Today’s real wedding dazzles us with a traditional fashion show of Khmer wedding attire and symbolically sweet ceremony rituals. Allow me to introduce the newlywed leads of this magnificent celebration and Carlos Delgado Wedding Photography, who’s images capture the custom embroidery and glitter of the day.
Setting: Long Beach, California
Heroine/ Hero: Cambodian Bride, Patty and her Mexican Beau, Anthony
Photography: CD Wedding Photography
SCENE #1: SHOWERED WITH DOWER
We are most honored and thankful to have Patty with us today as she details a couple Cambodian Wedding Ceremonies. Without further ado…here’s Patty.
The Presentation of Dowry is when “Cambodian weddings begin with the groom and his family traveling to the bride’s home bearing gifts to the bride’s family as dowry. Family members and friends are introduced, and wedding rings exchanged. The dowry includes meats, fruits, pastries, drinks, and desserts of every variety to be presented on the wedding day.”
SCENE #2: LOVE STRINGS ATTACHED
The Hair Cutting Ceremony is “to prepare the bride and groom for their life as a married couple, their hair is symbolically cut, representing a fresh start to their new relationship together as husband and wife. The master of ceremony performs the first symbolic hair cut and wishes the couple happiness, prosperity, and longevity. The bride and groom’s parents, relatives, and friends then take turn to symbolically cut the bride and groom’s hair and give them blessings and well-wishes.”
One of my favorites is the Pairing Ceremony. “In this final and most memorable stage of the wedding, family members and friends tie the bride and groom’s left and right wrists with blessing strings. The praises and well-wishes of happiness, good health, success, prosperity, and long-lasting love are acknowledged and witnessed by the loud sound of the gong and joyful cheer. The ceremony concludes with a shower of palm flowers thrown over the new couple.”
SCENE #3: MASS OF ROMANCE
And concluding their ceremonies of well wishes and love is the Catholic Mass “that consists of a 1st reading from the old testament of the bible, 2nd reading from the new testament of the bible, the Gospel, and followed by the priest’s homily. Then, we exchange vows and rings. Next, we receive the Eucharist (bread and wine) which symbolizes the body and blood of Christ. Lastly, the guests and priest would give us their blessings and pray for us. “
SCENE 5: DANCING AFLOAT
Patty and Anthony definitely treated their guest’s taste buds with the selection of both, Cambodian and Mexican delicacies all while on the wistfully romantic ship atmosphere of the Long Beach Queen Mary. However, to get an accurate headcount for dinner at times seemed to be a challenge since “it’s not customary to RSVP” to a Cambodian wedding. Good ol’Facebook lent a helping hand with tracking attendees down! This wasn’t the only helpful tool.
We mustn’t forget to give a big shout out to Patty and Anthony’s generous and talented family, friends, and wedding party for contributing to a large number of the DIY tasks. Floral arrangements, invitations, centerpieces, backdrops you name it and this group not only got it done but accomplished it with such harmonizing tints and styling.
{CREDITS: Photography by CD Wedding Photography; Catholic Ceremony at St. Lucy’s Catholic Church of Long Beach and reception at the Queen Mary; Cake from Long Phung Bakery ; Cambodian Flowers from Vannary Bridal and Catholic Ceremony Flowers by the bride’s mother, Leaksmey Oum, and aunts; Hair, Makeup, Jewelry, and 7 Cambodian outfits by Vannary Bridal; Additional Bridesmaid hair by Monica Tang; Bride’s shoes by Aldo; Wedding Dress by Alfred Angelo the Disney Collection; Bridesmaid’s dresses from David’s Bridal; Groom’s and Groomsmen suits by Friar’s Tuxedo; Stationary/Invitation DIY kit from Michael’s; Event Designer by Lea Quimbao (Queen Mary Catering)}
Be sure to check out the gallery for more of the beautiful gown changes! Thanks to DC Wedding Photography for your storytelling work and an extra big thanks to Patty and Anthony for being in love! :)
