Another early day, with my Mom and myself going to a Sikh temple for the very first time. Somehow no one told us we had to cover our heads before entering the temple but good thing they had scarves and hankerchief-like headwear available for use. We managed to get them to match the clothes and ended up looking like refugees (rather happy ones though...)
While waiting for the groom and his guests to arrive, Vinnie's family was preparing for the breakfast they had to serve later, making sure the tables were laid out beautifully with bouquets of flowers and plates of food. Soon after they were done, Puran (face covered with a veil of fluffy stuff and beads) arrived and were greeted at the entrance by everyone. The bride then came out and there was an exchange (I couldn't see what they exchanged) and then the groom's party was led into the canteen for the light breakfast.
After they were done and moved up to the main hall, the bride's guests got to have a bit to munch with spiced tea. All this while, Vinnie was changing into her wedding dress (I think I heard her mention 20 outfits yesterday). Basically we were led everywhere by her aunts and so went up just in time to usher Vinnie into the hall. Led by her brother and sisters, and followed by her other relatives (plus the 2 refugees who were sprinkled with fairy dust and turned into family for the day).
The couple sat infront of the altar (I'm guessing it's what they call it) as they waited for all the guests to arrive and settle down. Once the prayers started, I didn't know what was going on and just people-watched. From that you notice people dozing off... hehehe... you're lucky I didn't catch you on my video!!! MWUAHAHAHAHA!
Alrighty... the next bit is where the couple has to go around the altar about 5 times , each round with it's own significance. First I lost count as I was engrossed with taking photos with someone who kept blocking my view. Secondly I couldn't really hear the lady singing it in English and that's why I don't know what the rounds signify.
Ok Mr. Big-Blocker on the left...
I know who u are..
I got ur face!!!
There u are AGAIN!
Finally one WITHOUT you!
Once they were married (on paper as well) it was time to give Vinnie her gift, take some shots and get more "gobstoppers" a.k.a. Laddu.
The Happy Family
Right after, we go down to the canteen for a vegetarian brunch that had almost the same dishes as the ones that Vinnie's family had served the day before. My mom had a go at everything since it was her first to try all of it, while I just chose a big plate of the ones I really liked, although I think I took too much yoghurt. :p
There was a bus to take everyone to Vinnie's place to officially kick her out of the house, but I decided against going due to lack of sleep and the fact that I had to tie my own sari for the dinner reception. What the sisters planned to do was to try make her cry, but I heard it didn't work. I think her mom might have cried tears of joy though.. hahaha!
It's 5p.m and I'm up tying the sari and perspiring as if I'm in a sauna. Finally get it right and I'm off to the reception, right on time (yay me!). When I get to the ushers, they don't have a proper plan and I'm told just to sit at one of the first 3 tables and to choose a seat with easiest access to the stage (and with that I start getting nervous).
Next to the ushers was the wedding album and as usual everyone wanted to have a look but I just wanted the cool air-conditioned comfort. Right before going in you get a little gift that looked like another gobstopper-like sweet. Turned out it was a cute little box containing a candy.
Once again with local "tradition", the reception starts around 8pm with the arrival of the couple and a family member (who is famous in Malaysia, and obviously at this party) to sing a song to bless the couple.
Right after they were asked on stage for to make a speech before the couple's best friends were brought up to give theirs. At that point I felt like my heart was going to jump out and land on the speaker's podium. I was thankful my voice didn't go all squeaky or nasal, and that I could speak fast and made a quick exit from the stage. Some deal with it by making it quick, while others a.k.a. Puran's best friend, did it with a long embarrassing story.
The couple were then invited up to the stage for the champagne ceremony, to recieve a big gift (the huge bottle of liquor on a swinging rack), as well as have everyone join them in a toast. The lady and a guest then sang another song while the couple were invited up for their first dance.
Once all the fancy stuff was done, everyone was invited to the buffet lines to fill their stomachs while some dancers entertained on stage.
When the newlyweds and their families were done with their dinner, the dancers performed once again, pulling Vinnie's sisters to the dancefloor to start the (disco) ball rolling. Soon everyone joined in while Vinnie & Puran went round taking photos with the guests.
Extremely Proud Parents
Pheeeeew!
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