Our big fat Asian Wedding

Khmer weddings symbolize the beautiful legend of the origin of Cambodia and parallels the marriage of the first Khmer prince, Preah Thong, to the naga princess, Neang Neak. The prince was a foreigner exiled from his homeland, and during his travels encountered and fell in love with the naga princess.
Friday August 8,2008 we kicked off our wedding with a traditional Monk blessing. After some kind words of prosperity and love for our marriage, we continued to our symbolic hair cutting ceremony. In ancient times the bride and groom get a real makeover symbolizing a fresh start as man and wife. In our case guest of the wedding only pretended to cut our hair and "groom us" for our new beginning. Friday night wrapped up with pictures with the family and a meal prepared by aunts and uncles. Early Saturday morning..5 am in the morning for me, we prepared for another long day of wedding festivities and ceremonies. Lan started with a grooms procession, which consist of his groomsmen, family and friends bearing gifts to the brides home. After meeting him at the door and accepting the marriage proposal and gifts we exchanged rings. Then came the "Passing of Blessings" ceremony. In this ceremony, currently married couples are asked to gather in a circle around the bride and groom. Three candles are lit and handed from person to person. Each participant passes his or her right hand over it in a sweeping motion towards the couple, sending or throwing a silent blessing to them. Only married couples are asked to participate, as it is believed that they will pass along the special quality or essence which has preserved their union. The candles are passed around the circle clockwise seven times to complete the ceremony. And Finally come the Knot tying Ceremony. Close family and friends are invited to come forward to bring their best wishes and blessings to the new couple by individually tying ribbons around each of their wrists. Saturday ended with a huge reception including a 9 course meal and approximately 400 guests in attendance. After 2 long days and 7 outfits later, one for each ceremony, we were finally married.