Behind the Lens

You know when you hear a song that you really love, and it makes you feel a certain way? Well, that is how I feel when I look at this photographer's beautiful collection of pictures. Photographs are like music for the eyes. So when I see an image that moves me the same way my favorite song does, I know I am looking at something very special. And while I feel a strong connection with the photos, I'm not sure I click with the person behind the lens of the camera. It's too bad. We could have been a perfect match made in photography heaven.

Traditional Cambodian Ceremonies

can be summed up into two words, lengthy and arduous. These long intricate affairs last up to 3 days. Why 3? Well according to the Khmer Institute, 3 is an auspicious number in Buddhism. It may also take 3 days to conduct the highly complex ceremonies. FI and I have decided to condense everything into 1 day by curtailing a few ceremonies. We simply don't have the financial means to host an elaborate 2-3 day function. Plus, FI and I want to make sure the transition from ceremony to reception is as smooth as possible. So the ceremonies will be short, sweet and relatively painless. I hope. *smiles*

Below is a brief run down of the ceremony itinerary/time line.

Backround Information on Khmer Weddings:

Khmer weddings symbolize the beautiful legend of the origin of Cambodia and parallels the marriage of the first Khmer prince, Preah Thong, to the naga princess, Neang Neak. The prince was a foreigner exiled from his homeland, and during his travels encountered and fell in love with the naga princess. As a marriage gift, the father of the naga princess swallowed a part of the ocean, and thus formed the land of Cambodia.

A traditional Khmer wedding is one of the most joyous occasions. It is a grand affair, full of color and festivity, as well as steeped in tradition. Family, friends, and other members of the community come together to share in the celebration. Musicians play throughout the day on traditional instruments, and the couple is dressed like royalty. The bride may change her outfit several times in one day. If the wedding were a week long affair, she could declare the color of her dress each day and the guests would dress only in that color.

Unlike most Western weddings, guests are usually highly animated during the ceremonies, with elders typically explaining the significance of the various customs to the younger generation. Guests freely move in and out during ceremonies, which is not considered rude.


Rise & Shine

At the beginning of the day, the bride customarily waits at her parent's house while the groom gathers a procession of his family and friends. The procession symbolizes the journey of the prince Preah Thong to meet his bride the princess Neang Neak. The groom's procession approaches the bride's home bearing wrapped platters of gifts, usually fruits and Khmer desserts, and is led by a band of musicians and singers.

Traditionally, the mai ba (a well-respected member of the bride's family who serves as its representative) comes out to greet the procession. The different number of fruits and desserts are counted - the more, the better. If found to be satisfactory, the mai ba and ma ha (representative for the groom's party) run through a humorous verbal parlay which ends with the groom and the rest of the procession being invited into the bride's home.


Gaat Sah- The Cleansing Ceremony

Before the bride and groom are officially married in the Khmer tradition, they must be properly prepared through an elaborate cleansing ceremony. The singers, representing visiting devada (deities who watch over the mortal realms), dance around the bride and groom. Their songs represent their enchantment with the beauty of the new couple, and they agree to personally cleanse and purify the bride and groom to bring them good fortune, beauty, and grace for the rest of their lives. The devada cut the hair of the couple and shave the groom, throwing away any excesses and misfortune that may have lingered. The new couple is also perfumed. At the conclusion of this ceremony, the visiting devada return to the realm of tansuor, the home of the gods and deceased ancestors.

According to the legend of Preah Tong and Neang Neak, they married without the naga king's knowledge. Neang Neak prayed to the devada to witness her hair being cut, after which they then carried locks of hair to her father. When he received her locks, he rejoiced in the knowledge that his daughter was being married.

Soat Mun- Blessing From The Monks

Out of respect and reverence for the monks, we ask that you remain silent while the bride and groom receive their blessings during this ceremony. Traditionally, three to five monks or as many as seven will invoke blessings which have been specifically chosen for the couple by the monks.


Sien Doan Taa- Call to Ancestors

In Khmer culture, family bonds are the ones that are the most important, and a marriage is the inclusion of the couple into their new families. At all important events, family and friends are called upon to share in the celebrations and offer their blessings. This ceremony calls forth for those who have passed away, both family and friends, to offer their blessings and observe the wedding, if not in body, in spirit. It is a time to reflect on those near and dear to our hearts and remember to include them in our happiness.


Bongvul Prompul- Passing of Blessings

In this ceremony, currently married couples are asked to gather in a circle around the bride and groom. Three candles are lit and handed from person to person. Each participant passes his or her right hand over it in a sweeping motion towards the couple, sending or throwing a silent blessing to them. Only married couples are asked to participate, as it is believed that they will pass along the special quality or essence which has preserved their union. The candles are passed around the circle clockwise seven times to complete the ceremony.

