Aline + Shoko Wedding :: Timeless (Edmonton, AB) Part I of II

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