Bulgarian Wedding Traditions

 Following some traditional Bulgarian rituals added to the excitement for the wedding and reception.

 There were negotiations to get the bride from bribes through a closed door first. The master's (Lili's Mom) negotiator, Vera, told the Groom's negotiator, Wayne, that the bride was VERY intelligent and VERY expensive, so she would cost much money. When they filled the Brides shoe with coins, Vera said “Are you kidding?” A little more negotiating and they finally pushed their way in the door but the Groom had more bribes of chocolate and wine, just in case they were needed.

At the reception, a loaf of bread held by the Bride's mother was presented to the Groom's mother to feed a bite dipped in salt to the Bride, then the groom.. Then dipped in honey to each of them. This is a wish for a long and sweet life together. Bread with just honey was for best man and matron of honor. “Kicking the bucket" of flowers was to determine sex of first child. If the white flower falls out first, it will be a girl and red one for a boy. Lili's kick got the white one first. The breaking of a loaf of bread by the bride and groom, with it held overhead, signifies the one getting largest piece is to be the dominant one of the family. You can see who did that.

Unfortunately I left my camera charger at home, thinking my HD had one that would work, but that was not the case. DH bought a nice new camera but being a bit unfamiliar with it, some pictures were a bit fuzzy. With all the cameras being used, a professional photographer and videographer on the scene, there will not be a lack of pictures. It may be a little while to get them all. Mike and Lili make a beautiful couple.