Translated interview from Thairath
Boy was this a long one to translate but I totally adore this couple after knowing what they've endured as a couple with Fon's mother being sick and all.
There goes another bride to tie the knot! Actress Namfon Kullanut Preeyawat and Jordan Winter, a 43 year old Jewish American from Los Angelas, California, had their official wedding ceremony today. They had their traditional Thai ceremony last month on April 26. Jordan was very excited for his wedding. Namfon revealed that they had originally planned to get married on April 26 of last month, however, Jordan's family couldn't make it and her mother was very sick. That is why they only had the traditional Thai blessing ceremonies in April. Today's wedding also included a traditional Thai ceremony. The wedding guests consisted of close family and friends. Her mother wasn't able to attend her wedding today because she is sick at the hospital. Jordan spoke about the day he proposed to Namfon. Namfon opened up and revealed that Jordan and her had been dating for 4-5 years. Jordan has made quite an impression on her for various reasons. He won over her heart when her mother fell really ill last year. During the time, she had already decided to never get married. However, Jordan was able to change her mind. At first, she didn't think she'd be this excited, but when today arrived, she was very excited. All of a sudden, she felt as though Jordan came into her life to fulfill her dreams of having a true family. Their newlywed home is a condo in Sukhumvit. The dowry consists of a ring made up of 3 squared diamonds that Jordan had designed himself. Namfon was very touched by the thought he put into the ring. The marriage certificates were signed today. Namfon isn't going to change her surname until she flies over to America. As for Namfon leaving the entertainment circle to finally start her own family, Namfon is unable to give a reply at this moment.
Jordan complimented Namfon on being beautiful and adorable. Namfon admired Jordan's determination. He was willing to make adjustments to his own lifestyle to fit into her Thai culture. He eats Thai food and is always willing to help her and her family during times of great need. Namfon's mother spoke about her dating Jordan. She asked whether she can rely on Jordan when she doesn't know how to speak English. However, each time she sees Jordan, she would give him a hug. Although she doesn't speak English, Namfon always translates for her. Namfon, herself, had to make adjustments to her lifestyle after dating Jordan.
After that, the reporter asked Jordan to speak Thai and Jordan replied by saying "Phom rak khun" (I love you) while Namfon replied by saying "Chan gor rak khun meuan gan" (I love you too). For today's wedding, Namfon and Jordan only invited 80 guests of close family and friends. The Thai ceremony was held in the afternoon while the Jewish ceremony took place during the evening. Tanya Tanyares, Nok Sikrintan, Benz Pornchita, Donut, Namfon Patcharin, and Nott Worarit were among the guests from the ET industry that attended.
Let's hear what Namfon and Jordan had to say about their special day.
Jordan: I feel very excited about today (smiles)
Asks about their traditional Thai ceremony last April on the 26th
Namfon: I think many people were confused about the pictures I posted on Instagram last month. We had intended to get married last month on April 26th. However, Jordan's family couldn't make it on that day. That is why we had to rethink our plans. We decided to have the traditional Thai blessing ceremonies in April and have another wedding ceremony for today. Coincidentally, my mother fell very ill on April 26th. The hospital said that they were afraid that she wouldn't make it. I apologize for having to say it this way. I then had a talk with my older brother. I wanted my mother to give us both blessings through the water blessing ceremony before today. That is why we had the water blessing and merit making ceremonies in April. Fortunately that day, P' Jarujinda was able to attend and give us her blessings because she was unable to make it today. The result was the pictures you've seen. The intended date was April 26th. For today's wedding, the majority of people we wanted to come was able to make it. This wedding consisted of close family, friends, and elders. There's also a simple Thai ceremony. It's nothing too fancy, just the water blessing ceremony. For the evening, we had a Jewish ceremony.
How long have you two dated?
Namfon: Jordan and I have been dating for four years. If you ask me what impresses me about him? I'd say many things from how he thinks to how he understands me. We encounter many different problems in our lives, both from our past and present. However, he won over my heart when my mother fell very ill last year. I've already decided in the past to never get married because I don't know how a woman feels after being married. Jordan changed my thinking. I was willing to get married as long as the person is him.
How was the proposal?
Namfon: I was very surprised when he proposed even though we've already spoken about it beforehand. I am still thrilled about it right now. During that time, we went to vacation in Chiang Mai. He didn't get on one knee. He was sitting beside me and then pulled the ring from his pocket and asked me to marry him.
Jordan: I had the ring in my pocket and then pulled it out to propose to her. Is it like a fairytale from the movies? I'm not sure. Probably (smiles)
Are you in a rush to have children?
Namfon: Honestly, we have been trying since after April 26th, but there hasn't been any success (not sure if that's what she meant. Translations is a bit unclear). Jordan wants to have kids more than I do. I feel that having kids is mandatory to complete a family. Will I take a break from work after having children? Yes, I will. After lakorn Sut Kaen Saen Rak, I will take a break for about a year. If I don't succeed by next year, I will start accepting new work (smiles). As for whether I want a boy or a girl? I want a girl. Jordan wants a boy.
