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Sunday, August 10, 2008

Robyn + Jon's "Grand Gift" Day



"In Chinese Culture, a marriage is considered the joining of two families. Thus the parents of the bride's and groom's get involved in their wedding planning from very early on. Two families pick an auspicious date as the Betrothal Day. This is a formal meeting between the parents of the perspective bride and groom. The groom's family presents various proposal gifts that represents fertility and prosperity in Chinese culture, which is also known as "Grand Gift" or "Guo Da Li". All gifts should come in even numbers, meaning "good things double" in Chinese culture. Thus, the two are considered officially engaged."

Yesterday morning, the groom and his entourage started the day by bringing a variety of proposal gifts to the bride's parents' home. Some of the traditional gifts that they brought included a whole roasted pig, "double happiness" wedding cakes, two chickens, and a variety of other goods that represent "fertility and prosperity" in Chinese culture. As one of Robyn's good friends, I was glad that I could be there to share this day with her and to document a once in a lifetime celebration with her extended family!

Jon with his new family-to-be


Robyn's youngest cousin Kaylie, cute as can be!


Jon and his entourage of helpers: (Left to Right) Aaron, brother Mathew, Jon & Kenton



Lunch celebration at Sapoten Japenese Restuarant with the Fong family


Private Party!


Surrounded by 3 generations of important women: Robyn's grandmother, her mother Yvonne & favorite Aunts, and Robyn who's the youngest generation



Me, Robyn & Erica

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