Trip to Australia Day 8: Wedding

Congratulations, Darren and Anne :)

Today was the big day. I was on my best behaviour as groomsman. From the start to the end, we the bridal party accompanied the VIPs of the day.

To some people, the customary thing is for the bride and groom to not see each other on the day of the wedding, until the wedding itself. However, in Asian cultures, apparently it's customary to have a tea ceremony and invite all your relatives. I didn't know about the latter until today. It seems my friend Darren didn't know much about it either, being an ABC (Australian born Chinese). But he figured out what he needed to do quick enough.

The tea ceremony involved many greetings, much exchanging of red packets, and delicious lunch catered by Miss Chu. 

After lunch, it was down to business. The photo shoots. Run by Linda Truong.

(The only) One I took myself.

mmmbeeautiful.

In the evening, was the ceremony itself. My highlight was the bridal party procession. Unfortunately, no video, at least from me. But I can say it was fun :) Before the exchanging of vows, we had a sermon preached by our pastor at ALLC. What surprised me, and probably most people in the crowd, was the passage chosen by the couple to be wed. It was Hosea 1.

A surprising passage to be heard spoken on at a wedding ceremony, but one that got my respect. It reminded us of the stark contrast between God's steadfast faithfulness to us, and our repeated betrayal of him. Within that is a reminder of how imperfect we are, and the image of sin that stains the wedding white and happiness. Weddings make people happy. But we know that married life will not always be. It was a refreshing call to reality, that two sinners are getting married, and that will inevitably lead to problems surfacing down the track. At the same time, we are reminded that behind these two sinners is a steadfast and faithful God who will not fail them. And on the darkest of days to come, with God in the picture, they can trust that God will carry them through to the end. Amen :)

Happy new wedded life :)