The Bride's Mom Can Sew!

Ravy.... Sidavay Tan

now Van Valkenburgh

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  Ravy and her sister...

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It is customary in Cambodian

weddings for the bride and other

relatives to change their clothes

multiple times during the 3 days of

ceremonies. Ravy changed 3 times

throughout the day and all of the gowns

were sent from Cambodia and hand sewn

by her Mom. Her sister's gown and many other family members also wore gowns

made by Ravy's mother and they were stunning. I hope to include other photos in the

future of guests and the Tea Ceremony, it was just beautiful. When the

measurements were sent for my son's traditional shirt for the tea ceremony -

because of his size.... they questioned over and over whether the measurements were

correct because Cambodian men are small in stature and weight.

Todd is NOT. He is 6' 2".... The shirt arrived, it fit perfectly, as did the gowns 3 days before the wedding.

It's called "Cambodian Time" in our family and my son just goes with the flow.

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Tea Time for me and mine....

Cambodian Wedding

Tea Ceremony

The morning of my son's wedding we are to arrive at his home in Annapolis at 9 am to participate in a traditional tea ceremony that celebrates the bride and groom's ancestors and elders. My father is 87 and my step-mom is 72. Ravy's aunts are in their 70's. Usually the bride's family is served tea first and the groom's family is then served. Buddhist monks offer prayers to the dead and to the elders. Prayers are said for the bride and groom for a healthy happy marriage. After the ceremony, a brunch is served with a whole roasted pig, ducks, chickens along with many other savory dishes. This will be a very new experience for my family and I am sure I have not described it in a completely accurate manner. But it sounds pretty cool doesn't it?

Then photos, change of clothes, to the church for the wedding at 2 pm, photos, drive to the reception at 6 - a 10 course Chinese New Year's menu ................ Jennifer P.S. The bride's name changes from "Tan" to "Van Valkenburgh" yup... 14 letters.