Something borrowed
The story about “the generational dress”
If I never stop talking about my wedding day, I’m sorry — maybe that’s what all newlyweds do. So I’m apologizing in advance before I start telling stories.
There are so many stories from my wedding a week ago, but I’ve decided to share this one special story with this photo.
So, this is me, taken moments before our wedding ceremony. And yes, this is me at my happiest.
One of the many things that made me happy on my wedding day was wearing the dress that my mom also wore on her wedding day 30 years ago.
This isn’t exactly a dress; it’s called a ‘kebaya’. It is a traditional Indonesian garment worn by women, particularly in Java and Bali. The kebaya consists of a close-fitting blouse made of sheer or semi-sheer fabric, often adorned with intricate embroidery or lace. This elegant attire is commonly worn by brides for their weddings and other formal occasions like cultural ceremonies or special events. The kebaya holds cultural significance as it reflects Indonesian heritage and craftsmanship, embodying grace and tradition.
The kebaya is typically paired with a batik sarong or a traditional skirt. But for mine, I combined my mother’s kebaya with an organza skirt to make it look like a wedding gown. It ended up looking like a blend of a kebaya and a modern dress, and I’m very pleased with how beautiful it turned out.
Another fun fact is that when my older sister got married six years ago, she also wore the exact same kebaya that belonged to our mother. That’s why, when I planned my wedding, I wanted to wear it too.
And so it happened, and everything came together flawlessly. Every detail; the venue, the guests, the decorations, the food — was just as we imagined. The ceremony was deeply touching and sincere, making it a day we’ll always treasure.
And not to mention that I also got to marry and recite my vows in the exact same kebaya my mother wore when she recited her vows 30 years ago. Just thinking about it makes me feel so deeply connected to my family’s history and incredibly grateful for the meaningful traditions we’ve carried forward.
I’d like to think that this kebaya is now officially “the generational dress” — just like in those romcoms. I hope this kebaya remains timeless and that perhaps one day our descendants might wear it on their special days as well. Who knows?
In response to Deanna Bugalski 💋’s August prompt #1: Post a picture of yourself at your happiest, and tell us about it.
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