Union maker:
Vince Lau performed his first wedding as a registrar two years ago, then aged 28.
Instant recall:
While on the job as a registrar, Lee Fu-kwong is reminded of his own marriage-registry wedding 12 years ago.
Witnessing the ‘I do!’s
February 13, 2012
There is no more popular day on the calendar for weddings than Valentine’s Day, February 14. All 132 time slots at Hong Kong’s five marriage registries were booked for this special day.
Every couple wants their nuptials to be perfect. The registrar of marriages is one of the key players who can ensure their memories of this once-in-a-lifetime event are happy ones.
Vince Lau performed his first wedding as a registrar two years ago, then aged 28. “He’s so young!” someone let slip when the wedding party saw who was about to perform the ceremony. He took it in stride, delivering a professional performance that left all parties satisfied.
“You must be strategic and precise,” Mr Lau said. “Everyone’s eyes are on you when you chair the wedding, and you must speak clearly, and with confidence.”
The time limit for every wedding is short, just 15 minutes. In that little time, the registrar must engage the congregation and complete the ceremony.
“It’s common for the family and friends to overlook the time due to their overwhelming joy and excitement for the new couple. Being the leader of each round of applause requires precise time management,” he said.
Stickler for details
It helps that he is a stickler for details. He closely checks all names and documents beforehand, and make sure the newlyweds sign the certificate in the right place.
“This is once in a lifetime, they won’t have a second chance. So no mistakes are allowed,” Mr Lau stressed.
Nervous grooms and brides can be forgetful on their big day. He recalled some creative solutions that helped some couples overcome ensuing difficulties.
“One couple forgot to bring their wedding rings, so they used a pair of earrings instead. This brought a new meaning to the exchange, as they saw it as representing their mutual submission through their listening ears.”
Lee Fu-kwong has been a registrar at the Sha Tin Marriage Registry since 2009. A marriage of a senior couple left a lasting impression.
“They were both over 70 years old. Throughout the ceremony, the bridegroom tightly held his bride’s hand, and they smiled sweetly. The bride’s eyes filled with tears when the bridegroom said his vows,” Mr Lee said.
That was such a touching moment, he had to hold back his own tears to finish the ceremony. Although he did not know why the couple were getting married so late in life, he sent them off with his best wishes.
“Perhaps they have gone through a lot over the years and finally made a lifelong commitment to each other,” he said.
Anticipating needs
As a registrar, Mr Lee anticipates the wedding party’s every need. He always has a spare pack of tissue paper in his jacket pocket.
In their excitement, some couples have difficulty stating the formal vows. Mr Lee recalled a bridegroom who blurted out his partner's nickname, saying: “I pledge to take you, Babe, as my wedded wife.”
Mr Lee then explained the legal requirements to the bridegroom, with a smile, and asked him to state his vows again.
Another extraordinary case could have proved embarrassing, but he was able to arrive at a happy ending. After a couple had signed their marriage certificate, the bride’s mother threw down the pen and refused to sign as a witness.
Mr Lee comforted the mother, reminding her that she was not about to lose her daughter, but would in fact gain a son who could also look after her. Eventually, she came around and the marriage was sealed.
Shared experience
He shares the wedding experiences with his wife at the end of the day. Each one reminds him of their own marriage-registry wedding 12 years ago.
“That sweet memory is always on my mind. And I remind myself to give the same precious experience to the new couple when I’m doing my job.”
Vince Lau, who is also happily married, loves his job, too.
“Each time I put my name on the marriage certificate to complete the procedure, I feel like I’m giving the couple a blessing, wishing they will live happily ever after.”
