Vanne's Wedding Continued

Saturday morning, the traditional Khmer wedding ceremony began at 6:00 am with attendees lining-up in the street to enter the wedding tent. Andreea (the new volunteer) and I, didn't make it to the wedding quite that early. However, we did arrive early enough to see most of the ceremonies. Below, we're in a Tuk-tuk (which is basically a small carriage pulled by a moto) in our wedding finery ; )When we arrived, my students were excited to see me dressed-up (they are always good for a confidence boost!) and rushed to make sure a had a good seat. I was really glad they were nearby to help explain some of the different rituals that took place. The family was also extremely welcoming and treated Andreea and I like honored guests. Even including us in family photos!
Below, the hair-cutting ceremony begins. Individuals take turns pretending to cut a lock of hair from the bride and groom, symbolizing their new begginning together.
When we weren't with the family, Andreea and I spent time with the students at the wedding, who had earlier performed a special blessing dance (led by Dimang).

Here we are! Called in specially to take photos with the whole family!
Unlike home, where brides search for the one, perfect wedding dress, a Khmer bride changes into multiple dresses throughout the day. Vanne had around nine different outfits on Saturday (I have pictures of most, but not all!). Luckily, the majority of these dresses can be rented.

Pictured below is the begginning of the hand-tying ceremony, which symbolizes the union of the bride and groom.

After many ceremonies and pictures, the bride was able to take a break and rest in the early afternoon before her reception began. The family was incredibly sweet and invited Andreea and I to nap at there house until the reception. It was fun to see the girls in between outfits. During their small slumper party they gossiped and giggled. It was interesting to note that while there were many differences in traditions some things are exactly the same acroos cultures.

Around 4:00 pm, the reception began. Vanne donned her newest dress to head-up the reception line (which she would change a few times before entering the reception herself).

Here is Andreea and I with three of my students (who were Vanne's bridesmaids).

Dimang and I

Another dress...

Three more of my students, who Andreea and I sat with through the reception. They all looked so different then they normally do in their school uniforms. Especially Gakleang (who is in the middle). You wouldn't guess it from the picture, but she is such a tomboy!

And another...

Andreea, Phirun (our school secretary) and IThe final dress! Which Vanne wore when she sang a Khmer love song. She is quite the performer and a beautiful singer. She had the whole crowd captiaved!