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| Fancy wedding invitation. |
I had the pleasure to attend the wedding of my host brother, Ion (known as Johnny), and his new bride, Domnița. Moldovans are known to throw down a good party. This time was no exception. Lindsey, Philip, and I left the house at 4:00pm and went to sleep around 5:00am.
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| Philip and my host dad pre-wedding. |
We began the party at my host family's house, popping some champagne with Misha, my host dad. We went over to their house to wait for a ride from a rutiera (mini-bus) to take us to the restaurant outside of town. While waiting around, a few other close friends and family showed up. What was striking to me is how I couldn't hide my enthusiasm for the celebration of this marriage while everyone else seemed so serious if not somber. If any day should be a day to smile and laugh, surely it would be a wedding day of a loved one! As we were standing outside with a few others dressed in their finest plus winter clothing, passing around a glass of house wine, I couldn't help but notice how no one seemed excited for this event. It was just another day in the winter of Moldova. (And I'm screaming inside, "HEY!!! Can't we just let loose, smile, and be of good cheer for just this once for a whole day!? House wine isn't even required!") So there's still that: glaring little cultural differences sometimes. It's not better or worse, but it's just different.
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| Most people came in pairs with a last name. Then there's us. |
The wedding party officially began by greeting the "godparents" of the new couple and the bride and groom themselves. Following the Orthodox tradition, these godparents generally play an important role in the new couple's lives. They often become like family (if not already) and celebrate birthdays, holidays, and other celebrations together. They are also there to give advice when needed. After greeting the two couples with a flower or a gift, we waited to be seated and then to begin the meal. Every table was adorned with unlimited amounts of food and beverage.
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| Fancy place settings for all. The name tag actually turns into an donation envelope in the inside. It's the custom to give from one guest a minimum of 500 lei but 1000 lei (~$75) or more is more respectable. |
After about three courses, the microphone and a basket were passed around the room so people could give toasts and their financial donations. We were at the very last table, and by that time few people seemed to be paying much attention... Until I got on the microphone! It seems that Moldovans have an impeccable hearing for foreign speakers of Romanian! I gave my best version of a Moldovan toast. The DJ then played the song Feelin' Good by Michael Buble that was once karaoked to by a British volunteer who attended Johnny's birthday party back when I lived there (long story short!). Johnny had really seemed to like the song the weeks following so it seemed appropriate to share it on a day when you should really be feelin' good! (These are the little things that are maybe a bit strange to tell you or to hear, but they are also the things that make the best memories in my mind.) It may have rightfully been the only American song of the night.
We continued the night with lots of dancing, plenty of toasts, and a few more traditions.
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| This is a photo during the traditional Moldovan dance called the hora. |
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| The bride, groom, and host sister from America! |
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| I just love this guy (Misha, my host dad). |
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| Lindsey and Philip were looking good! That flower on Philips lapel is to signify that he's a bachelor. |
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| Lindsey's got moves, too! |
I hope to write one more entry to talk about a few characters at the wedding and also Day 2 of the wedding party. Mai revin. (I'll come back!)
