Thank you very much. Hanhan thinks that is very special.
Here are a few photos from our wedding party.
http://yabb.jriver.com/cpg/thumbnails.php?album=25In case you don't know (I didn't) in China weddings are done differently.
You have your wedding pictures taken. These are done in a studio, lots of cosmetics, costumes, etc. The idea seems to be to not be recognized! And you get a few lifesized portraits along with an album, a DVD, smaller portraits.
You get your wedding registered at a goverment office. Very NOT romantic. Think of getting a drivers license. Wait in a line, give someone a form and some cash, come back tomorrow and get a certificate. Actually, a small booklet. Since I am a foreigner, we had to go to the provincial capital to register our marriage.
Finally, you have a wedding party. Family, friends, co-workers, everyone associated with either the bride or groom are invited. This is usually held at the best place the couple can afford. Lots of food. Whole chicken, whole fish, whole turtle, roast pig shank, lotus root, dofu, oh geez, LOTS and LOTS of food. And beer, and Chinese white wine.
Our wedding party was a bit different in that I am a foreigner and do not know all the things I am to do. So we had fun instead! We ate, drank, sang, and everyone had a great time.
Then it's back to the 'cave room'. Our apartment was decorated with papercut art. Double Happiness and Hearts. All the guests follow you back to your home and stay in your bedroom (cave room) to tease you and generally have more fun. The real reason is to make the room very loud which will make the future prosperous.
Thanks again for the gift and the good wishes, especially the good wishes!
Gary & Hanhan