So we all got dressed up and headed to the ceremony first, which was on Saturday night. It was held in a church, and consisted of the marriage ceremony and then followed by mass. Once the couple was married, we waited outside for them to exit the church, where they were greeted by all of the guests tossing rice into the air. We shook both the bride's and groom's hands during the receiving line, and offered our congratulations - still completely unaware of who these people actually were. It was somewhat humourous. So once the happy couple got into a classic car and drove off, everyone headed to the venue spot for the dinner, drinks and dancing.
The venue was actually really pretty, it was close to the church, and decorated really nicely. The colours were red and white, so I felt right at home, since those are Canada´s colours, not to mention I was wearing a red dress, so I was perfectly dressed for the wedding!
The celebration started out with a baileys-like cocktail which everyone was served, followed by champagne and chocolate cake. Apparently it´s tradition to start with the cake, followed by dinner (I am perfectly ok with this tradition?. For dinner we were served a dish with ham, rice, salad, and another dessert (postre de las 3 leches).
Once dinner was done, the open bar started, to which we had the choice of rum, guaro, or beer. Sara, Leo and I decided to go with rum and cokes.
After the dinner the bride and groom did the bouquet and garder toss. However, it was done a little differently than in North America. For the bouquet toss, and the single ladies went to the dance floor and surrounded the bride who was sitting on a chair. Everyone offered their right shoe, which was then put underneath the bride´s dress. Then one by one the groom would pull out a shoe, and the last person´s shoe that remained was the winner of the bouquet. When we initially started this process, I thought that it was the first shoe to be drawn would win the bouquet... and the first shoe happened to be mine - so for a spilt panicky second, I thought I had one. But luckily I didnt. I say this because the winner, had photos etc with the bride and groom, and it would have been awkward (yet epic) if that had happened to me, since I didnt know the couple. For the garder toss, all of the single men offered up their IDs and put them in the groom´s pocket. One by one, each ID card was drawn by the bride, until the last - who was the winner. And something somewhat shocking, is that the WINNER removes the garder from the bride, not the groom. And even worse than this? The winner removes it with HIS TEETH. wtf? A bit strange for me, but still hilarious.
The night was filled with dancing, mostly salsa and mergenue, copious amounts of alcohol, and an all around good time. We ended up sitting at a great table, where we got to meet other young ppl (in their 20s as well)and have a great time with them. At one point in the night we were given masks, and other random party favours to put on while dancing etc.
The wedding ended around 2am, but we werent ready to call it a night, so myself, Leo, Sara and a couple people from our table headed to a club that was near by, and continued the party and dancing there until about 5am. Needless to say I was exhausted by the time I got home, but had a great time at my first Colombian Wedding.
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