It’s wedding season here in the kampung. Malay village weddings can be quite the spectacle: tropical celebrations with a vibrant cultural flair.
The day begins with a low-key religious ceremony for family, followed by a big outdoor reception that’s open to all. The hosts put up giant tents and prepare a buffet of food. The whole neighborhood is welcome and guests come and go at their leisure.
I had my own Malay wedding a few years ago, and it was incredible. My family came over from the States, and we got three full days of kampung festivities. They even slaughtered a goat.
We had a big Henna party where an artist decorated our hands, leaving intricate tattoos that lasted for weeks.
When it came time for the wedding procession, my family gathered at one end of the street while the bride’s family convened at the other. A group of performers shouted and chanted and banged on their drums as the two families marched towards each other. Su and I met and ascended to a dais where we received congratulations from everyone in turn.
I’ll never forget the way flashbulbs lit up Su’s face as we approached each other on that darkened street. After taking our seats on the opulent stage, family and friends stepped up to give regards and sprinkle us with rosewater and herbs. It was beautiful, emotional, and surreal.
Last week we hosted a similar event for my wife’s sister and her new husband. This one was in the works for a while, repeatedly pushed back due to covid until they finally decided the time was right. It was a smaller affair, but the core elements were the same: Lots of tents and tables and fancy clothes and food.
That’s how they do it here in the kampung, and I’m grateful to take part in these cultural traditions I’ll remember the rest of my life.
If you ever get to attend a wedding outside your country or culture, you’ll see that the customs may differ but the sentiment is always the same.
I’d love to hear your own stories about foreign weddings. As a new father I can’t help but wonder what my children’s nuptials will look like someday.
Congratulations Fiza and Yusuf. May your marriage be blessed with a lifetime of prosperity and love.
Wow! I agree, Eric. Malaysian weddings are spectacular, in their unique way. A great experience when we took part in yours.
Eric, these are Incredible pictures! How awesome these must be.. Your boy is gorgeous and your beautiful bride too. I’m so glad your family was there to see this beautiful special wedding!
Thank you for sharing!
Loved reading this, Eric, and seeing the photos.
I attended a wedding celebration in Lutiana, India. So glad we had an opportunity for such a lovely cultural experience.
In addition my daughter’s best friend married a man from India, so I was able to experience the culture as it was brought to the US and the culture of nuptials was blended.
Thank you for sharing. Hugs to Siti and all.
Thank you for sharing these incredible photos. The color used in all places for the weddings is amazing and beautiful and the dress was gorgeous. Glad to see Adam , but would love to see the baby.
these are truly the memories we all remember with joy as you will.
Do you have a date to return to the states ? I know you had a lot of paper work to do- I can’t even imagine the luggage and “stuff” to bring here.
Hope all goes well, Love and Blessings, Aunt Marlene
Loved seeing these pictures Eric. Thank you for sharing the culture of Malaysian people & the wedding celebrations.
Your wedding was a once in a lifetime experience! Amazing. Enjoyed hearing about her sister’s wedding. Adam’s expression with the bride is too cute, and that cake looks amazing.