Newlyweds wish better NMI-China relations

The 23 newlyweds from Shanghai wished “improved” relations between the Northern Marianas and China, even as they wished for “love forever” and “happy marriage” for themselves.

In a statement, the group said they hope that their wedding formality ceremony on Saipan will start their blissful walk into marriage life.

“Our wish is for our love [to be] forever and our marriage to be happy. …We also wish for improved [relations] between Northern Marianas and China,” they said.

After many years of lobbying, the CNMI finally received in late December 2004 the Approved Destination Status from the Chinese government. ADS places the CNMI on a select list of destinations for Chinese tourists.

Chinese tourists usually travel in groups, such as in the case of the group wedding participants.

The 23 couples arrived Monday night on Saipan. They were set to leave yesterday.

Traveling with them to Saipan were 80 other honeymoon couples from Shanghai.

The group was escorted to Saipan by Wu He Sheng, Shanghai Luwan District Tourism Administration Bureau Director.

Also with the group was Kevin Xu, the Marianas Visitors Authority representative in China.

Gov. Juan N. Babauta handed out wishing dolls as giveaway items to each couple during their wedding ceremony on Oct. 18.

“I told them to wish for three girls and four boys,” said Babauta, smiling. “I wish them to have a happy marriage.”

Babauta did not officiate the wedding of the couples; he gave them copies of certificates showing that they held their Rose Wedding Formality on Saipan.

The couples were officially married in China prior to their trip to Saipan.

During the formality event, the couples marched to the beachside garden of Hotel Nikko Saipan, where they were honored and acknowledged before officials and friends. They stood in two rows during the ceremony, which lasted for about 20-30 minutes.

The guests were seated while spectators and friends were standing and continually moving to take videos and pictures.

Two emcees led the ceremony, which called for the traditional wine toast and kiss among the newlyweds.

MVA managing director Vicky Benavente said the event was a product of six months of preparation.

“We’re very excited about this event. It took months to prepare for this—a lot of coordination with the Shanghai government, the travel agent, the couples. We’re very happy to host them here,” she said.