Family Wedding in Susleni

 

 

On Saturday night during our All Moldova Week, we went to a family wedding in Susleni.  Susleni is a village down the road about a half hour from Piatra.  The groom was the nephew of my Moldovan host, Ilie Leca.  The groom was also an Ilie Leca.  Susleni his home town.  We arrived about 7 in the evening and would not be heading home until about 6 the next morning.  The bride and groom greeted guests as they arrived.  Most people will present some fresh flowers to the bride as they arrive, and perhaps a present as well.  The guests are offered an initial welcome drink of champagne or cognac to toast the wedding couple.  Next step is to the feasting.  Our tables are overflowing with Moldovan favorites and more champagne and cognac.  All attention to the head table as toasts are made and money gifts are collected from each table of guests.  Guests usually give about $100-$200 (US) per couple.  Now the bride is loosing her veil and being donned with the scarf of the housewife.  The best man and woman begin wrapping the couple in a warm blanket.  Many more relatives do the same.  This is to symbolize their new family status and that they will have to face coming winters together.  Of course there is a fabulous wedding cake.  You can see Phyllis watching just over the bride's shoulder, and Zach watching just over the groom's head.  Of course, there was a lot of music and dancing at this event.  Unfortunately, I was so wrapped up in enjoying it,  there are no pictures to share of that.