This was one of the most unique and beautiful wedding I’ve been to. Honoring the old traditions of Tonga with the modern traditions of today was fascinating. This was a ceremony and wedding dinner event. The ceremony was performed outside at the Waterfall Plaza at Atrium, one of Western Garden’s wedding reception centers in Utah.
The family first laid down a traditional mat for the bride and wedding party to walk upon to her future husband. The best men and boys sat down on the mat to witness the union. Even a couple of the women sat down on the mat to watch. The most tender part for me was to watch the bride procession to the front. She was escorted by one of her 5 brothers. At the back of the guest seating, another brother stood up from the crowd and traded with her brother continuing her walk forward. Several steps later, another brother took his turn and so on until the oldest brother walked her to her waiting fiancé. Her father had passed away and it was so tender to watch those big brothers embrace her and walk with her to the front. I shall never forget it. After the ceremony, everyone went inside to enjoy a sit down dinner for about 140 guests. Lani Kai supplied the delicious polynesian courses and a family friend created the couple’s cake. There were smile around for everyone at this Utah wedding reception center.
