Jean-Paul and Tiffany continued their wedding weekend on Saturday with a combination of Thai and Vietnamese traditions, Christian and Buddhist ceremonies, and a lot of family and friends. I met JP and Tiff a few months ago during the home buying process and was honored when they asked me to capture a few special moments from their weekend. While most traditions were unlike most I’ve seen, I was eager to watch and learn. I hope to share a few things in this brief “sneak peek”.
The groom leads his family in a procession down a long driveway to the bride’s home, carrying gifts and food (below). Drummers provide music and dancers offer entertainment. The next picture depicts Jean-Paul offering a gift/envelope to pass through the “silver gate” chain, the first of two gates. The second is the “gold gate.”
A proud grandfather videotaping the event… This photo was too great to not include it!
Tiffany and Jean-Paul united together before the exchange of the dowry.
Money, jewelry, flowers, and food were exchanged between the bride and groom’s family. Specifically, there was a full pig, a diamond necklace and earrings, a rolex watch, stacks of money, and more. Here was a great picture of Tiffany’s mom with the gifts!
After the exchange of presents, JP and Tiff exchanged wedding “I do’s” and rings in a Christian ceremony. Here is the “I now pronounce you husband and wife” kiss.
After the Christian ceremony, the Buddhist monks arrived to help conduct the traditional Buddhist wedding ceremony. Prayers and blessings were bestowed on Jean-Paul and Tiffany, who knelt in front of the monks with their hands in the traditional “wai” position – a sign of respect. A sacred holy string was held by all nine monks and gifts were presented to each. The senior most monk (below) sprinkled JP and Tiff with holy water to conclude the ceremony. The monks were also the first to eat.
The festivities continued with a Water Blessing Ceremony, where the bride and groom kneel on pedestals with their hands in the “wai” (prayer-like) position. They’re connected by the sacred “mongkol” (holy string) wrapped around their heads. Three traditional dots are placed on each forehead by a respected member of the family (grandparents) and everyone pours holy water over the hands of the bride and groom blessing their marriage. The detailed profile of Tiffany is one of my favorites.
Tiffany’s parents as the last one’s blessing the newlyweds. It was very emotional… Two families become one.
Jean-Paul and Tiffany have some great friends… the bridal party.
A few more fun (and interesting) shots.
The “Lucky in Love” favors passed out to the guests after the Water Blessing Ceremony and the bird cage collecting cards/gifts for Tiffany and Jean-Paul.
