I love this next wedding because it’s simple and classic but with a twist of fun, bright pops of color in the yellow flowers and blue bridesmaid dresses. And I’m secretly dying over the bride’s shoes. How stinking cute are they?! Sent into us by the amazing folks at Jubilee Photography this wedding is a cross cultural experience like no other. And I’m now officially obsessed with finding out more about the Thai water ceremony in which older guests pour water over the bride and groom’s hands while dispelling marital love advice. How cool is that? See all that and more here in the gallery!
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From Jubilee Photography: College sweethearts Alyssa & Seth live and work in gorgeous San Francisco, but when it came time to plan their multi-cultural wedding, Alyssa had her heart set on her hometown of Baltimore. The couple, who are as sweet as they are low key, opted for a casual elegant affair with a touch of whimsy at the breathtaking Evergreen Museum & Library in Baltimore, Maryland.
Rain was a present threat the entire week, with forecasters predicting torrential rains like the weekend before, but the clouds parted and the sun came out just in time for the couple, who had really wanted a breezy, outdoor ceremony. Alyssa chose a bright and fresh color palette of Daffodil Yellow, Turquoise and Grass Green. The tables were decorated with freshly cut bouquets of Yellow Spring Flowers-Hyacinth, Daffodils, Tulips, and other pretty florals nestled in mix and match glass jars & vases.
The ceremony was a combination of cultures and faiths, with the first part adhering to Seth’s Jewish background, followed by an incredible Thai Water Pouring Ceremony honoring Alyssa’s heritage. The Chuppah was hand-made of Bamboo and Ferns, and held up by family and friends, and after the Jewish Rite, Alyssa & Seth were greeted by all their guests who took part in the tradition. the pouring of water is the most important part of the Thai wedding ceremony as it signifies the couple officially becoming husband and wife. Traditionally, this was all that was required to validate the marriage.
During the ceremony, the bride and groom kneel together, and a holy string is draped from one head to the other, forming a circle and connecting the couple. This symbolizes their spiritual union. They then ” Wai ” by clasping their palms together in the traditional prayer-like gesture while one by one, guests walk up and pour a conch shell full of sacred water over the couple’s hands while offering a blessing or marital advice. The water ceremony is usually performed by all guests older than the couple, with the grandparents and parents proceeding first, followed by relatives and friends of the family.
Everyone retired to the carriage house for amazing food, served in stations, so that guests could mingle and eat, and followed by the first dance, everyone participated in Ramwong, a Thai Folk dance literally meaning to Dance in a Circle! Guests enjoyed a variety of cupcakes and candy, as well as a signature strawberry cocktail served in a Mason Jar.
Photography: Jubilee Photography / Dress and Shoes: J.Crew / Ring Bearer Bowl: Paloma’s Nest / Hair and Makeup: Nicole Gentile and Nicole Crumpler Studio 921/ Flowers: Ellen Frost, Local Color Flowers / Catering: Melanie Brzozowski, Chef’s Expressions / Cupcakes: Georgetown Cupcakes / Rentals: Select Event Rentals / DJ:Absolute Entertainment – Jason Wallace / Ceremony and Reception: Evergreen Museum and Library / Event Coordinator : Sky Blue Events