Jimmy and Joy 12.05.09

Sou Khouan

Ceremony Time: 9 AM

One of the most important of Lao customs is the marriage ceremony, called the Baci / Sou Khouan.

It is believed in a traditional Lao marriage ceremony that customs and traditions must be adhered to ensure a happy and long lasting marriage. Also, by having a traditional ceremony, Lao newlyweds demonstrate their respect for and interest in preserving their cultural heritage.

The Sou Khouan is conducted by a Mor Phon(literal: "mor" -doctor, in this case spiritual doctor; "phon" -blessing) , an elder in the community who is knowledgeable of Buddhism and traditional Lao rituals. He is a person with special status in the Buddhist temple who can officiate at well-wishing ceremonies such as the Baci or Sou Khouan, and can interpret the Buddhist calendar. The Mor Phon knows the correct order of events in the wedding ceremony, and recites verses of Buddhist scripture in pali, the language of Buddhism.

After the Mor Phon finishes his chant, he gives the newlyweds a small amount of rice, egg, and alcohol spirits. Drinking of the spirits symbolizes wealth for the new couple; the rice and egg symbolizes their humble past. Then, the Mor Phon continues with another chant for the new couple.

Following the chants, the Mor Phon ties the wrists of the groom and the bride with a white cotton string. This is called phouk khene. As he ties the string, he gives blessings to the couple. Next, the guests (mainly the elders) join in the phouk khene to offer well wishes to the couple. Once everyone has had their turns, the bride and groom return to their original sitting arrangements and the Mor Phon ends the Sou Khouan, and guests are invited to dine.

Church Ceremony

Good Shepherd Parish

Ceremony Time:
1:00 PM

A Catholic Filipino wedding ceremony is held with a full mass that runs about a hour.

Map and Directions:

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Godparents

Marrying couples have a few pairs of "Ninongs" and "Ninangs" (Godparents) to stand as principal sponsors or witnesses in the ceremony much like the practice observed during a child's baptism.

We are honored to have the following as our Godparents:

Mrs. Dolly Adamos
Mr. Fred Songco
Mrs. Marie Aquino
Ms. Olivia Aquino
Mr. Rey Francisco
Mr. Rolly Yap
Mr. Romilo Aquino
Mrs. Rose Cabrera
Mrs. Rose Francisco

Additionally, there are three pairs of wedding attendants that stand as Godparents who facilitate the wedding candle, veil and cord ceremonies held during the nuptial mass.

Our candle sponsors, Mr. and Mrs. Alex Gaerlan, will each light the wedding candles located at each side of couple. The flame from the candles symbolize God's presence within the union.

Our veil sponsors, Ms. Cynthia Aquino and Mr. Henry Aquino, will drape and pin the veil on the groom's shoulder and over the bride's head. This symbolizes the union of two people 'clothed' as one.

Our cord sponsors, Mr. and Mrs. Rey Fernandez, takes a cord (a silken rope in the form of a figure eight) and loosely places each loop around the neck-shoulder area of the couple. This symbolizes the infinite bond of marriage.

Reception:
The Mission Tower at
Del Mar Fairgrounds

Map and Directions:

View Larger Map

NOTE: Please enter at the SOLANA GATE entrance. The Mission Tower is No. 10 on The Del Mar Fairgrounds Map .

About Del Mar
Accommodations in and around Del Mar
Things to Do While in San Diego

Hilton

Hilton San Diego/Del Mar is offering a discounted room rate, on a space available basis. Rooms are $109/night for a Single/Double Occupancy.

Each individual will be responsible for making their own reservations by calling the hotel at (858) 792-5200 or 1-800-HILTONS. When you are making reservations, please identify yourself with the Syamphone & Francisco Wedding group in order to ensure you receive the special discounted rate for the group.

All reservations must be received by November 4th, 2009, in order for you to receive the special discounted rate. In the event that the special discounted rate may no longer be available prior to the reservation due date, the hotel will inform you, and allow you to guarantee a number of rooms at the special discounted rate, not to exceed the original request, with a credit card or similar form of payment. Any reservations received after the reservation due date will be honored on a space available basis at the prevailing Best Available Rate.

Gift Registry

We respectfully ask that if you would like to get us something that it be a monetary gift to help us save for a down payment on a place of our own. Make a gift deposit into our MatriMoney^SM account by visiting any Island Branch, or calling (800) 848-5654.

Otherwise, we are also registered at Bed Bath & Beyond.

Registry No. 10187907

Registry No. 111509071465

Bridesmaids

Maid of Honor:
Liza Perez

Bridesmaids:
Lanet Ramos
Diane Pascual
Elaine Sy
Regina Regular

Bridesmaid gowns are designed by Sharlene Borromeo.
Wedding Gown designed by Xela G.

Groomsmen

Best Man:
Alvin Mar

Groomsmen:
Kenny AuDuong
Leck Intharath
Sophear Keo
Brandon Pike

Ring Bearer

Izaiah Lopez

Coin Bearer

Landon Parker Manalang

Sometime after the exchange of vows, the groom presents the arrhae or arras to his bride after it has been blessed by the priest.

The arras, Spanish for "earnest money", is said to come from a Roman custom of breaking gold or silver into equal halves by both parties as a pledge of marriage.

The thirteen coins, said to represent Christ and his 12 apostles, symbolize the groom's unquestionable trust and confidence. By giving arras to his bride, he places all his material wealth into her care. Acceptance by the bride means taking that trust unconditionally with total dedication.

It is also said that the custom came from Spain. The arras usually come in ornate boxes or gift trays and represents the bride's dowry as well as good wishes for prosperity. Oftentimes, these coins become part of the family heirloom.