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Abby Christenson of Lorenz Photography sent this wedding our way with such an intruiging description… Jon and Emily had a Korean wedding SO traditional, that it actually no longer exists and hasn't for generations. I think for the first time I was introduced to something being so traditional that it is now considered offbeat. Check out some of my favorite parts…
Abby told me:
“Jon and Emily are both artists and as they were kicking around ideas for their wedding they decided to do a little research on traditional Korean weddings (Jon is Korean American). What they discovered was ceremony full of symbolism and ritual that in many ways perfectly coincided with their beliefs on love, marriage and family. This type of wedding is actually SO traditional, it actually no longer exists and hasn't for generations. Even Jon's Korean grandparents were totally unfamiliar with this type of ceremony. The Korean ceremony, combined with the setting of Bailey Island Maine, an important and sentimental location for Emily, a native New Englander, made for an incredibly beautiful blending of traditions and cultures and one amazingly unique and special wedding.”
It started with a parade, or Ch'inyoung, which, admittedly, isn't that offbeat as it's done in many cultures, but I really liked this photo. 😉
This is my favorite part… Emily's mother-in-law, Sun, tossed chestnuts and dates into Emily's dress; tossing and catching these items is an assurance of health, wealth, fertility, and a bright future for the new couple. The more Emily catches, the more blessings the couple will have.
The ceremony ended with Jon carrying Emily piggyback around the room as a signal that he is prepared to support her fully as her husband. Okay, maybe THAT is my favorite part.
I don't know, there were so many amazing aspects to this wedding — Korean bbq, epic ocean views, adorable paper cake toppers… To see more photos from this so-traditional-it's-offbeat wedding, head over to Abby's site for part one and part two.
About the Author: Megan Finley Horowitz
When Megan's not writing, traveling, and sleeping, she's eating like the fate of the world depends on it. (You're welcome, world!) You can snoop into her personal life over on her website The Dash and Dine!
When I eloped with my first husband, he carried me on his back afterwards (I’m Korean.) Although we are no longer together, I’m glad to see another couple following this tradition and a few others we considered, but couldn’t do because we eloped.
This couple thought outside the box and probably created a wonderful memory for themselves and their guests. Love it!
I’ve actually seen this type of ceremony before, on Buhdoop:
http://buhdoop.blogspot.com/2010/09/paebaek-ceremony-ceremony.html
She has a series of posts with pictures and explanations.
I’ll have to respectfully disagree that this type of ceremony hasn’t existed for generations. Maybe it’s because I’m korean, but I’ve seen the paebaek at virtually every korean-american wedding I’ve ever been to. In Korea it’s considered scandalous if you don’t have that ceremony. They even have rental companies in korea town stateside that allow you to rent those outfits and set it up (it’s so green!)
I’m so telling my mom it’s offbeat-maybe she’ll stop pressuring me to have one now. 😀
This is so cute–my friends in Pennnsylvania had a wedding similar to this, except they added a victorian horse entrance for her side of the family–it was very cute seeing his off-the-boat korean family throwing fruit at this little blondhaired blueyed red-dotted-cheek with kimono girl!
Not to be pedantic–okay, maybe a little–but kimono are Japanese. I believe the traditional Korean women’s garment is called a hongbak. Feel free to correct me if I’m wrong on that.
Whatever it is, though, I love how colorful this bride’s garment is. Beautiful!
It’s called a hanbok, but meh-close enough. 😀
I always find it interesting to read and know about other cultures wedding traditions and practices. It is not always everyday that we get the chance to witness wedding like this.
I LOVE this wedding! Sooooo cute! I love the little hats, and the parade and all the colors and everyone just looks so happy! Too cool.
The pictures are wonderful, I especially like the last one. It could pass for a mountain scape in Korea.
I have to agree above that this isn’t an out of date ceremony. I’ve seen it alot from korean american friends and Korean natives. What they did was the minimum ceremony, When my brother got married in Korea there were so many more things. Such as carrying my mom on his back, carrying each grandma. Exchanging of Soju (korean alcoholic drink) with parents on both sides and grandparents. Then there are all these specific gifts that are supposed to be bought a presented to both the groom and brides side, such as a new hanbok for the Mother in law and father in law. GOSH the list goes on and on for other parts of ceremony. I only know all of it because both my Grandmother’s and mom lectured me on it afterwards since my Sister In law’s family messed up so much they thought it was disgraceful.
SOOO when people ask me if I am doing anything Korean Traditionally I flatly say NO, because I don’t want that pressure not that my fiance’s side would know since they are american/white but I would know and so would my family. I am going to make a custom hanbok for my reception dress.
Congratulations!
You had me at symbolism and ritual,two things that I love.
The whole ceremony looks very exciting and colorful!