Gillett Photography

Water is a huge part of the Thai culture and every ceremony is built around water in some form. Water is pronounced Nam and even their language is built around the word. The final part of the ceremony is the pouring of water over the couples hands, to purify and cleanse their new marriage. Gary and Arun sat with their hands outstretched over a table. Family and friends will then pour water over the hands which will then drip into a potted plant. It is a beautiful ceremony

This is Arun’s mother

Even Jeff and I got to participate

Once the monks have left the groom left and was paraded down the street towards the house of the bride. Most of the town followed carrying trees, gifts, money, and of course more food. The quite street on this town of just one dirt road was filled with people dancing and singing. My uncle was given a drum to play as we paraded down the street. When we got to the house he was required to bargain with his dowry to get to Arun. People were blocking off the door ways as others were pushing through. After three doors were crossed he was able to see his wife.

A traditional Thai wedding starts off with the blessing from the monks. Since Thailand is a Budhist country and very religious taking care of the monks and temples is built into everyday life, especially for special occasions. Arun’s family cooked for four days to prepare enough food to serve the monks and the people around them on the wedding day. The monk came early in the morning and were served an 8 course breakfast while they prayed their blessings over the marriage of Gary and Arun.

Here are some of the pictures I promised but keep checking back for more on the ceremony. We went out the evening before the wedding and captured some shots of just Gary and Arun. Can you believe the sunset. I think this may be one of the most beautiful sunset I have seen. These pictures were taken in Arun’s home town in a small park in the middle of no where, and I mean no where. We traveled in a bus for 4 hours and got off on the side of the road, no real bus stop. It’s amazing what you can find when you open your eyes.

Nice pants Gary

I am so sorry that I have not had a chance to document my trip to Thailand sooner. Ever since my return it has been a world wind of weddings, weddings, and more weddings. For those of you who haven’t heard I had the chance to photograph a destination wedding for my uncle and new aunt. Jeff and I had the most amazing time traveling from Bangkok, to the country, to the most beautiful and amazing islands. For those you who are thinking of a honeymoon, Koh Tao island in Thailand is the most magical and amazing place I have ever seen. Below are a few pictures from out trip I will post more of the wedding over the next couple of days.

All of these pictures were taken on Jeff’s camera

The elephant safari was one of my favorite things we did.

The food was amazing and the restaurants were all on the beach.

Everyone has to ride a tuk-tuk when they travel to Thailand but this one was called a limosine. Arun’s brother picked us up from our bus ride to the country and we stuffed all our luggage and 5 people on this thing.

The rest of the time we soaked up the sun