Crafting a Dream: The Story of Raphaela and Alexis's Conscious Approach to a Wedding
Crafting a Dream: The Story of Raphaela and Alexis's Conscious Approach to a Wedding
Celebrating love is not only an act of purity and joy; it is a shared experience that touches everyone who partakes in its celebration. The love story of Raphaela and Alexis is a captivating journey that uniquely ties to Ghana. Choosing to celebrate their union in Lisboa, they meticulously curated every detail to ensure their wedding was a true reflection of their personal journey.
From the use of uncut plants to the thoughtful donation of leftover catering, every element of their wedding was infused with meaning, allowing guests to revel in a celebration of love that was both heartfelt and impactful.
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In their quest to celebrate love, Raphaela and Alexis sought to break away from traditional wedding norms, seamlessly blending them with principles of sustainability and circular design. By partnering with companies that uphold ethical and social values, they reached out to us with a special request that left us profoundly inspired.
With the expert guidance of Kim, an exceptional wedding planner who shares Raphaela and Alexis's values, we were given the opportunity to create unique woven fans as gifts for the guests. This thoughtful gift was entrusted to a group of 22 women from four different communities in the North, who took on the project with great enthusiasm and dedication. They poured their hearts into creating the fans; each one handcrafted with patience and love, bearing the unique fingerprints of its weaver. Knowing that these fans would play a part in such a special day, and to have such a unique connection to the couple, their hearts were filled with pride and joy.
Raphaela and Aleixis on their first trip to Ghana in 2017
Raphaela and Alexis envisioned a meaningful and practical gift for their guests—something they would cherish forever. The fans were imbued with the vibrant hues of the bougainvillea from Lisboa’s charming streets and the striking peacock teal, reflecting the couple’s chosen wedding colors.
This collaboration promised a visual feast, with 220 fans showcasing the exquisite Gurune craftsmanship, emphasizing the importance of preserving traditional handmade artistry while embracing modern design.
THE ART OF MAKING
Weaving fans is an enchanting art form, a dance of hands and heart, involving intricate techniques that transform humble materials into unique, breathtaking creations. Woven by weavers who specialize in only making fans, each piece is lovingly crafted entirely by hand and takes over five days to complete, embodying a labor of love and a testament to the weaver's dedication and skill.
The fans underwent an intricate and meticulous process, starting with the preparation of the finest veta vera straw, known locally as Kinkahe, harvested from specific regions and reserved exclusively for weaving fans. The weavers, with deft and practiced hands, split the straw into vertical halves.
These halves were bundled and hand-twisted, a process that infused the straw with flexibility and grace. Selecting the perfect material was a ritual in itself, as weavers considered the length, thickness, and natural color of each strand, ensuring that only the finest were chosen for their masterpiece.
With the material prepared, the weavers embarked on the creation of the fan. The handle was fashioned first, a sturdy base that would support the intricate structure to come. Poles were added, and the weaving began in earnest. Two bundles of straw were woven from side to side, the rhythmic motion of the weaver's hands is a testament to their skill and devotion.
Each fan, a testament to the fusion of heritage craftsmanship and contemporary flair, shows the fingerprint of each weaver.
Before each fan was brought to life, the weavers meticulously measured and counted the straw bundles needed to achieve the desired pattern. New straw was seamlessly integrated throughout the process, ensuring the weave remained consistent and strong. Wetting the straw was a crucial step, as it rendered the material supple and easy to manipulate, allowing the weavers to coax it into the desired form with gentle precision.
The final act of this artistic endeavor involved cutting and wrapping straw around the poles, creating the fan's finishing touches. Each completed fan was a work of art, a unique embodiment of the weaver's passion, patience, and creativity. The result was not just a functional object, but a beautiful testament to the timeless romance between nature and human craftsmanship.
This magical project offered artisans not only an opportunity to showcase their remarkable skills and knowledge but also a chance for personal and communal growth. Guided by the dedicated support of Maria and Nana Kow, Aketekete operates on principles of true collaboration and co-creation, honoring age-old techniques and individualizing each artisan they partner with, to ensure their stories are told. Weaving is something inherent to their culture and by empowering and valuing its craft, It becomes a powerful tool for economic independence, empowering women, strengthening communities and families, and allowing for societal improvement and development. When weaving is embraced not only as a craft but also as a profession, it opens greater opportunities for the artisans, leading to a journey of learning, mutual support, and a deeper appreciation for their art.
THE ARTISANS BEHIND THE MAGIC
Meet Mary, Lydia, Ayine, Dorcas, Bernice, Matilda, Abena, Portia, Lamisi, Martha, Hilda, Asiibi, Juliet, Jennifer, Lamisi, Atianbila, Abigail, Akalipoka, Adabona, Evelyn, Matilda and Christopher
THE INSPIRING UNVEIL
The grand reveal was nothing short of enchanting—a kaleidoscope of colors and textures that captivated the guests, transforming the venue into a dreamscape.
Designed by Aketekete. each fan found its special place, creating a harmonious symphony of colors that transported guests to a world of wonder and delight.
Photographed by Kaja Marchewka
AN IMPACTFUL JOURNEY
Raphaela and Alexis, together with Kim Zabriskie of The Wedding Collab demonstrated that conscious and ethical choices can coexist with the beauty and elegance of a wedding celebration. This collaboration stands as a testament to the artisans' ability to create awe-inspiring work that resonates globally, providing more opportunities and support for their families. It shines a spotlight on the incredible potential of Ghanaian craftsmanship to be celebrated and recognized worldwide.
Our weaver partners dared to dream of a future where their craft is honored as art. This project challenged us, but the results speak volumes about the power of collaboration and the timeless allure of artistry.
Raphaela and Alexis with a specially made Butterfly Bag for the occasion.
Photographed by Kaja Marchewka
