Today I had a wonderful experience.  I photographed a traditional Hmong Anniversary Celebration.

The day started with over 400 guests greeting the guests of honor and giving them congratulations on their long marriage.  Their children were with them the entire time, dressed to the nines, and hosted the event.  I even learned how to count “1…2…3!” and say “thank you” in Hmong =)

Though I wasn’t able to understand the language, the ceremony was fascinating and full of tradition.  Lasting Impressions Weddings did a fantastic job making The Great Hall sparkle in gold.  White orchids on black manzanita branches gave a nice contrast on some tables, and fluffy white peonies graced others.  Avant Decor draped the entire ceiling in white with twinkle lights, it looked so lovely!

The food, of course, was also amazing.  With western food (including mashed potato bar!) from Prom Catering and a variety of Chinese dishes from Peking Garden.  Guests ate during the ceremony where the couple’s history was told as well as lengthy ceremonies to give them good fortune.

Surrounded and supported by family, the couple is blessed and tall of the guests then come to tie a piece of string around their wrists and wish them well.

Of course I had to get some cute kid pictures!

Singer, Mai Xiong, did a lovely job, and the guests enjoyed dancing the rest of the night away!