WWAoGGDIC (What Would Anne of Green Gables Do In China): So this Thai Wedding I attended...So informative

While I was watching (damn YouTube) how to break free of duck tape, because I think its necessary to be prepared in all situations (i.e. kidnapped, trapped, etc, etc) from some former CIA spy dude...I realized I had not posted the pics from Josh and Phacha's wedding. It was a real experience. I took notes and everything.

So for starters, its longer than a Catholic wedding and shorter than an India wedding...just to give you some perspective. There's a walking procession for all with the grooms posse. Many of Josh's group was made up of foreigners with no clue about Thai weddings or the order of things so we were all winging it (some, me, resorted to googlizing what the hell we were suppose to do. while others simply and haphazardly followed) There was some chanting and carrying of "gifts" and "offerings".

Josh, the groom, had to pass various challenges to prove his love for his bride, Phacha. It was pretty cool and Survivor-like (not really but there was push-ups, chicken dance, singing, and a few other interesting tidbits). Following the challenges was an interesting gathering with everyone surrounding watching the blessing of EVERYTHING (gifts, jewelry, food, money,weather, family, friends, etc, etc). There was a speech, a prayer, a sprinkle of something flower or seed like, a passing on and repeat. It looked a little like a talk show with the oldest lady (Oprah role) doing the "giving away speech" in some ancient Thai dialect that 90% of the Thais could not understand nor translate for the us, the Farang (foreigners). So a monk, i believe, fellow....so lets call him the MC (Dr. Phil with a microphone) gave everyone in the wedding party directions and encouraged (hyped) the process along. This was very useful for Josh and ALL of us because we needed some direction. After the the blessing and praying and the constant chanting from Dr. Phil "one million baht", "one million baht"....the couple moved to a pair of alters and we lined up and took pictures and poured water, tied strings, gathered rope, blessing the couple. It felt a little like a marathon, but more interesting hahaha.

The reception was held soon afterward. With so much good food and lots of glorious story telling of the couples many first. I was so happy I was able to be apart of this experience. I love seeing the wardrobe changes by Phacha and Josh's confused/relaxed/confused/exhausted face going through his wedding day. I'm so grateful for this because now I know what to do for my next Thai wedding.

Please enjoy the pictures and video...sorry they're all over the place.