Not only is it a chance to be a part of something special in their lives, but also a chance to see how different people wish to put together such an event and tie in various ideas that are meaningful and important to them. It's also a chance to learn about cultures and traditions that I may not be familiar with.
I usually don't post pictures on my blog with people in them, but weddings are all about the people, so I thought it important to include a couple here. I have though, tried to include ones that don't necessarily show the whole face or are somewhat iffy in quality for that reason.
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Here's a wedding...
When I was younger, I thought all weddings took place in churches. I guess that's how TV and Hollywood shows it to us. 
Sometimes there are speeches at weddings. Most of the speeches that I've seen take place at the reception during the meal, in between courses. The bride and/or groom can speak, members of the bridal party can speak, parents and/or relatives of the bride/groom can speak. It can be just about anyone. Some speeches are short. Some are long. Some are emotional. Some are funny. It's another chance for individuals to express
themselves.I admire anyone who takes the risk to stand up and speak in front of a crowd and I appreciate the words that they choose to say.
This particular wedding had a colour scheme of sky blue and creme as you can see in some of the pictures and here in one of the flower
bouquets. The wedding took place on a hot, hot, day, and after the ceremony and a round of pictures outdoors, the flowers
were starting to droop a bit at the evening reception.Another tradition I've learned about the "first dance". Sometimes the song that is used has personal meaning and I've learned that some couples take this tradition quite seriously and prepare for it. Dance lessons, choreography, whatever the case may be. I know that this couple has taken dance classes together (unrelated to the wedding) and by the
bride's request, for the wedding they practiced the final moments of the dance.Sometimes the first dance spins into other special moments. The bride dances with her father...the groom dances with his mother. Dancing, dancing, dancing. It seems like this is an important part of the evening.
More dancing. You can see the colour scheme in the dresses of the members of the bridal party.
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And another wedding...
The bride gets prepped beforehand. Hair and make-up is a big deal and some people hire outside help to get the job done. In the Western weddings where the bride opts to wear a veil, it is put on before the ceremony during the hair/makeup shebang.
This particular wedding had a rainbow colour scheme. Each of the maids of honour, bridesmaids and junior bridesmaids wore a different coloured dress and the corresponding best man or groomsman wore a matching tie and pocket square. It created a beautiful effect when standing together and really
complimented the attitude that the couple has towards life. You can see that the floral bouquets were part of the theme as well.This wedding was also a church wedding and included words from various verses from the bible. Each verse was carefully selected and those who read them were chosen for various reasons.
Throwing flower petals and releasing doves. Unique touches that the couple wanted to include in their day.
All of the seated receptions that I've attended had a similar format where there was some sort of head table with the bride, groom, bridal party and sometimes immediate family members of the bride and groom. Often there are wedding favours that are given out to the guests and/or items that are placed on the tables that relate to the theme of the wedding or to the couple themself. At this wedding, each table had a picture of the couple and a fun "did you know" fact about them on the back. As guests came in, they knew to look for the specific table name to do with the 
fun fact. You can see the bouquets from the bridal party hanging by the windows. I thought that this particular wedding took great care in selecting the floral arrangements and they clearly highlighted the colour scheme chosen by the couple.A shot of the exterior of the reception location. The reception location itself is a reflection of the couple as well. I have not been to a reception where I didn't understand why it was chosen as the location. They just made sense. This particular location was in the mountains. A little bit of
a logistical hassle, but so well organized that it really wasn't a hassle at all. There was potentially a short hike for ladies in heels, but definitely doable, and the setting was perfect for the couple.A change to more sensible shoes, and the crowd forms for the first dance. This one was a well choreographed routine, yet again perfect, as the couple LOVES to dance!
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Yet another wedding...
I loved this wedding not only because two special people were getting married, but it was a wonderful example of opening one's culture to others, making it accessible and a wonderful learning experience.
This particular wedding comprised of a Hindu ceremony and a Persian one. Being completely new to both experiences, as I mentioned, I appreciated the fact that along the way significant moments were explained. I could go off into a rant about how the world would be a better place if everyone was open minded and learned more about each other, but this is not the time and place for that.
Hindu ceremony
Friends, regardless of culture, were invited to dress in traditional saris. It was wonderful. There were no judgments passed, just a completely welcoming chance to be a part of the wedding and learn more about the culture.After getting ready, there was a little rushing and sitting around to ensure that everyone was ready at a set time. The wedding was to commence at an auspicious time.
