The bride, all dressed in green.

I went to a wedding a couple weeks ago, for which I was asked to be the videographer...but of course, i had to take some pictures too! Weddings here are quite different from the ones we're used to...but they are the same in some ways, too. Weddings vary quite a bit according to the family's heritage, traditions, and wealth (or lack thereof). This wedding was pretty typical, though. The men and women do not go together- the men go with the groom to the mosque for the ceremony there, and the women stay at home with the bride, or go to a hall to await the newlyweds' arrival.

Waiting for the bride at her family's home. She is out getting  getting decorated, as they say!

This is the bride's little sister. She is having some trouble with the petticoats!

Guests begin to arrive, and wait on mats in the yard.

The bibi Harusi (bride) arrives! She a is a young woman of 19 years,  and happy to marry  be married to the groom, as they are in love. This is not always the case, as many marriages are arranged.  

She goes into the bedroom to wait for the groom. 

While waiting, lots of pictures are taken!

Beautiful henna is painted all over her hand, feet, arms and legs.  This is considered a must for bibi Harusi!

Even the bottom of the feet!

The bride with her bibis (grandmothers.)

The taarab band arrived a little while before the groom came.

The band played traditional taraab wedding music, while everyone danced with joy!

Two large buses arrived bearing the groom and his
company. I didn't think they would
 manage to squeeze in
through the narrow alleys, but they did it!

Dancing!

Once the groom arrived, everything went very fast. He went to the bedroom,  where  a short blessing was chanted, a few more pics taken, and then they went out to the stage.

The stage is just a place where the couple sits and more pictures are taken. 

Everyone stared at the newlyweds on the beautifully decorated stage.

They didn't hand around at the stage too long. The groom brought along a cameraman who had one of those obnoxious bright lights to make the video actually seeable. Unfortunately, it is very annoying to have it shining right in your face! After this they went right out to the car, and were outta there! Back the groom's place. 

After they left, the obligatory pilau was distributed.

The aunties are too tired from all the wedding prep to dance!

But there was more dancing after the bride and groom left, and halwa (a sweet treat)  was passed around. That wrapped it up!  I pray this couple will be blessed, and live and learn together for years to come.  May they discover the True Fount of every blessing in the journey.