herself every day of the trip because of all the similarities she noticed between Ghanaians and Black Americans. From the lively conversations to the love for music and dance, being among Ghanaians felt like vibing with distant cousins, except when it came to time. GMT had nothing on Colored People’s (CP) time. An hour and a half later, Akosua pulled up outside and they set off to the wedding.

As they arrived at the estate, Noelle was captivated by the vibrant colors, the sounds of drumming and singing, and the rich traditions that were unfolding before her eyes. The traditional ceremony, known as the “engagement,” was a beautiful blend of culture and family unity. Noelle watched in awe as the elders from both families exchanged gifts and blessings, and Franklin and Ivy performed symbolic rituals that sealed their union.

Noelle found herself dancing to the rhythm of the drums, her steps guided by the infectious energy of the celebration. The women around her, dressed in stunning kente cloth, smiled and encouraged her to join in the traditional dances. Akosua stayed by her side, explaining the significance of each ritual and ensuring she felt a part of the festivities.

After the traditional ceremony, the guests transitioned to the white wedding. Ivy looked breathtaking in her elegant white gown, and Franklin couldn’t hide his joy as he stood beside her at the altar built atop the pool. The ceremony was a harmonious blend of Western and Ghanaian traditions, with heartfelt vows exchanged and prayers offered for a blessed union.

The reception that followed was nothing short of spectacular. Tables were adorned with beautiful decorations, the couple’s custom logo was printed on napkins, glasses and backdrops and the aroma of delicious Ghanaian dishes filled the air. Noelle savored every bite of the jollof rice, grilled tilapia, and kelewele – three of her now favorite dishes. The saxophonist played a mix of R&B, gospel and Afrobeats before the DJ took over. The wedding party of no less than 20 bridesmaids and groomsmen all danced their way through the crowd to get the party started. Noelle couldn’t resist joining the dancefloor where Kofi was waiting for her.

As the night wore on, and her feet began to throb, Noelle found relief in Kofi’s lap as they took a break from dancing. He held her tightly, his lips brushing against her ear as he spoke softly over the music, causing her to squirm and giggle. She noticed a few glances from a nearby table of women, but she was too absorbed in reflecting on the warmth and hospitality she had experienced throughout the day. Kofi interrupted her thoughts as he motioned for a waiter to refill their champagne glasses. That’s when Noelle took a moment to find the restroom. While in line a woman approached her. “Are you Kofi’s girlfriend?” she asked quite boldly. Noelle and Kofi had said I love you, but neither of them had thought to define whatever it was they shared beyond that. “I’m Noelle,” she replied. Luckily, that was good enough for the woman who walked off just as quickly as she arrived. As Noelle found her way back to Kofi, the sense of community and celebration was palpable, and she felt deeply grateful to be a part of such a joyous occasion. All of this was definitely worth extending her trip. Watching Franklin and Ivy surrounded by their loved ones, Noelle was reminded of the universal beauty of love and family.

The night ended with a spectacular display of fireworks, illuminating the smiles and laughter of everyone present. Noelle couldn’t help but feel a profound sense of connection to Kofi and his culture. This was a trip she would cherish forever, a trip that solidified her love for Kofi and her appreciation for the rich tapestry of Ghanaian traditions. At home, they washed off the remnants of the celebration and crawled into bed. Noelle rested on Kofi’s chest as he quickly drifted off to sleep. She wanted to savor these final moments because in less than 24 hours she’d be on a plane back to the States.

Song: All in My Head x SiR