The Vows (9:00A.M. - 10:15A.M.)
We had been fearful of the possibility of rain, as it had been raining throughout September. We were also afraid of blistering heat, as October does experience some warmth. Also being that it was Columbus Day Weekend, we were also fearful of extreme traffic. Fortunately for us, our fears never materialized.
On October 6, 2007, a wonderful and beautiful (cold) day, we took our vows administered by Reverend Thomas Christner-Severin witnessed by my best man, Hoai Nguyen, Andrea’s maid of honor, Linda Bui, family and friends at the beginning of the bridge of Warrior Lake at California State University Stanislaus. The event took place at 9 a.m. and finished a little before 9:30 a.m. We both wrote our own vows; which neither one of us had seen or heard until the actual event.
We spent an additional 30 minutes after the vows posing for pictures with our family and friends around Warrior Lake. Larry Morse, our photographer, captured many gorgeous pictures of us, our family, and friends and the picturesque landscape.
It is worth noting that CSU Stanislaus does not issue permits to assemble at Warrior Lake (unlike at their gazebo) most likely due to safety concerns. We were fearful of being kicked off the premises for congregating without a license. As a backup, my parents had completely redone their backyard complete with a gazebo in the unlikely event. Everyone had to stand, as no chairs were setup because it would raise the risk of definitely being kicked out. We took the risk and it couldn’t have worked out better. No one was there to interrupt our ceremony (except the occasional ducks calling out; but I personally think they were cheering us on) and CSU police drove by as we were taking pictures without incident or so much as being questioned. Let this be advice for any other couples wishing to do their vows at the Warrior Lake bridge, do not setup chairs or anything that will run you the risk of being kicked out. We had some 15 total people witness the event.
Chinese Tea Ceremony (10:40AM-1:00PM)
After pictures were done at CSU Stanislaus, we departed for Modesto. The drive was a total of 20 minutes with no traffic and traveling at the speed limit (we didn’t want to tempt fate).
Traditionally, the groom will arrive at the bride’s parent’s house with his parents and entourage bearing gifts for the bride and her parents. A selected member of the groom’s entourage will present each gift verbally to the bride’s parents. After the gift giving is complete, the bride, her parents and entourage follow the groom, his parents and entourage back to his house to which the couple will serve tea to their respective parents, their grandparents, then from oldest to youngest couples. The bride is on the left side and the groom on the right while the tea recipient couple sits on a chair or couch. Tea is served to the couple by the bride and groom with the bride and groom handing the couple a small shot of tea in ceremonial tiny tea cups (not unlike the size of half a shot glass) to which they drink and upon handing the tiny tea cups back also include the famous Red Envelopes (commonly seen during Chinese New Year) to the bride and groom filled, traditionally, with cash or jewelry.
When we arrived at my parent’s house, instead of doing the Chinese Tea Ceremony immediately (as it usually is the custom), everyone had brunch. Chinese dishes of roasted pork, fried rice, chow mein, egg rolls, and so on were served. We began the Chinese Tea Ceremony at about 11:15AM with the burning of incense and a silent prayer to our passed on family members to watch over and bless us during this event. We served tea to our parents, my grandparents, my uncles and aunts, cousins and nephews, and Andrea’s friends. The entire Chinese Tea Ceremony itself took no more than 30 minutes to complete. After which, we all returned to eating and celebrating.
At a little before 1 PM, Andrea and I decided we should head to The Great Mall Mayflower just in case of any traffic and to give us some time to catch a breather and check on the status of the preparations at the Mayflower. So Hoai, Linda, and us began our two hour drive back to the Bay Area.
