HEN PARTY, KITCHEN PARTY AND PREWEDDING PARTY

PARTY! PARTY! PARTY!

On Friday, the 23rd, I had a few ladies over for a “Hen” (bachelorette) party. It was small and simple. We hired a young lady originally from Kilifi, Mombasa, who made the most amazing designs with henna. As the bride, I had them all over my hands, arms and legs. Along with some great red wine, good food and girl chat, it was great!

On Saturday afternoon, the 24th, I had a blast with over forty women of all ages at the kitchen party (bridal shower). The leader of the "pack" is usually someone close to the bride. For me, it was my great aunt Rose Selma. I was named after her. She was one of the few relatives that stuck by my mum when she was marrying my dad. She was perfect. So that you can get the feel of the party, traditionally, the Kitchen party is an opportunity for the women in my family to advise me on how to keep a happy home. To be blunt: secrets on how to keep my man. Now, it tends to be a lot of fun and more often then not, naughty! It was a hoot! There always seemed to be a dirty joke lurking behind the “good advise” on body care, bedroom etiquette and kitchen responsibilities. A few times, I forgot that I was talking to my aunts and not my age-mates!

Later that evening, we had the pre-wedding party. This part included Andrew. Andrew arrived with his siblings and friends as our guests. It was intimidating for Andrew and his crew. They were in the minority and facing my family, who were checking them out with great intrigue. I was not allowed to come out to greet them… that would have been too easy. Instead, I was talked into following a coastarian tradition of disguising myself, along with four others, and Andrew was faced with picking me out of a line up. Boy, oh boy! I wasn’t sure he would successfully pick me out. Nevertheless, he did, and on the first try! Of course, my family was disappointed; they wanted to have a bit of fun!

The family and I had a ball, and were gearing up for the big day. Andy was glad that one huge part of the process was out of the way, leaving the wedding... count down to the 28th...

~ with peace, love and joy,
Tindi & Andy Amadi