To celebrate the year 2020 (the numbers being homonyms for “love” and “you”), the Maritime and Port Bureau (MPB) of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) took the advantage to hold a mass wedding ceremony for 30 happy couples at Dagang Bridge, the hottest scenic location at Kaohsiung Harbor today (14th). With “Setting Sail from Dagang--Towards a Life of Joy and Blessings” marking the first time ever that a mass wedding ceremony is held on a yacht in Taiwan in line with policies to promote yachting and yacht ownership, Minister Lin Chia-Lung of the MOTC, Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-Mai and Legislators Hsu Chih-Chieh and Lin Tai-Hua all attended the ceremony to witness the marriage of the 30 couples and see them off into the next stage of their lives.
Minister Lin Chia-Lung said in his speech that as this year marks the centennial of the renaming of Kaohsiung from Takau in 1920, the city serves as the perfect venue for holding a yachting promotional event jointly organized by the Kaohsiung City Government, Ocean Affairs Council and Taiwan International Ports Corporation, Ltd. As the city celebrates another century of happiness, so are the newlyweds of the yacht-based mass wedding blessed to enjoy a happiness lifetime.
Led by Minister Lin Chia-Lung, the 30 couples taking part in the ceremony underwent all sorts of fun activities including hanging red lanterns to signify the begetting of offspring, ringing the wedding bell seven times to symbolize a lifetime together, the exchange of tea and red envelopes, and walking down a red carpet 99 meters long to signify a life of enduring love. Finally, under the witness of Minister Lin Chia-Lung and Mayor Chen Chi-Mai, the happy couples were wedded and pronounced man and wife.
For this occasion, the MPB not only chose to host the mass wedding at Dagang Bridge, Kaohsiung harbor so that the bridge could be transformed into an avenue toward wedded bliss, the Bureau moreover invited the internationally renowned Kaohsiung City Symphony Orchestra to perform throughout the entire duration of the ceremony, adding even more to the lively, happy ambiance. Under the witness of family and friends, the 30 couples exchanged vows, rings, and kisses, and were able to embark on a new journey of a lifetime together blessed by their closest friends and friendly passersby.
Among the couples taking part in the ceremony, many had been in a relationship for over a decade. For all the couples present, the excitement of being a part of the first mass wedding on a yacht in Taiwan will forever be one of their most cherished, romantic memories as they had never before imagined being married on a yacht, let alone saying their vows on an iconic destination like Dagang Bridge. The venue, the settings, and the ambiance were above and beyond what they could have ever imagined or expected. The newlyweds also fully appreciated the wonderful atmosphere engendered by the world-class performance of Kaohsiung City Symphony Orchestra. Walking down the aisle in grand but melodious music was not only romantic but also extremely meaningful, signifying an elegant, harmonious start to a blissful life together. The couples are therefore extremely grateful to the organizers for giving them so many wonderful memories of one the most important moments of their lives, not to speak of the generous wedding gifts amounting to over NT$18,000!
Apart from the dreamily romantic yacht wedding which has just taken place, the MPB is also inviting members of the public to participate in yacht activities in the vicinities of Dagang Bridge on the 14th and 15th, including yacht driving for enthusiasts with yacht licenses who yearn to speed through the waters, boarding a yacht for an unforgettable trip on a luxury vessel made right here in Taiwan, and the Kaohsiung Port Fun Market where 60 booths featuring the newest, trendiest items with unique local flair including arts and crafts made by local artisans, souvenirs and delicious seafood. Many other performances and special offers can be found onsite at the event. Visitors are welcome to come on a trip to Dagang Bridge this weekend for a pleasant afternoon stroll, beautiful views, and exciting yachting activities.
For event details please visit the “Setting Sail from Dagang--Towards a Life of Joy and Blessings” official event website(www.khyacht.com.tw).
