Categories: Wedding

Darlene + Andy=L.O.V.E. & Marriage | A Thai/Korean Wedding

Darlene and Andy’s wedding was a beautiful combination of different cultures.  Their ceremony was sincere and traditional, complete with the exchange of vows, lighting of the unity candle, and kiss to seal the deal. Immediately following their procession, they moved to a room prepared in advance for a Thai customary Water Ceremony where family and guest blessed the couple.

It’s been over a year since my last trip to Thailand, and I’ve missed the people and rituals.  I was excited to learn from Steve Koo, whom I photographed the wedding with, that Andy was Thai.  Both sides were warm and welcoming, but once I said “Sawadee Kaa” (hello) and wai’d to his father, I suddenly felt like family.  For the rest of the night I heard “Chok dee” (good luck) and “Saib bai dee mai kap” (how are you?) from all directions. It was almost like I’d returned to that beloved place I’ve missed so much.”

Darlene beams while having her makeup done.

I love  the lace.

I love the glasses!  

Things were going so well…

And then…. The wedding party was nothing but sympathetic.

Darlene played a song for everyone while her Dad watches in the background.  

Darlene’s Doppleganger. Her mom gave her the socks  with a famous Koren starlight printed on them for a present.

Flowers for the Thai ceremony.

Receiving  a blessing.

Maggie Rife Ponce

Maggie Rife Ponce is the owner of Rife Ponce Photography. She specializes in day-in-the-life family photography, chicago wedding photography, and portrait photography.

View Comments

  • I love the shot of the bride playing the piano in her wedding dress with her dad watching. Great capture!

  • I love the shot of the bride playing the piano in her wedding dress with her dad watching. Great capture!

  • Whoa, those SHOES! I'm afraid! :-)
    Great shots, I love the bright colours and the emotions you captured!

  • Whoa, those SHOES! I'm afraid! :-)
    Great shots, I love the bright colours and the emotions you captured!

  • I want to go to Thailand! I love the shot where they are looking at each other during the ceremony. Wonderful moment captured perfectly.

  • I want to go to Thailand! I love the shot where they are looking at each other during the ceremony. Wonderful moment captured perfectly.

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Maggie Rife Ponce

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