Our friend Paul has finally gotten married! We are so happy for him. It was an awesome wedding too. First we ventured to the University Chapel where he and Millicent were married in a traditional Christian wedding then we joined them and about 200 others for a banquet to celebrate their union.
The ceremony was great. It was the first church wedding I have been to in a long time, complete with a small choir. Everything was in Cantonese, which we can't understand, but were able to read most of the characters and join in on the singing and follow the readings. It was really a blessing to see our oldest Chinese friend finally get hitched. I don't mean oldest as in age, but oldest as in I have known Paul for 8 years +. He was a post graduate student at the medical school where I taught English back in 2000-2002. He was so smart - graduated top of his class. Better yet, he was not so wise that he became foolish. He found Life and pursued it with diligence. After waiting a long time he finally found his bride. And she is a prize!
The banquet was the best I have ever been to. First, once we arrived, Paul & Millicent greeted guests at the front of the hall. She had changed from her wedding gown to a beautiful blue evening dress. She looked like a princess. After all the guest had arrived and were seated there was an introduction and pictures were shown from both of their childhoods on, followed by their wedding photos. Then they were introduced. They entered with the biggest smiles on their faces. Millicent had once again changed into another beautiful white wedding gown, but not the same that she was married in. WOW! They gave some speeches, played some games and then dinner began. The first dish was delivered in the dark. The wait staff came out in a dancing procession holding plates with flashing lights. As the dish got closer we realized it was a whole baby pig that had been roasted. In place of eyes were flashing lights in the shape of hearts. It was so cool. 9 other dishes followed and we ate soooo much. The food was really good. Oh, and I guess while the first dish was being served or sometime after Millicent slipped off and changed into another beautiful peach colored gown.... gorgeous! The man sitting next to us said it is common for the bride to change several times because this is the day she is supposed to look her best. And she did! After dinner, she changed once more into a mint-green colored dress in order to see her guest off. It was an incredible experience. Sorry our camera died so we don't have photos from the reception.
Thank you Paul & Millicent for letting be a part of your special day. May God bless your marriage!
This is me and the girls with Paul's dad - I had not seen him in 6 years. He was glad to see that I now have children. He was already a happy man that day for obvious reasons!
