Wedding.

This week we had the privilege to attend a groom's party and wedding. The groom was "related" to Habib and Gosayna in some winding complicated way:)
Here we are before the evening.


I had my hair done with Gosayna and tried on a few dresses.

Philip had his hair gelled by Gosayna's son until he looked like a real Arab.

Ready to party at 9pm.


Appetizers before dinner.

Throughout the evening a full traditional band and male singer entertained over 500 guests.
-everyone pays at least $50 upon entering, greets the family, waits for the bride and her family, dances traditional dance throughout the evening, eats from the loaded tables.
-the couple dances pretty much all evening, all around the room, swaying back and forth while holding their hands up (screw on lightbulb and windshield wipers: the two hand motions). Sometimes the groom is carried around on his friend's shoulders while the bride is carried around on a chair
-a couple hours into the party, while most of the guest slowly eat, smoke, drink, look bored, watch others dance, there is a mock sword fight/dance!

-lastly, the groom is carted to a table in the middle of the palace like hall and a shaving cream fight erupts! This groom was brought in with traditional Palestinian garb. The shaving cream is symbolizing the final shave before the wedding, which will really take place at home with friends.


Melkite wedding ceremony:
-over 500 people invited but about 150 show up
-two fancy little girls carrying candles, one carrying flowers, one boy with rings
-everything sung by priest: ring ceremony, prayers, scripture readings
-many things done three times to represent Father, Son, Holy Spirit including a procession around front of the church
-communion with only bride, groom, bridesmaid, and groom's man. The groom's man had to finish off the wine so none remained.
-a tradition where the bride and groom wore crowns
-when married, an aunt of the groom let off a wailing chant of congratulations
-receiving line that we had to force ourselves into. Arabs don't seem to believe in lines:)
-beautiful and solemn wedding

Gosayna's daughter, Katrina.

-after the wedding we drove to the groom's parent's neighborhood where the new couple's home is also. The bride, groom, and close family danced the whole way into the neighborhood to the house, accompanied by an awesome Palestinian band. People threw confetti and candy. The neighbors came out on their balconies to watch and cheer.
Here you can see the groom. The bride is peeking out behind the musician.

Wedding car. And drinks offered to the guests by the family.

Dancing up the street.


Favors.