We’re excited to share Jenn + Randy’s gorgeous Glamping engagement shoot with the readers of Style Me Pretty Canada today!
Jenn + Randy came up with the idea of merging their love of the outdoors with the finer things in life & the amazing Janine Sebastian from Fabloomosity & Christina Ignacio-Deines helped to make their glamping vision a reality.
Jenn + Randy, we had a blast being pioneers with you guys!
Words by Maureen Young
“I finally found someone, that knocks me off my feet
I finally found the one, that makes me feel complete
We started over coffee, we started out as friends
It’s funny how from simple things, the best things begin”
~ I Finally Found Someone, Barbara Streisand and Bryan Adams
The reception opened with dancers performing traditional dances from Rwanda to welcome and introduce the bride and groom. The dancers paraded the couple to their seats with all the fanfare of a red carpet moment. The couple are then presented to each side of the newly joined family.
A speaker from the groom’s side welcomes the bride, her family and the guests before opening the floor to other speakers. The bride’s family gives a speech about delivering the bride in good condition and that she is a spoiled girl and should be treated well by her new family. As part of tradition, Shoko is given a shield and Icumu (spear) by the head of the tribe, showing that he now has a family and home to protect.
A dance, the Intore (meaning ‘The Chosen Ones’) is performed. Traditionally the performance was shown exclusively at the Royal Court to demonstrate excellence and bravery either prior to or after going to war.
Shoko is a Industrial Designer and wanted to design a perfect ring for Aline. Â Using her birth stone to create something unique and exquisite.
Celebrations continued the next day with a Gutwikurura (unveiling the veil) ceremony. This ceremony is dedicated to the bride, her family represented by her Aunt on her father’s side. The Aunt unveils the bride and shares with her secrets and wisdom on marriage.
A beautiful marquee in the backyard provided a communal point for both sides of the family to come together. Shoko carried the spear he received and placed it outside the marquee. Traditionally, the spear shows that the man is home and acts as a cautionary sign to the amorous young men in the village.
The Bride also receives a basket, representing the wealth of their family, to then give to her husband so he can protect their wealth. A calabash (used to make butter and cheese), food and seeds to plant their own garden are also given.
Shoko also cuts Aline’s hair to symbolize that she is not single anymore and a crown is placed atop Aline’s head to show she is now a married woman. Â 
Bride + Groom then serve each other and the kids in attendance Ikivuguto as a symbol of sharing and nurturing.
The joint family celebrates with wine, sharing small gifts with one another. Older members of the family share thoughts and wisdom with the newlyweds before Aline’s family leaves. Their leaving symbolizes that she is now home with her new family.
Aline + Shoko, what an amazing weekend! Thank you for introducing us to Rwandan culture, there is such a rich cultural heritage there. We are incredibly pleased to have documented your wedding weekend and to your family and friends who always made us feel welcomed – Thank You!
– Love your pals
Anthony and Rina
Words by Maureen Young
Aline + Shoko celebrated their Rwandan heritage by including traditional ceremony aspects in their wedding. As per tradition, the wedding took place over two days, involving Inka and Ikivuguto.
Inka (Cow) is sacred and praised in Rwanda, where cattle and farming are a major aspect of the culture. Traditionally, the family will give and name Inka for the newlyweds. This is done to share wealth (measured by how many healthy cows a family had). To complete the circle of giving, once Inka has a calf, it is given to the family who gave the newlyweds the mother.
Ikivuguto, symbolized with milk, is a beverage that guests would have drunk before walking from their home to the wedding and also drunk on arrival. A nourishing drink, it provided the travellers with much needed nutrients and hydration as they often walked long distances to get from A to B. The guests who came from Africa, Europe, the USA and across Canada fortunately had more modern modes of transport at their disposal!
Aline + Shoko met through his brother in the 90s, but it wasn’t until meeting in 2002 that they realized there was something more than friendship between them. A yankee, Aline moved to Canada to be with the man she loved.
Aline’s day started at 7am for hair and make up with her mom and her girlfriends. Her vintage look was inspired by the 1958 Mercedes Benz Shoko had rented for their wedding.
Shoko spent the first part of his day at their venue, The Faculty Club, trying to fix computer problems and doing a slideshow. His sister, Tina, eventually kicked him out so he could get dressed for the ceremony. An hour and a half behind schedule, Shoko eventually showed up to pick up his bride. Aline, fully aware of Shoko’s reputation for saying 1 time and meaning an hour or two later, simply laughed that her beloved had held true to form.
When Shoko arrived, the Guheka (Gutora Umugeni), a traditional hand over of the pride, began. Shoko was greeted with Ikivuguto to nourish him after his long journey (in modern times it was more nourishment after a long battle with technology than a long walk!). A prayer is said and Aline’s mom pours milk for the bride and groom.
Shoko may have had it easy finding his perfect girl, but he found it a bit harder finding his perfect hat. 5 years spent searching and 2 weeks before the wedding Shoko found the hat. Aline’s bird cage veil and Shoko’s hat combined with the vintage glamour of the car took us back to an era of stylish elegance.
Aline + Shoko married a year ago and this was an opportunity to share their happiness with family and friends through a vow renewal ceremony.
A modern celebration traces back to ancestral roots in Part II of Aline + Shoko’s love story.
Much love,
A+R
Hola Amigos,
Latest teasers from two hot TAMALES out in Domincan, Punta Cana! Secret….P90X. Stay tuned for more sweet peeks. =)
~Anton + Rina