Botswana wedding

I had the privilege to photograph a pre-wedding ceremony today in Gabane. I tasted traditional home brew beer, met the elders(men and women) and had the distinct honor of sticking our like a sour thumb. The pictures and video I took were great(i'm not sure on what level) but the experience was awesome. I sat around in the courtyard talking with these old women about their customs and the ceremony while drinking this beer, which honestly wasn't that bad.

each woman dresses in a traditional skirt called a German print(brought to them by the Germans, prior to that they wore animal skin) and a quilt to wrap over their shoulders. The quilt signifies that they have gained the status of married.. they also wear a traditional giant pin that signifies this fact as well. Apparently i was at the groom's home... The women from the brides family arrive to the home, ululating(i think that is what they call it) and singing a song while marching slowly in 2 lines into the home. the song is basically asking "may we enter". It is repeated over and over.. Once they are done with their parade, they all gather under a tree in the courtyard and talk. It was very cool .

I took tons of photos, many of them portraits.

This began at 8 am, all the while, the men sat in a circle outside the home drinking beer out of cups which were hollowed gourds or squash. Not that much different from a Catholic wedding, the drinking at 8 am part. I've never had a beer out of a gourd before..

Here is some video of the procession.. enjoy. Michelle mentioned the beauty of their singing, as experienced at the clinic every morning. This was my first experience, and the video does it no justice... All of the "lalalalalallalalalala" you hear is the women, it is a way of displaying your happiness and joy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00b5Yr8yAfA