MRS. PHYLLIS MANFORD

Phyllis and her family woke up early in the morning to prepare for the christening. The program started at 7:30 in the morning since everyone including Denzel, his family and the Richards. A pastor prayed for the christening to begin. Amelia held the baby and handed her over to the elder since it was the tradition that, an aunt from the man's side does that and Denzel didn't have a sister. The elder called the name of the baby, which was Beryl Dahlia Richards, her soul name being Ama since she was born on Saturday and her maiden name was Sika which meant money.

The elder then dipped his hands into water and dropped it on Beryl's tongue, he later dipped his hands into local gin and also dipped it in her mouth and told her to be honest and truthful. She should call a spade, a spade that's the significance of the water and local gin. It was to instill truthfulness and honesty in her. He then asked Denzel to present the gifts of money, baby clothes and wax prints he had brought to thank Phyllis for giving her a precious gift to her. He then asked Mr. Richards to present his gift of money to Beryl since it was customary for the person a child is named after to give her "dwatire", an amount of money that's to be saved for her future. He handed over a bank document that was receipt of a Trust Fund he had opened for Beryl. Everyone including the Jones and Mensahs also presented their gifts and the christening was over at 8:20 am. The guest were served with food and drinks in the dining and living rooms of the Mensahs so that they could be present for the traditional marriage and for the decorators to organise the venue for it as well.

Amelia styled and fixed Phyllis' hair when she wore her slit and kaba after they had both finished eating. The make up artist "dolled" Phyllis' face to enhance her beauty. She looked like a typical Akan queen in her slit and kaba and hairstyle. The ceremony started at 9:45 am with family and friends gathered as witnesses. The elder from Phyllis' mother's side asked Denzel and his family the purpose of their visit and Denzel told him that, he had seen a beautiful flower in the Mr. Mensah's house and he was there to seek for his permission to pluck it. The elders asked him to present the gifts he had brought to seek for the hands of the woman he was seeking for. Mr. Jones gave them a suitcase that contained ten wax prints, two dozens of panties, footwears, perfume, and a Bible which was to serve as a guide for her life and marriage. He also gave them three white envelopes which contained money for Mr and Mrs Mensah and Denzel's brothers (cousins inclusive).

The elder then asked Mr and Mrs. Mensah if they accept the gifts and they nodded in the affirmative. He made them aware that, the acceptance of the gifts signified that they were willing to give their daughter to Denzel for marriage and they nodded in agreement to that. The elder then asked that Phyllis was brought to the gathering and everyone present was amazed at how amazingly beautiful she looked. She looked like an Akan queen in her blue and white kente slit and kaba and gold heels with a gold purse, earrings, bracelets and Rolex watch to complement her beauty. Denzel couldn't stop staring at her because he had never seen her look as gorgeous and elegant as she did at that moment. She also couldn't stop stealing glances at Denzel because he looked royal like the Ashanti King. He was so handsome and royal and on her mind, she was screaming "that's my king". She just couldn't believe that, the handsome man standing right opposite her was going to be her husband.

The elder then asked Denzel if Phyllis was the woman he was talking about and he in excitement jumped up and said ",yes please! She's the lollipop in my heart and the queen of my heart ". Everyone burst into laughter at his response because he sounded and looked funny as well. Mr. Mensah asked Phyllis if she knew Denzel and she said "yes Papa". He also asked her if she would love to marry him and she said yes so Mr. Mensah handed her over to Denzel and charged her to love, respect and build her husband and family in harmony. Denzel thanked Mr. and Mrs. Mensah and they were asked to kneel so that they would be blessed by their family and friends. The guests and family took turns to advise them on marriage and how to make it successful. Phyllis' maternal grandmother told them that, marriage is a far journey with an unknown destination and it's success was dependent on both of them. So they should make sure they made it work at all cost.

The ceremony ended at 11:56 am and the guests moved to the Golden Tulip Hotel for the wedding ceremony. Phyllis was taken to the Hotel for her to dress up for the ceremony. After the prayers, Mr. Mensah walked Phyllis to the aisle oh my God, she was breath taking. She looked so elegant and chic in her wedding dress as a Disney Princess and everyone was amazed at how beautiful she was. Mr. Mensah handed her over to Denzel and the officiating minister gave a word of exhortation and prayed over them before they exchanged their vows.

The doctor aske the guests present if any one who had a reason for the ceremony not to take place should talk or hold his or her peace forever. She as he was about to lead them to exchange the wedding vows, a young lady shouted from the back for the minister to stop with the rites because Denzel was her husband. She started cursing both of them as she walked towards the aisle. Both Phyllis and Denzel were confused but she didn't believe Denzel was married. There was noise coming from the guests because some of them disputed the lady's claim while others believed. When the lady got to the aisle, she started apologising because she realized that, Denzel wasn't her husband and she might probably have missed the venue. Amelia held her hands and walked her out of the venue. Both Denzel and Phyllis burst into laughter and the guests joined them. The officiating minister asked for silence so that they could continue with the ceremony. They exchanged the vows and oh, Phyllis couldn't stop staring at Denzel as she smiled because he also looked dashing and so handsome like a Prince. They walked into a room to sign their marriage certificate with their parents signing as witnesses.

They came back to the venue and danced to Shania Twain's classic music, "from this moment and you're still the one". Their families congratulated them and their friends and invited guests followed suit. Mr. Richards broke into tears as he hugged Denzel. Denzel held him tight and said "it's alright, daddy! My mother would be happy today because you witnessed my marriage to the woman I love besides you have done your best." Mr. Richards was dazzled and couldn't utter any word because he was shocked at his words. He never knew Denzel knew he was his father. Mrs. Richards separated them because they were catching the attention of the other guests.

The Master of Ceremony announced that the wedding was over and the reception was going to be held at the same venue at 7:00pm that evening so everyone present was invited to be there. The guests couldn't stop talking about the wedding ceremony especially about the decorations, her gown and heels, Denzel's shoes and suit and the kind of people that honoured their wedding. Amelia was her maid of honor and she couldn't be any happier than she was. They went back to their hotel room to rest for the reception later in the evening after taking pic6woth their families, friends and guests. Everyone could see that they were both madly in love. When Mrs. Richards brought Beryl to see them, she couldn't stop smiling and everyone around was wondering if she knew what was going on because she couldn't stop smiling. She looked so cute and adorable. She took her back and asked them to go and rest for the evening program else she would be tired for it so they all went to their individual rooms as Denzel and Mr. Richards talked. As soon as, they got to their room, Phyllis screamed in excitement saying "finally, I am Mrs. Manford and laid down to reflect on how the ceremonies went.