Sompeas Ptim- Knot Tying Cermony

Khmer weddings traditionally have a knot tying ceremony, but unlike what the name implies, it is the guests who tie the knots, not the bride and groom. Close family and friends are invited to come forward to bring their best wishes and blessings to the new couple by individually tying ribbons around each of their wrists. These knots are tied on both the bride and groom, who were traditionally required to wear them for three days afterwards to preserve the good luck. This ceremony has customarily been considered an ideal opportunity to take a picture of each guest in attendance with the new couple.

This time line was created by a friend and former bride. Thank you for lending me this information.

Please refer to The Khmer Institute for more detailed summaries of each ceremony.

Vendor Roll Call

After a ton of research I've complied a list of potential vendors for our wedding. I don't have a list of musicians or DJs because we have entrusted our family with that decision.

Florists

1. Studio 539 Flowers - Providence, R.I
www.539flowers.com

2. Florals by Alisa - Barrington, R.I
www.floralsbyalisa.com

3. Ray's Flower Shop - Fall River, MA
www.raysflowershopne.com

4. Colors Floral Design - Swansea, MA
www.colorsfloraldesign.com

5. Green Lion Design - Tiverton, R.I
www.greenlionri.com

6. Vine & Vessel - Seekonk, R.I
www.flowersbyxenia.com

7. Blooming Blossoms - Providence, R.I
www.blooming-blossoms.com


Make Up Artist

1. Robin McAloon - R.I
www.robinmakeup.com

2. Tara from Tada Yourself - M.A
www.tadayourself.com

3. Kristin Greene - R.I
www.Kristingreene.net


Hair

1. Chanda Sek
www.myspace.com/miss_chanda


Videography

1. The Light Mill Film Studio -CT
www.thelightmill.com

2. David Bettencourt - R.I
www.davidbettencourt.com

3. Mike Picard - R.I
www.mikepicardvideography.com

4. Meg Simone - NH
www.megsimone.com

5. Boston Wedding Films - MA
www.Bostonweddingfilms.com


Photographers (Revised List)
- After the venue, Photography is my number two priority. There is such a big pool of talented photographers in New England that to narrow it down to 7 potential picks was very difficult for me. However, through the process of elimination I've been able to find photographers who fit the bill in terms of style and budget. Now I just have to make arrangements to meet with them in person. I believe that making a connection with the photographer is just as important as the connection you have with their work. It was also important to me that the photography package included edited high resolution files with the rights to reprint and full day coverage(unlimited hours). I simply didn't want to pay for hourly rates because it was just too costly in the end and because I didn't know how many hours I needed on my wedding day. It was tough because I had to eliminate a good number of photographers who had the artistic style I sought after but did not offer full day rates. Photography is also my biggest splurge. Prices for the photographers ranged from under 1,000 to a little over 4,000.

1. Raw Photo Studio - CT

2. Val McCormick - CT

3. Kelly Prizel - CT

4. Geneve Hoffman - ME

5. Mandy Mayberry - MA

6. Kate McElwee - MA $3500

7. Candace Jeffery - CT $3800


DOC

1. Pink Orchids Wedding - Emilie & Fiona
www.pinkorchidweddings.com

2. Infinite Events - Andria
www.infinite-events.net

Pronovias: Manual Moto Tirso

Beachy Brides will loooove this dress. Modern one shoulder, empire waist, free flowing chiffon with delicate organza flowers that add a very feminine touch to an otherwise stylized silhouette. It's a contender in my bridal book!

Sassy Mouth

Dear Blog,

I've been falsely accused as a vendor! Luckily I have fellow brides on the forum to vouch for me. This time my sassy mouth might have ignited a thread inferno. As you know, I've always been very vocal with my thoughts. And as a result, I sometimes find myself engaged in a battle of words. I realize though that I may speak my mind to a fault. Really, I'm not trying to create drama by pushing people's button. I guess that's why Blog, you are so good for me. Writing to you is like addressing my letters to the unknown. Where what's drafted deep in my mind makes perfect sense. Where my thoughts and ideas could be projected out as simply as possible without confusion or misunderstandings. It is also where I can rant and rave about anything that tickles my fancy. But I digress...a bit too much. I'm just glad the Knot has a moderator to act as mediator when unpleasantries arise. They help to validate or dispute claims made by brides who post negative reviews. It protects the vendor's reputation and their business. I know in the past I've made quick judgments based on one single bad review without taking into account the other side. Well I won't make that mistake again, which is why I take the critiques with a grain of salt. And it is why I always ask questions even if it leads to some linguistic sword slashing.

