We expected to observe from the sidelines, but the family quickly invited us in to watch all the preparations and take all the pictures we wanted. I felt like a National Geographic photographer, except unfortunately my photos will be published exclusively on this blog.
The women on the groom's side fussed about dressing the groom, the best man, and the ring bearer in tapa cloth, fine mats, leis, and a healthy rub-down with coconut oil.
Best man
Ring bearer
The boys are ready
Ephraim's thinking, That's a lot of layers, and lots of women speaking Fijian really fast. Actually he's thinking, I was totally that cut at my wedding.
The wedding procession. Groom and bride leading the way.
(Yes, the bride is expecting, and therefore is larger than normal. And very emotional, in a good way.) This is an enormous tapa given as a gift to the couple. We walked from the first house across the street to the neighbor's where the guests were singing prelude hymns to welcome us.
The ceremony took place in typical LDS format with an opening hymn and prayer. We sang Love at Home and later I Am a Child of God. (Ephraim and I loved the sea of brightly colored clothes. We were pretty inspired.)
Sister Kaitani and the roasted pig. And me.
(They gave us the chairs to make us comfortable. Isn't that sweet?)
I'd never seen this done with coconut leaves. Very impressive.
Here we were carrying the gifts to the bride's family's house. Gifts were handwoven fine mats and fancy pillows, blankets, and bedding.
Ephraim got to take the lei home
Unfortunately we had to zip off before the grand feast (Sister Kaitani packed us a each a plate of chicken, palusami, and taro--mmm!) so that we could start our long journey home.4 hours on the bus to Nadi (a lady puked in a bag right behind us)
5 hours waiting in the Fiji airport until the 1:45 am flight (!??)
2 hours flying to Apia, Samoa
3 hours waiting in the Samoa airport
30 minutes flying to Pago Pago airport
5 minutes in a taxi
back home by 8:30 am on Saturday (again)
Here's the most brilliant idea: the Nadi airport has a over a dozen fabulous leather couches to sleep on while waiting for your absurdly scheduled flights! That's progressive thinking.
Sunrise at Apia airport
Here we are feeling excited to go home to our kids, thrilled with our wonderful trip, and so exhausted we could sleep for a week straight. When's the next vacation?!
5 comments:
That sounds like it was an amazing trip. I totally have Fiji on my list of places to go. Of course, most places are on my list of places to see. As long as they are safe for traveling. So many places to go and so little time and money to get there.
And even with all of that beautiful scenery and excitement - the only thing I kept thinking about is: where in the heck did she get that CUTE shirt? LOL So sad. Glad you guys had a great time!
It was so fun to read about your trip to Fiji a day at a time and an entry at a time.
i loved reading about your trip! great pictures!
Happy Birthday Fillmore - sorry it's so late! Looks like you had a blast. I love that you always make the most of all yur adventures. I sure miss your family! Thanks for keeping us all posted so we know you're alive and well and super happy, as always. :)
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