My 1st Korean Wedding (21.May '11)

On May 21, 2011, MJ and I went to Rooney's wedding in Seoul.

Rooney was a former student of mine in my Level 5/6 class in Nov./Dec. (and MJ's former classmate). He invited us to his wedding a while back. I was excited to be invited and to go.

This was my 1st time in a Korean wedding. I saw a few things that were different from Western weddings, but it was still a lot of fun (actually, there were points that were sheer hilarious!).

MJ and I in the bus, headed to the Express Bus Terminal in Seoul.

Samjung Hotel, where the wedding was held.

Engagement pictures of the bride and groom, for all to see.

Whoa, I've never seen Rooney dressed up like this before.

He lit up when he saw MJ and I.

That alone was worth the trip.

The flowers and candles on the edges of the aisle in the center of the reception hall.

I was not ready for this: it's normal in Korea to have your reception before, during, and after the wedding ceremony. Different, but good. Now I can understand why Korean weddings are somewhat short (according to what I've heard).

The menu.

The lights in this hall annoyed me.

On. Off. On. Off.

I need to have my camera in the proper light-setting!

They're on to me, I just know it . . .

From the candle stand directly behind me.

Fortunately for MJ and I, we were early and able to get a good table right beside the aisle.

Close-up!

I had a few pics from the ceremony, but they didn't turn out too well.

As they were going through the "gate" made of Rooney's ROTC buddies.

Oh, the ROTC guys were killing me!

There were about 10, who made 5 "gates". In order for Rooney and his wife to go through the "gates", the couple (4 out of 5, Rooney) had to do some ridiculously embarrassing feat. Of course, everything was in Korean, but with actions and body language (and MJ's occasional translations) I got what was going on. It was indeed memorable!

Ah, the main course.

Sooooo lovely.

Dessert: Blueberry mouse cake.

Never knew it existed. It was exquisite!

So, that was the wedding. MJ and I stuck around in Seoul for a little longer, then went back to Cheonan later that afternoon.

Thank you Rooney, for inviting us to your wedding! It was well prepared and beautiful. May God bless you in your new life!