Wedding Celebration

The Happy Family!

A primary reason for our visit to China was to participate in the wedding celebration that her father has been wanting to have in China.  Since only her parents were at the ceremony in Madison, they still wanted the opportunity to have friends and extended family celebrate their marriage.  The event was held on Saturday night and was really fun and festive.  Not an actual wedding ceremony, but similar in many ways.  It was held at a lovely hotel not too far from where we are staying.  There was approximately 100 people attending, all of them enjoying a lovely dinner.  Karen looked beautiful, Mike handsome and Jack very styling in an outfit Karen thinks she got from Max.

Announcement in the lobby

                

                                                                      
When you entered the hotel there was a big sign in the lobby announcing the event.  The outside entrance of the room was all decorated with a balloon archway and the inside was also decorated.  The head table was set in red and gold and there was a large stage area where the wedding cake was set up.  In China, there is not really a religious or officially decreed ceremony, rather the joining of the families, as well as the bride's parents letting her "go" to the grooms family.

The Wedding Cake

There is usually a master of ceremonies who directs part of the evening and introduces everyone.  The one for this celebration was a lovely, young woman with lots enthusiasm!  She even had musical backup that was fun - almost like announcing at the Emmy's!  First, Karen's Dad gave a nice speech, then Dave gave a short one that was sort of translated correctly by Louie, and then the kids were introduced - along with Jack.  During all of this, dish after dish is coming out of the kitchen - fish, lobster, crab, pork - one after the other.  Karen and Mike sat and ate a little, and then began the toasting of tables.  Accompanied by her father, they visited every table and made a toast to their guests, and then received gifts.  Gifts were either in the form of money or GOLD!  Karen was dripping in bling by the time the evening was over.  Rings, bracelets and necklaces - even Mike got a gold ring.  Karen got a beautiful jade and gold bracelet from her grandmother, and they each got a very treasured stone necklace from a friend of Karen's father.  There was lots of photos and laughing at each table - and there were little kids!  Jack was having a great time playing in the big room and climbing on the stage.

The Banquet Hall

Most of the event was similar to home - family, friends, wedding cake, toasts, laughing and kids running around.  It was lovely and we were so honored to be part of it.

Jack having so much fun!