Floral Inspiration

Tall Centerpiece designs. Love the use of twigs, curly willow and manzanita branches. I'd definitely want to infuse more than one color or type of flower in the arrangement.

Family Style

Long before family style receptions became a trend. This type of marriage between a sit down dinner and buffet was common in Asian weddings. It is still the most popular choice for couples who want to keep with custom. Dishes served at the wedding usually have special symbolisms like happiness, fertility and longevity. The number of courses served is also significant. At Chinese wedding banquets eight dishes are served not including the dessert. In Chinese, the word “eight” sounds like “good luck.” Cambodian weddings serve seven-twelve dishes including dessert. Dishes like fried rice, shark fin soup, crispy fish in hunan sauce and roast duck are some favorite entrees. Traditional desserts like fresh fruit, bite size desserts or tapioca pudding with coconut are real sweet treats for the guests.

Family Style meals are appealing for another reason too. They are less expensive than a formal 3 course sit down dinner. It's great for both an indoor or outdoor reception. The set-up exudes a very relaxed and casual ambiance where guests can feel free to carry on a conversation over food. This helps set a friendly mood among strangers, allowing guests to socialize as though they are really partaking of a warm and hearty family dinner. It makes the reception look welcoming and intimate. The idea is to make them feel like they are just at home enjoying a casual yet elegant meal with friends or relatives.

Inspiration Board V

Board by Perfect Palette

Inspiration Wedding: Vanilla, Champagne, Raspberry, Pink, Gold

These are quite possibly my favorite wedding inspiration pictures from a real wedding. A beautiful marriage between earthy neutral tones like champagne and vanilla with bold hues of raspberry and bright pink. The gold is eye catching and lends richness and warmth to the color palette. It's a purrrfect accent color for an Asian affair since gold is symbolic of wealth and prosperity. I also love the manzanita centerpiece with the floral details.

Escort Cards

My love for origami is simple. You can take an ordinary piece of paper and turn it into your vision of extraordinary. As one of my favorite past times, I knew I had to incorporate origami into my wedding. Well ta da! Origami crane escort cards! Unlike the above inspiration pictures, I will string mine with clear thread and attach a crystal at the bottom. They will be hung on a manzanita tree. The new issue of Brides has a better picture of my version of origami crane escorts. I will DIY the manzanita tree at a later time and post the results up for interested brides.

New Layout

Tres Magnifique! Tis a new layout for the new year. Loving the simplicity and space. The color scheme isn't too shabby either. It is still under some renovation but I hope to have everything flowing smoothly soon.

Khmer Style: Wedding Fashion

Cambodian weddings are always a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors. The bride is often draped in gilded jewelry and ornate costumes that are sumptuously adorned with embellishments. The whole feel of the wedding is festivity and colors and the attire is reflective of that in the intricate thread works and fine silk dresses. Sarongs or Sampots are worn by both the bride and groom in beautiful patterns and colors. One shoulder silk dresses is the most popular choice for brides. Bridal blouses usually have a sbaay (usually a lace overlay or silk sash) draped over one shoulder. A modern designed bridal dress with immaculate ethnic embroidery offers the best dress for a traditional marriage. The dresses present a fashion statement reflecting a blend of contemporary designs and emphasize traditional culture. Jewelry is also an important aspect of Cambodian bridal fashion. Finely crafted gold or silver tone charmed wrist bracelets, ankle bracelets, chandelier earrings, and elaborately designed necklaces symbolizes royalty and grace. In essence the complete look of the bride resembles an Apsara(heavenly deities) on her wedding day.

More Pictures from Traditional Cambodian Weddings
Brian Khang: Melvin & Naroth

Inspiration Board IV

Favor Ideas: Lucky Bamboo

Known for centuries as Lucky Bamboo, the plant is not a bamboo at all (botanical name: Dracaena) but a resilient member of the lily family that grows in the dark, tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia and Africa. Lucky Bamboo is very popular especially in Asian households. These relatively inexpensive plants are easy to care for and add to the Asian theme wedding. Priced at $2.50 it is very budget friendly.

The Hardware

It’s a pretty well-known fact that I obsess over details. Most of the time, I spend hours on end painstakingly adding details to my craft projects. My fixation with details is enough to make me want to poke my eyes out. So as an artist (ugh, that sounds so pompous), I feel that I need to design every aspect of our wedding including the paper goods and even my ring, yes I spoiled a surprise proposal for a chance to create/design/personalize the hardware. I've been trying to find a wedding band to match my ring but no such luck. Since I have a split shank micro pave setting, I have to custom order a band to match it. There are two small diamonds on each side that might prove to be a bit of a design challenge. I want to have our wedding date engraved too. This way I won't ever forget our anniversary!

Lovely shot of a split shank micro-pave diamond Ring