Phaeng’s beautiful Lao wedding

By: Nicole Long – Laos country director

I have recently returned back to my eastern home in Laos after saying goodbye to my western one last month. It really was a treat to go home and see my family and friends; it was a long overdue trip. It was soothing to immerse myself in the food and culture I have grown up with in the south and while living in New York City. It was satisfying for my soul to be surrounded by friends and family who have accepted and loved me through the thick and the thin. It truly energized the spirit!

Even though this trip awakened feelings I haven’t experienced since the last time I went home two years ago, it didn’t stop me from missing the home I had come to know in Laos.

One of the things I missed the most was my Lao brother, Phaeng. If you do not already know this, Phaeng is the booking manager for Journeys Within in Laos and he is both my right and left hand. He does an exceptional job for JW and is a caring and thoughtful person. I especially missed him while I was gone because he was getting married. The wedding was planned before I left because it was the only day until December that was believed to be auspicious.  We were both disappointed that my trip and wedding coincided, but accepted that it was out of our hands.

The day of the wedding was jam-packed with ceremonies and celebrations. Phaeng’s wedding party of family and friends gathered together at his family’s home for the Hae keuy then proceeded to the bride’s family’s house. The convoy traditionally brings the bride’s dowry of money, gold, livestock and other valuable goods. Once the convoy reached the house they had to pass through the two barriers of the bride’s relatives by drinking with them and giving them money. Once this had been done the master of the ceremony held a sou khuan. After the ceremony the couple was lead by an elderly family member to the room in the house that will be their matrimonial bedroom. Traditionally the couple is left there over night, but in modern times the couple takes pictures on their marriage bed and then joins guests for a small party.

After the couple greeted guests they enjoyed some food and drink before they went in to the house to have a rest and change into their clothes for the reception.  In most of the urban areas, the reception is held in the evenings in an event hall, restaurant or on designated grounds. The reception was filled with traditional food, drink and dancing until midnight.

A Lao wedding is truly an all day event if you’re lucky enough to be involved with the wedding party.  I have to say it is one of the more enjoyable wedding ceremonies I have had the opportunity to be a part of.  It is unfortunate that I could not be a part of Phaeng’s special day. It is one of the downsides to having homes on two different sides of the world; you miss things.

I may not have been there, but I did receive pictures of the beautiful day.  Here are pictures of my brother Phaeng and his wife, Phout’s wedding.