This weekend was my head co-teacher wedding. I had known for a while she was going to get married and trying to figure out what to get. I wanted to get something from my trip to canada that was unique but other than valetines chocolate boxes which I thought would be tacky but couldnt really come up with anything. Luckily, now I'm being told its tradition to give money and the teachers are each contributing $25 each.

When we arrived first there was a bridal room where individual and group photos were being taken. The groom was standing in the foyer outside greeting everyone. I was told there are two wedding ceremonies. First they do a western style wedding in the white dress. Then after the meal, the bride and groom change into their traditional clothes. Next is the private ceremony in a small room just for the family.

The first western style ceremony was a short affair compared to other weddings back home. They played 'here comes the bride' as the father walked the bride up the aisle where the groom was waiting. Each set of parents sits diagonally from the main stage. Once the vows are done they then turn to each set of parents and bow together. Students from the school did a dance performance. After that they both walk down the aisle together and a pair of trumpets shot streamers.

Then most people left for the dining hall but the bride and groom stayed for individual and group photos. They did the tossing of the boquet but it was staged for the cameras and only her friend stood behind instead of a group, and they tossed it a few times to get the right shots. Also I was told invitations are just for the person, not spouses and families, since everyone from school came solo.

The dining hall was a self serve buffet. Trying to eat corn with chopsticks is not something i'd recommend. Also the dessert section was very small compared to weddings back home and was mostly honey filled rice cakes.

I had been invited to stay for the traditional wedding ceremony but there was a mix up with my ride home so I had to leave. You can see the tradtional ceremony in many of the folk villages and another couple next door is pictured above. I have tried to avoid direct face pics the rest of the time since this blog is totally public.

It was my first korean wedding, quite well organized, a lot quicker than affairs back home, and no drinking or dancing after. Next they are off to their honeymoon and I'll be off to Japan too! I also found out I have a new head co-teacher when I get back.