Shugi-Bukuro/Cash Upon Entry

Wedding etiquette says it is gauche to ask for money as a wedding gift, but the Shugi-Bukuro, a Japanese wedding tradition, says ask for what you want and specify the amount.

Wedding Cultural Favors

 

"Guests attending a Japanese wedding reception are expected to bring Oshugi, a cash gift. Sometimes, the amount is specified on the invitation. Typically the amount depends on the guest's relationship with the couple. The cash is presented in a decorative envelope called Shugi-bukuro." [source: Worldly Weddings]

The amount given is usually an odd number.  This is done to symbolize that the couple cannot be divided.  If the leading number forms an even number ($200), an odd number of bills are given.  Also gifts with the lead number of 4 is not recommended.  4 in Japanese is pronounced shi which is also the same pronunciation for death.  Like wise for the number 9, which sound similar to the word for suffering.  So it sounds like $358.53 will be the perfect amount.

Here is a modern take on that important envelope.

Keetee Garden Photograph Money Envelopes

The Ketubah Is Trending

Paper Cut Ketubah

The Ketubah is a special type of Jewish prenuptial agreement. It is considered an integral part of a traditional Jewish marriage and outlines the rights and responsibilities of the groom, in relation to the bride. Nevertheless, there is no agreement in modern times as to the monetary worth of the ketubah, and its enforceability even in Jewish courts is in question even in theory; in practice it is never enforced. (Wikipedia)

This important tradition is crossing cultures and faiths.  Many non Jewish couples are intrigued and moved, so they have added it to their ceremony and life.  Read more about Jewish Traditions Cross Cultures (pictured below). 

 

In a traditional Jewish wedding ceremony, the Ketubah is signed by two witnesses and traditionally read out loud under the chuppah. Close family, friends or distant relatives are invited to witness the Ketubah, which is considered an honor.  The document outlines the roles of husband and wife and also includes monies paid to the bride in case of divorce. The Ketubah is handed to the bride for safekeeping.  

Read more about the Ketubah.

Nidhi Chanani

Thanks to a facebook friend, this video was found.  The artist Nidhi Chanani captures love in her work, which will reflect mixed raced marriages, like her own.  This makes fans so happy because they feel represented.  Below is her process of Capturing Love.

  The Art of Nidhi Chanani

Chiming The Bells

Chiming of the Bells is an old Irish wedding tradition to keep evil spirits away and restore harmony if a couple is fighting.  

I found this bracelet on Etsy.com./Nanapatt, which will make for a nice gift for your Bridesmaids, to shake their wrists as you walk down the isle and keep the evil spirits away.  

Turquiose Jingle Bells

....and yes it is a cross/cultural idea this seller is from Thailand.

Looking Down Looking Up

PBN Photography

Halter Dress: Cassandra Bromfield

Jewelry: U Jewerly

Make up: Beat It CC

Model: Chrystal Okorie

Testing Testing 1 2 3

Some background shots of a test shoot, February 2, 2012.  You can see more African Print dresses here.

Happy Chinese New Year

I love this video.  It is a celebration of a New Year/New Family.

A Bridal Expo.......Where?

Qatar is presenting it's 5th Annual Bridal Expo and you will have to pack your bags, passport, and a bank book.  This location is the home of the richest people on earth.

Qatar is is a sovereign Arab state, located in the Middle East, occupying the small Qatar Peninsula on the northeasterly coast of the much larger Arabian Peninsula. 

Now that you know where you are going, the International Wedding Exhibition & Fashion Show (IWED), Qatar’s luxury wedding exhibition, will host its 5th anniversary event from Wednesday 4th to Saturday 7th April 2012 at the Doha Exhibition Center.

Coming January 9th

Wedding Nouveau Magazine

Be Joyful!!