Sunnie and Vincent's Wedding

Two weekends ago, I got to go to my first Taiwanese wedding. My host family, Sunnie and Vincent, got married! My roommate Kristin came as my date and to save me from the severe awkwardness of not knowing anyone other than the bride and groom (and a very small handful of other people).




Sunnie was so cute and had thoughtfully arranged for us to sit at a table with all other English teachers. Therefore, we had plenty of other people to talk to. This is me posing with the English teachers' table name card. :)

Taiwanese weddings are basically just a huge banquet. Asians love food, and weddings are the perfect time to indulge. Lots and lots of food. Beyond the food, the other main purpose is for all of the photo ops. Walking into the banquet hall, pouring the wine, cutting the cake, making toasts - each of these are ideal for Kodak moments, which we all know Asians adore.










Weddings are also something like a fashion show. The bride wears three different outfits throughout the ceremony, each with separate hairstyles and jewelry/accessories, as well as matching components on the groom. Vincent was adorable throughout the whole affair, by the way. :) So the banquet started off with Sunnie and Vincent walking in, while we all shot off streamers from firecrackers. Then they jointly poured the champagne into a pyramid of champagne glasses (symbolizing their new life together?) before turning to cut the cake (which turns out was not even a real cake - just designed for the picture...).










After mingling for a bit and sitting down for all of ten minutes to eat a few of the multiple dozens of courses, the happy couple disappeared to change for their next entrance. This time they walked in carrying balloons, which they passed out walking around the room (my guess at symbolism: spreading the love and joy of getting married?). This second outfit is also used for proposing each of the toasts as the couple walks around to each of the separate tables to greet guests.

The third outfit is the receiving line dress. As guests filter out of the banquet, thanking their hosts and congratulating the newlyweds, more pictures are in order. My summation of Taiwanese weddings: they should seriously consider incorporating dancing. That being said, Sunnie was gorgeous, and she and Vincent looked very happy. :)