Sabaidee everyone. I thought before I go to sleep I would tell you how very excited I am to be going to Laos in May (9-27). As you know, if you have read my earlier posts, you know that I am married to a beautiful woman, who also happens to be Lao.

Keomany and I went before a judge in our county and were married in a legal, but ceremonially lacking event, on Janurary 31, 2011. We have been working hard and saving all our money for 2 reasons. One to go to Laos, and two to give her mother the sin sod.

Yet there is another reason, Keomany and I are going to to Laos to share our kiin dong (Lao Wedding Ceremony). I speak very little Lao, but a few members of her family, and friends in Laos speak English and one will always be with me to translate (I hope!).

I am so very excited and everyday that brings us closer to our departure date, finds Keo becoming almost ecstatic. It is still 2 months away and already she is having problems sleeping.

I know Chris, Chuck and a few others, like myself, are not native to Laos and so maybe do not understand the whole ceremony. I have been prying my wife for many answers about the event. She tries to explain, but somethings are lost in translation.  So... I have been doing much research for myself. I have found a few sites that try to explain the whole ceremony, but maybe with the assistance Administrator and other fellow forum members we can fill in all the blanks.

I read that, "It’s considered to be one of the most honorable duties for Lao girls, and most joyful for her parents to see their daughter honoring and respecting them by choosing Lao traditional wedding as a median in transition of starting a family."

I want to start our new life off on the right path. It means the world to me to make my wife happy for the rest of our lives. I believe that this is the first step to both of those goals.

Your input is encouraged and most welcome. Sokdee.

Keomany & William

http://nyenoona.wordpress.com/2008/12/15/lao-traditional-wedding/
http://www.pbs.org/pov/betrayal/wedding_ceremony.php

Yes, "kha dong" and "sin sod" means the same thing.

And William, you and your wife look amazing. I'm happy for everyone who are married to a Lao woman, and those in the process of getting married to a Lao woman. We are a good kind and you won't be disappointed.

To be on the right path, all you have to do is just "follow the yellow brick road" together and the both of you will have a fulfilling and happy life. Enjoy your upcoming trip to Laos.

"My mom (koy mae) told me".

(Mae Koy).

I admire Judy Garland, because she is the meaning of love and friendship.

She had the privilege of walking down the Yellow Brick Road in The Wizard of Oz. And during her journey on that Yellow Brick Road, she taught us the valuable lessons in life.

Your "heart", "brain" and "courage" are the values that makes a strong and everlasting relationship with your family and friends. And I'm sure that your journey down the road in life with your beautiful Lao wife, will reflect on the teachings of Judy Garland.

Admin wrote: William, you and your wife look amazing. I'm happy for everyone who are married to a Lao woman, and those in the process of getting married to a Lao woman. We are a good kind and you won't be disappointed.

@ Admin.: Thank you very much. I am truly know that and am finding out that more every day. Her family and children are very accepting and friendly to me also. They made me feel like family before I was actually married to Keo.


Anouvong wrote: William you have a beautiful wife, congratulation, best wish and happiness. Wedding is very important. Sometime they do both Lao ceremony and another one at the church.

@ Anouvong: Thank you. Sometimes I see her and think that maybe I am dreaming. How did I get so lucky to find a woman so good that loves me so much. Only thing I can say, is if this is a dream, then I pray that I never wake up.

Nice pic and good idea for a thread WK.

I'll share anything that happens on my trip to Laos in April.

Cheers
Chris

http://nyenoona.wordpress.com/2008/12/15/lao-traditional-wedding/

WOW!! I wonder how much it cost for such a wedding banquet at Paksan hotel.

It's going to mean a lot to my girlfriend and in laws knowing I would have such a banquet for them if I can afford it.

Any idea fellas?

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 14^th Mar, 2011 at 7:14pm:


My girlfriend was telling me to host a a home wedding like that. Well, yea but Im sure if I can afford a banquet like that its going to look nicer. I really wonder how much is the cost for a home wedding?
Admin, do you have any idea about how much is the wedding dress and suit? Is it necessary to have the gold decoration for the bride on the hair? Looks like its going to cost a lot for the gold decoration.