Whooping it up, Bulgarian style

What a day! And what a long day.

Bulgarians don't mess around with having fun, nor do they mess around with drinking, eating and dancing.

It was an early start. I went down to the first floor of my guesthouse, which is owned by the grooms aunt, and there was already a spread of about 15 plates of food; including various cookies and pastries, cold cuts, nuts and other mezzes as we call em in Iran. Also on the table were several bottles of Rakia (Bulgaria's answer to Congnac, and consumed at much the same rate as SOJU in Korea). For those of you who were on my email list prior to a life of blog, you will remember my SOJU email, and its violent effects. Rakia holds its own in that department, but that is another story, and not one I can verify from personal experience. Thank Goodness!

Anyhow, the maid of honor and her husband (also named Petya and Ivan- just to add confusion) were already dressed and waiting for the grooms part to arrive. They arrived in style with a three piece traditional band in tow. A clarinet, a drum, and the equivalent to a doodook, a small pipe affixed to a bag pipe. It was pouring rain, so they were all covered by garbage bags. Not the most picturesque sight, but sounded just as good.

The groom came in grinning ear to ear. He truly has one of the happiest faces I have seen yet, and hey, if I was marrying Petya, I would be grinning like that too! He grabbed a bottle of Rakia, and began drinking from it. This is mind you a two litre bottle.

They all began dancing immediately, and I was photographing. Keep in mind, this is 9 am or thereabouts now.

They danced and danced and drank for about 45 minutes. i got drunk just watching them. Then, they all piled into cars and drove to Elena, a 15 minute drive. The went to fetch the bride. And here I saw many similarities to Armenian weddings.

At the door, the grooms entourage was stopped by a very protective brother who was not ready to part with his sister. The groom approached with a bottle of Rakia, and after several gulps, pushing at the door, and a hefty bribe from the groom, the door finally budged! We all piled in and went to the room where the bride was sitting all primmed, looking very patient. I didn't make it to that room for several minutes, but if anyone could make love with a glance, it would have been those two. There was love pouring out of their eyes, and I of course became a teary ball of dough! It was truly a beautiful sight seeing the two so in love and so incredible happy.

After a few photos, we all piled into the cars and went to the city hall. There the civil ceremony took place and I was told to make sure I got a shot of who stepped on whose foot. Apparently after signing, whoever gets their foot on the others first, will be the boss of the family. Guess you got it in first. Petya of course!

Rain continued and we walked from the city hall to the old byzantine church which was truly a beautiful little spot. It is a historic church which is no longer used, but Petyas mom spoke to the mayor and had it opened for the wedding.

Again, the ceremony was very similar to the Armenian, with the head dress, the wine, the chanting, and I felt right at home, and a bit nostalgic.

I will tell you the rest in a little while.