Wedding
Yesterday we were able to attend a wedding of one of our Russian friends. Here is what usually takes place:
Paying the ransom
“Once the groom arrives at the bride’s home, he must pay a ransom for the bride, a term in Russian known as vykup nevesty. The entire event is played out in a comical fashion and everyone is entertained. At first the groom comes and gives something (often money or jewelery) for the bride, and so the parents of the bride bring out a woman or man (the latter for amusement) that is not the actual bride, but is dressed up like one, covered in a veil, so the groom can’t see their face. When the groom realizes that it is not his bride, he asks for his love, but the family of the bride will demand a bigger ransom to be paid. So, upon satisfaction with the ransom given, the bride’s family gives away the bride to the groom.” – From Wikipedia.
This did take place as the groom went to the brides house. I heard that when he went into the room to see the bride, the first room he went into he turned the girl around and it was someone else. The bride was waiting in another room.
Traditional Ceremony
The wedding service was pretty similar to weddings in the States. One difference is that they have “witnesses” instead of bridesmaids and groomsmen, even though they still dress the same way. Also in Russia, the wedding must always be officially registered with a civil ceremony. If a couple opt for a church wedding as well, the civil ceremony will usually take place immediately after the wedding, or often in the days leading up to it.
The pastor talking with the groom and questioning him before the bride came in
The bride with her father
Tour of the city – Pictures
After the service the couple might take a limo around town taking pictures at different parks and locations. Yesterday the couple decided to walk around the nearby park taking pictures.
Us with the newlyweds
Reception
Later in the afternoon they had their reception in the same building, which was quite a bit different that what we were used to. We ate, sang, enjoyed a skit or two and played a few games. It was really entertaining!
room changed into reception hall
bridal table
special music
Micah thinking. We played in one game that was close to the newlywed game, where they asked the husband and wife separately, the same questions
another activity involved drawing different things for the couple, this guy was explaining his drawing
more songs
Me with my friends Anya and Tanya
How to make Мясо по-французски
Мясо по-французски (literally translated French meat) is one of our favorite meals here in Russia, especially Micah. It is really simple to make and tastes really good.
Cut a pork roast into approx. 1 inch slices
Have a strong capable man tenderize and pound the meat until very thin
Have your daughter say cheese!
After salting and peppering the meat, cover with thinly sliced onion
Cover the onion layer with thinly sliced potatoes
Next, spread on a layer of mayo and smooth it out. Don't say eww, just try it!
Give daughter something to entertain herself while meat is in the oven
Insert pan into a 400 F oven for about 40 minutes. Check to makes sure potatoes are soft by this point. Next add about a 3-4 cups shredded cheese. We used Gouda cheese (its one of the best ones here). Put back in oven for at least 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and starting to brown.
Finished product with some taken out. Dived right into it and forget to take a picture.
Enjoy with friends and family
Looking for something to make this week? Give it a try and let us know what you think. 🙂
Kolomenskoye – Коломенское
On Monday, Russians had the day off for their Labor Day, which means we didn’t have class. So Micah, Violet and I decided to go sight seeing since the weather was nice. It was a little cooler, but still sunny. We went to Kolomenskoye Park which used to be a village. Here is some history for you:
“The village of Kolomenskoe was founded in 1237 by refugees from Kolomna, although archaeological traces have been found here of pre-Slavic civilizations dating back over 2,500 years. In the 15th-17th centuries the village became first a Grand Prince’s and then the Tsar’s estate. Peter the Great was brought here for his own safety during the streltsy insurrection of 1682, and began his studies here. His daughter, Elizabeth, was also born here. Later, Alexander I studied here on his way to Moscow with his grandmother, Catherine the Great.”
green grass and lots of pretty planted flowers
outside the Stone gates
Church of Our Lady of Kazan
part of the Colonel Palace
Ascension Church - one of the tallest church buildings in Moscow
“It was constructed in 1529-1532 by order of Tsar Vasily III to commemorate the birth of his son and heir, Ivan the Terrible. Its unique blend of architectural styles has been attributed to the copying of much older wooden ecclesiastical architecture and to early influences from Italy.”
George bell tower
the other side of Colonel Palace
Moscow River
Bee keeper's house
checking out an ant on the pole
* quotes taken from this site
Six Sandowiches 