A Moldovan Wedding

Sunday morning, Sept. 26 turned into being a very sunny and bright day. The wind was a little chilly so the black and white outfit--the only dressy type outfit I brought with me--seemed to be fine. I decided to take my dressy black jacket along, but, did not need it. I wore the jade, gold and black necklace that Adam and Michelle gave me to add a little color to my outfit. Around 9 am, Igor, Mariana, their children, Lydia (Mariana's sister) and her husband, Pavel picked me in a car Igor borrowed from a church member and we headed to Chesinau.
First there would be a church service at 10am followed by the wedding at 11am as part of the worship service. This was like nothing I had ever heard of before and there were several visitors including Mariana's family and me.
In Moldova, things don't begin on time--only when everyone is ready!! Some of you very organized people could not stand that!! Because the bride and groom were not ready at 11:00, the pastor introduced a woman from the US who has come to Moldova as a missionary for many years! She has also taught Physcology in college in Chesinau--both Igor and Mariana were taught by her. A very nice young Moldovan woman translated into Russian for the congregation because the woman hadn't learned the language and had been here more than 20 years. I did enjoy hearing her speak in English. I met her after the wedding and she was glad to meet an American.
Then, the wedding began. Andre', Mariana's brother, and the minister who would marry them, came down the aisle together, followed by all the attendents on the arms of the groomsmen. They took a seat on the front row on the left. This was very fast and followed by Marko, Igor and Mariana's son, and a pretty little girl dressed in white. Both carried baskets of flower petals which they dropped as they walked. Next, came the parents who took a seat at the front row on the right.
Finally the bride, Anna, came down the aisle on the arm of her father. She was beautiful and when she reached Andre', they walked onto the stage and turned to face the audience. They were a gorgeous pair with Andre' reminding me of a young Napoleon and Anna, his Josephine!
The pastor officiating, spoke to the couple about how they should act as a married couple with God in the center of their marriage. Pavel translated for me so I understood what the minister was saying. Then the pastor asked each of the parents to say something about marriage to the couple and after all had spoken, he asked each parent if they approved of the marriage.
Next there were vows repeated between the couple but no rings exchanged. Then there was a pronouncement as husband and wife. There was no recessional-the couple stayed at the front and others rushed to them to hug and give their blessings. Then family pictures were taken. I was even invited to have a picture taken with the bride and groom!
Next, we left the church to go have lunch. The reception would not be until 6 pm!
Igor, Mariana, the children and I went to a Moldovan Italian restaurant for pizza and a salad. The Moldovans even put corn on pizza--I really liked it!
After eating, we went to Victor's inlaws' house--that is another one of Mariana's brothers. There are 7 brothers and 4 sisters in her family! When we arrived, I was immediately led into a quiet room and put on the sofa for a rest. It was so peaceful that I sleep for around 30 minutes. Then we sat in the kitchen and drank coffee until time to leave for the reception. Mariana's parents were there also and when Mariana was not in the room to translate for me, we used sign language to communicate. Barbara and I always talk that way.
When everyone had gotten to the reception--about 75 people--we were taken to an outside patio area where a long runner, with candles on either side, had been set up. An official looking woman, who turned out to be the magistrate, stood at one end of the runner. We all gathered on either side and in came Andre' and Anna to the announcement and the Wedding March playing. This was the registration ceremony.
The magistrate spoke some words to the couple and again to their parents. Next the bride and groom registered their names, and then they exchanged rings--Anna's on the left hand and Andre's on the right hand. They were introduced as man and wife and everyone applauded.
After that, everyone formed a line and presented the couple with their gifts as they congratulated them. These gifts are opened at this time. Most gifts are money and are put inside a chest decorated in white.
Now, we are escorted into a beautiful dining hall lavishly decorated with the couple's table on the stage. Seated with them are a couple who have been chosen to be their witnesses and their mentors. They, also, have signed the registration book as their witnesses.

Part 2 to follow at next post