This is the mundir. I guess it's sorta like the altar of the church? Each item had significance and/or was used during different parts of the ceremony. Before the ceremony began, the priest was preparing for the wedding.
The couple looked wonderful in traditional outfits. The ceremony had many parts to it, but apparently we'd gotten an abridged version. I didn't feel like it was dragging on, so that was fine, but I can't imagine how a longer version would work and how people would be able to sit through it.
Persian ceremony
This is the Sofreh-ye Aghd. Here's an explanation of things from someone who knows.
There were also words spoken at the Persian wedding.
Mmmm...tasting honey. Sweet, like their love for each other.
This picture is part of the Persian ceremony but also shows that the Hindu set up just beside. It really was a combined event and I loved it. I knew that I was surrounded by people who were intrigued and eager to learn about any components of the day that they did not know about before.
I haven't been to a wedding that didn't include a cake. Some cakes were fake, some were real and un-touched, and others were devoured.
A Persian tradition involves a friend of the bride dancing with the knife and the groom needing to give money in exchange for it.Another setting for a reception. Very relaxed and low key, just like this couple. A Hindu wedding usually takes place over a couple of days, which just means more time with family and friends and lots of chances to eat food!
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Another wedding still...
Although this wedding maily displayed Taiwanese traditions, you could see that Western influences were creeping in, for example, by the bride wearing a white dress.
On the wedding day, the groom and his buddies arrive in the car to the bride's house. Firecrackers are lit to signal his arrival and a younger relative of the bride offers food to the groom as an invitation to come to the bride's house. Notice that there are two oranges on the plate. Everything is in pairs (two people are getting married) or in even numbers. Instead of one flower girl, there were two. There were two bridesmaids, you get the idea. Oh yes, anyone with a job gets money. So, in exchange for the two oranges, the "greeter" gets money. In this case, 600TWD. Six being a lucky number (also, notice that it's an even number too). The Groom also brings the bridal bouquet with him.
The groom brings with him many many gifts. All symbolic. Rock sugar, cigarettes, alcohol, candy, roosters. Again, notice that there's two of everything. When the couple leaves the bride's house, some of each of the gifts (except the cigarettes - due to their meaning) are sent back with the groom.The groom gets the bride from her room and offers the bouquet to her.
An older family member of the groom has the responsibility of being sort of a mentor to the couple. She also gets a monetary gift (from the bride's family) for her job. You can see her telling the couple to thank the parents of the bride and this is the time where they say goodbye as the bride now goes with the groom to his family's house.
The parents of the bride also put the veil on the bride at this time (as opposed to during hair/makeup time like in Western weddings).The couple leave the bride's house and the bride's head is covered. You can get a glimpse of the colourful banner hanging in front of the house. On it, there are various gods depicts, each with their own symbolism.
Timing of different events is key. The groom arrived at the bride's family's house at an auspicious time, and fetched the bride from her room at an
auspicious time as well. When arriving to his family's house. They would also complete set things at specific times as well, much like in the Hindu ceremony.As the bride leaves her family's house, she drops a fan with a red scarf which a family member collects.
Firecrackers are lit. Many many many firecrackers.
That night, the groom's family hosts a dinner reception for their friends and relatives. A select number of family members on the bride's side are invited and wear flowers to distinguish that they are on the bride's side. They are to enter the reception together and leave together. They need to leave a little earlier to let the groom's side enjoy the festivities longer.
The bride would change into a couple different outfits that night. I'd overheard that it would be six, but I don't think it ended up being that many.
There was no dancing during the event. Just a wonderful meal.
Throughout the meal, there was musical entertainment and a special moment was when the couple sang a duet.
The next night, the bride's family hosted a reception for their relatives and friends. Again, certain family members from the groom's side were invited.The bride continued to change outfits...
And the couple along with their parents toasted the guests.
Another outfit and more toasts.Couple and their parents made their way around the room to toast and thank each table for coming to celebrate their wedding. Close relatives would also approach the head table to toast with them.
On the first night, immediate family members of the groom would also make the rounds and toast with tables, and on the second night the same could be said for family members of the bride's side.
As there is no dancing at these events, as soon as the meal is over, guests start to head home and the couple waits by the doors to bid them goodbye, thanks again and sending them off with a small gift.
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I was also invited to a wedding that would have a little bit of a Korean flavour, however, due to prior commitments, I could not attend. Boo. Luckily, the couple was very understanding and I heard lots about the event and saw some beautiful pictures. Still...it would have been nice to be there in person.
It's interesting to see what happens at different weddings and learn about different cultures, but the best part is being a part of the couple's special day.
