Thai wedding in Koh Chang

I was lucky to witness a traditional Thai ceremony on the lively island of Koh Chang recently. It was a very special experience, which I will always remember. It was also a beach wedding, so there are plenty photos of summer here to warm everyone up here in cold London. Enjoy!







Khan Maak Procession normally forms from the groom's families and friends and is lead by chanting musicians.






The wedding procession are bringing food for the ancestors who have passed away. This demonstrates that the dead ancestors have not been forgotten and that they are also part of the joyous occasion.




The buddhist monks are blessing the couple.



Now it's the turn of everyone else present at the ceremony to be blessed with a holy water.




Food for the passed away ancestors.






This thread between the bride and groom is called ‘sai monkhon’. It is symbolic that the thread forms two circles which whilst linked, also remain independent. This means that the couple’s destinies are linked, but individual identity is retained.



Family and friends are tying pieces of white string, ‘sai sin’, around the wrist of the bride and groom to wish them good luck. These string bracelets are meant to be kept on for at least 3 days to benefit from the good luck bestowed.








A conch shell ('sang' in Thai) is filled with holy water and is used by all the guests to pour over the hands of the newly-weds this way blessing them.






































These are traditional Thai dancers. They are amazingly gracious.






Day musicians transformed into fire performers for the evening entertainment.