wedding day

Last Tuesday I attended the wedding of an LCMI staff member. Surprisingly, the wedding ceremony was not drastically different from the states. It might have been the Christian influence, but I am not completely sure. A few of the notable differences:

• Bridal parties don't really exist. The groom has one person as does the bride.
• The rings aren't as big a deal. Instead, a gold chain (3 strands) if presented to the bride by the groom. It symbolizes the God and each individual entering into the marriage covenant. It takes the place of our unity candle.
• The signing of the license is a part of the ceremony. The couple sits around a table with their witnesses and pastor while the guests watch.
• Starting times are extremely flexible. The invitation said 10:30, but the ceremony didn't start until 12. Let's just say we sat for a while watching everyone get ready.
• The ceremony is all impromptu. No rehearsal goes into it. The church leaders dictate how it runs. Even a seemingly random outsider (yours truly) can get called to the stage and pray for the couple in the middle of the ceremony.
• During the message, the couple sits on a large heart-shaped chair to the side of the stage. They look like the king and queen.
• The procession starts with the groom's entire family walking up front. The bride and her family follow ten minutes or so later.
• Flowers are not just in the hands of the ladies. They are on everyone involved

Here are the two processions: groom then bride.

Prayer after the rings, gold chain, and vows.
Just like at home, we get to throw things at the couple too. In this case, rice and flower petals. Only we not don't just throw, but walk up and sprinkle on top of their heads. Most will find its way to the floor.