Day 8 - Wedding Day

Day 8 - Wedding Day

It's official and legal. I have a Cumbrian Thai Wife. And to honour the occasion, in true Lakeland style, it rained !!

Ang had put me off the scent of her dress , so I was quite surprised and pleased with her choice of a lovely fifties number.

We were collected from our room at 12:30 by Crystal , who explained what was going to happen. We were taken to a private ferry and delivered to the canal village. A brief toilet stop for Ang whose contact lens had ripped.

We were then accompanied to the church by a Thai long drum procession which involved 4 female thai dancers leading us , followed by 6 male Thai drummers beating drums and cymbals. ( it has just started raining at this point but only a little).

We then entered the chapel where we were greeted by the Amphur and 5 other Thai people ( witnesses and water blessings). The ceremony was introduced - very much like an English ceremony I.e. we are gathered here to enter into the holy union of marriage...

Then the 3 monks entered and prayed for us for 5-10 minutes. A very peaceful time to reflect on marriage, our family and friends who are at home, and also others who were with us - Ang's brother John and my dear dad.

After this we had garlands to bless us, two circular garlands around our heads which were tied to symbolise how we were now joined but individual.

in our room with our cards and gifts

After this we had a water blessing . All of those present symbolically poured water over our hands. Thai's believe this will cool any anger and jealousy in our marriage.

Finally the monks blessed us with anointing by water, which involved 'flicking water at us from their seats whilst chanting blessings'. We then presented each monk with gifts and they left.

We were then pronounced husband & wife, I gave Ang her ring, kissed my new wife and we signed the register .

A lovely happy occasion. We were both nervous at first but the setting and service were all we would want.

Cutting the cake in our room

Ang's bouquet - for any interested ladies!

We are getting the official photos later - ill post on my Flickr site. But for now I've attached some we took

Mr & Mrs.

 

 

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