An Acehnese Wedding

Yesterday, our family attended a traditional Acehnese wedding in our neighborhood. It was such an amazing opportunity to see the beauty of this culture displayed so vibrantly. {Sadly, I didn't bring my camera.} The actual wedding ceremony was done privately at a mosque nearby, which very few people attend. But, afterwards there are the long-standing Acehnese traditions that are carried out. 

The bride and groom wore beautifully adorned traditional wedding attire. The bride wore a headdress of cascading flowers, ornate gold jewelry over her deep crimson dress, and her hands and feet were carefully decorated with henna art. The groom was dressed in masculine traditional attire that complimented his bride's. On his head was a stiff, yet beautifully detailed tall cap.

Each entered into the "reception" separately from opposite sides. First, the bride. She lead a group of 30+ women in a procession to the center of the event. One woman was walking beside her holding a unique gold umbrella over the bride's head to shield her from the sun. Those women following her were family members and close friends who support this marriage. When she reached the center she gracefully took a seat to await her groom's arrival.

A few moments later, the groom and his entourage arrived. Although he didn't lead the his procession. Instead, five men finely dressed in traditional Acehnese attire walked side by side carrying large golden plates piled high with a beautiful red and gold silk fabric concealing the contents. These were gifts from the groom that were presented to the bride's family as proof that the groom can care for the needs of his bride. These men lead the procession with the groom right behind (also with a matching umbrella over his head). The groom's procession stopped about 15 feet from the bride.

Once the gifts were presented, the bride stood. She walked toward her groom and bowed. He took her hand. Then they were both seated together there at that spot.

Next, eight beautifully dressed young girls (many Catelyn's friends) performed a traditional dance before the couple. They presented flowers in beautifully crafted silver bowls to the new couple as part of the dance. The dance represented the honoring of the marriage.

It was a wonderful opportunity to take part in this special occasion. Of course, our family got a lot of attention because we were the only white people there. Our kid may have gotten more pictures taken of them than the newly married couple! 

Although I didn't bring my camera, Corey did manage to get a couple pictures with his phone.

Ella couldn't decide whether she liked the henna or not. 

                              She was intrigued by it, but it also scared her. It was funny to watch her!