I've always considered her my friend, and she has been nothing but kind and generous, helping me with whatever I needed. We even exchanged language lessons for a time, but in the days leading up to her wedding, she was unable to continue with the schedule.
She invited me out to her wedding, and I was honoured by the gesture. I eagerly awaited the ceremony, however, unbeknownst to her or me at the time, I had a GnB workshop the day of her wedding; starting exactly the same time as her ceremony.
I was unable to get out of the workshop, despite my best efforts. I managed to arrive just before the ceremony with a few of my co-teachers. I got the chance to congratulate her and wish her the best, although I would have preferred to stay and watch the ceremony. It was the first Korean wedding I have been too, and I was excited to see it through, but as my ole pal Mick Jagger puts it, "you can't always get what you want."
From what I can gather, the wedding hall looked very much arranged like any other, with a similar altar to a church's. The bride and groom both go through their wedding vows, wherein the parents and family of both congratulate them. The bride tosses the bouquet too. I spotted a few relatives wearing the traditional Korean clothing, the 한복 (hanbok).
I think the biggest differences are the reception, where it's more conservative compared to the Western 'party' that usually ensues after the ceremony; but who knows, maybe they break out the soju later on. After snapping a few photos and talking for a bit, the other teachers and I left. We went to the reception hall where we quickly ate some food before our workshop, despite already being late.
It was a shame I didn't get to stay for longer, perhaps I'll get another chance to see a Korean wedding while I'm here on Jeju, but I doubt an equal opportunity will present itself.
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