24/07/2025
Love Knits Two Families Together: Roland and Marie-Stella's Traditional Wedding Bliss in Bamenda
Colbert Gwain Colbert Factor
On Saturday, July 19, the Jua Hotel in Bamenda, Cameroon's North West Region, was abuzz with excitement as Roland and Marie-Stella tied the knot in a vibrant traditional wedding ceremony. Mced by Gwedeng Nyam and Jean Marie Ngong Song, under the coordinating eye of Rev. Sister Dr. Elizabeth Chiati, the event brought together a diverse group of guests, family members, and community leaders, all united in celebration of the couple's love and commitment.
The festivities began with the symbolic exchange of gifts between the two families, including red oil, corn, colanuts, and firewood, a time-honored tradition that signifies unity, prosperity, and the bonding of families. The atmosphere was electric, with the rhythmic beats of Kom traditional melodies and songs filling the air, inviting ancestors and the Almighty God to bless the union.
In a beautiful display of cultural heritage, the ceremony also featured prayers and the symbolic use of woodash, a traditional ritual believed in the Kom kingdom to bring blessings and prosperity to the couple. The young and talented artists from Douala added to the festive atmosphere, their performances captivating the audience and infusing the event with energy and joy.
The traditional wedding was the culmination of a process that began with the payment of bride price the previous day, led by Tosam Raphael on behalf of Roland's family, and accommodated by Hon. James Ntam, Marie-Stella's foster father. This significant moment was a testament to the respect and appreciation for tradition and cultural values.
As Roland and Marie-Stella embarked on their new life together, surrounded by loved ones and the rich cultural heritage of their community, it was clear that their union would be built on a foundation of love, respect, and tradition. The joy and celebration that filled the Jua Hotel during the ceremony will forever be etched in the memories of all who attended, a testament to the power of love and community.
As the ceremony progressed, the cake-cutting moment arrived, where Marie-Stella and Roland personalized their vows to each other. Their heartfelt unspoken promises could easily translate into tender phrases like: "I promise to love you with all my heart, from now until eternity" and "I vow to support your dreams, even if they involve becoming a professional cheese sculptor."
Before the ceremony concluded, Marie-Stella and Roland expressed their gratitude and joy to family members, friends, and the community gathered at the lavish reception. The Bahrain-based couple invited their loved ones to continue praying for them, promising to do the same for all the well-wishers.
As guests departed for their various destinations, the joyous celebration of the couple's union lingered in their minds. The event stood as a testament to the beauty of true love, commitment, and community. The attendees cherished the memory of the occasion, knowing they had come together not just to celebrate the couple, but also to honor the families, traditions, and values that had shaped them. They rejoiced in the love and support that accompanied Marie-Stella and Roland as they embarked on this new chapter in their lives.