What about your newlywed home?
Namfon: It's a condo in Sukhumvit.
What about your honeymoon?
Namfon: I'm not in a rush for anything because we already travel a lot as is. Also, after today's ceremony, his family is visiting from America. He's taking them to vacation at Bali. Afterwards, we will visit Sumatra Island.
Are you moving to America with Jordan?
Namfon: Not yet ka because my mother lives here. I want to stay with her first. However, if I'm able to have children, because I'm at an older age now, Jordan wants me to give birth over there. Let's see how the situation goes first.
Was your mother able to attend the wedding today?
Namfon: Right now, my mother is at the hospital. She will arrive at noon. The person who went to pick her up said that she was smiling the whole time (smiles)
Can we ask about the dowry?
Namfon: Can we not reveal the dowry? (laughs) There's a 3 karat diamond ring ka. He designed it himself with the help of his American friend. It's the kind of design he likes. He also knows that I like squared diamonds so that's where he got the idea from. He thought that having just one squared diamond would be too ordinary. That's why he added some more diamonds. I feel touched because it shows that he puts much thought into it.
Let's talk about your marriage certificates.
Namfon: We will sign our marriage certificates this evening (laughs) After we pay respect to the elders, we will sign them and then have the water blessing ceremony. Afterwards, we will prepare for the evening ceremony. As for changing my surname, I've already decided. It's still not time yet (laughs). His last name is Winter. When we write it out in Thai, it doesn't go well with my real name which is Anyarin. If you pair this with Winter, it doesn't fit. After speaking with an elder, they told me to wait until I move to America and then change my name in English. Right now, I'm still using my original name which is Anyarin Hiranpharathanon. (What the fudge? Where did she get Kullanut Preeyawat from then? Lol). In the entertainment industry, I'll still use Namfon Kullanut.
Is the Jewish ceremony different from anything we've seen?
Namfon: It's much different than the Christian way. We are also doing it differently. It's not because I'm not Jewish. We weren't able to get a Jewish person to perform the ceremony. I will have to change my religion in order to do so. We are currently in a rush to get married the Jewish way in America. It should be within two months. I'm not sure but I know that my mother won't be able to fly to America. That's why we decided to do it here a bit differently with his friend as the person to perform the ceremony. He's also Jewish. He will try his best to perform it as close to the real way as possible. There will be an exchange of rings in Hebrew. After that, there's toasting. It's pretty simple. Then we'd have dinner and the after party.
After marriage, will you gradually fade from the entertainment industry? After having children, will you take a break?
Namfon: As for having children, I don't plan on retiring from work. I'm just going to take a break. I won't be able to give an answer right now because I am not pregnant yet. If I'm unable to get pregnant by next year, I will return to accept work. However, if I do, I'd have to wait until my child turns one or two years old to return. As of right now, I am still producing lakorns for Ch. 8.
Let's ask about why you love one another.
Jordan: She's a very ambitious woman. She's sweet and very fun to be around. She's also beautiful. (smiles)
Namfon: He's a good person. He's always open to new things. For one of the Thai ceremonies, he doesn't have to wai (put his hands in prayer form) but he wai anyways. I would ask him why he'd wai when he doesn't have to? He said he felt strange for not doing so when everyone else is. It wouldn't be right not to. He never looks down on anything. He tries his best to learn and adapt to our Thai culture. He enjoys eating Thai food. Everything adds up. Especially how he is always willing to be there for me and my family. When I am worried about my mother, he always asks me if there's anything he could do to help. He always offers to help.
It seems that your mother is very pleased with him.
Namfon: My mother chose him before I did (smiles). Before my mother became ill, she went to Hong Kong to pray. She said that she wants this person (smiles). I'm still laughing about it because I didn't expect it from her. My mother can't speak English. But it's very cute how she always gives him a hug when she sees him. Also, I never force him to come see my mother on Mother's Day. After work, he'd call to ask where I am at. I'd tell him that I'm at my mother's house. He'd tell me that he'd be there to go eat dinner with us after he gets off from work. The people at my house don't speak English. There's only me and my niece who can. When he comes over, my niece would help translate so that the atmosphere isn't uncomfortable. It's very cute ka.
How are you able to make the relationship work since the both of you come from different cultures?
Namfon: You make adjustments because he comes from a different lifestyle. I also come from a different background. We both have to make adjustments to understand one another.
How much Thai do you speak Jordan?
Jordan: I know a little bit.
Namfon told him to speak Thai and he said Sawatdee krap (hello) and Phom rak khun (I love you) (smiles)
Namfon: He rehearsed well (laughs)
What are the promises you have for one another?
Namfon: We don't have any (smiles) We didn't think of anything to that extent. Today, in this current generation, as long as we are at our happiest is enough ka.