Those who enjoyed the Society’s ‘Diverse China’ Tour in 2013 will be happy to learn that Wang Fang, our guide, has tied the knot and Society President Dave Bromwich was one of the guests at her wedding.
Dave says he felt honoured to be invited to Wang Fang’s marriage to Ye Xi [pronounced Yeah Shee, means ‘Leaves Hope’], son of a diplomat in Europe, who is currently second-in-command in charge of Science and Technology at the Chinese Embassy in Switzerland.
Wang Fang’s family are farmers on the outskirts of Mianyang City, Sichuan and the ceremony was to be held in their large comfortable house, on March 1, 2015.
The night before the wedding, a big dinner party was held at a hotel, for all the guests, some of whom came from Chengdu, Switzerland and, of course, New Zealand! The excellent meal was followed by a fireworks display to rival any New Year display in New Zealand.
The following day, 16 cars left the hotel to travel to Wang Fang’s home for the ceremony. The tradition of passing sweets, cigarettes and greetings as the guests entered, was accompanied with many photo shots. The bride wore a traditional red dress, the groom a black suit and bow tie.
Wang Fang and Ye Xi slowly walked up the red carpet to the front, their parents followed and took their seats facing the guests. The couple each bowed to pay their respects to their new family parents and the two fathers each lit a candle. There then followed much teasing, ear tugging and a noisy kiss on the cheek from Wang Fang to her new husband, enough to leave a very noticeable lipstick mark!
A family representative from her family gave a heart-warming speech followed by a brief speech from Dave, followed by Ye Xi’s father. Dave described the entire event as a sincere and friendly connection between the two families and their friends. Then followed an excellent banquet of local Sichuan dishes. ［Editor’s note: most of Sichuan cuisine is VERY chilli-hot!]
Dave recalled in his speech how he had first met Wang Fang as an NZCFS tour guide in Beijing in 2009. She was such a tremendous success that she has been with us ever since. She always makes sure everyone enjoys each tour and her desire to help when they encounter difficulties is a mark of her dedication to her work. So it was on behalf of all the friends that she has met from New Zealand and on behalf of NZCFS, that Dave gave the couple our wishes for a long life together, one hundred years of love and happiness with every day ‘sweet’!
王方， 叶希 Wáng Fāng, Yè Xī
祝你们永结同心 zhù nǐmen yǒng jiē tóngxīn
百年好合 bǎiniánhǎohé
甜甜蜜蜜 tián tián mì mì
Teri France & Dave Bromwich
