Going to the Riad and You're...

...gonna get married!

The festivities really began on Tuesday evening. The group at my riad gathered to begin our procession throughout the winding streets of the Medina to the restaurant where we had the rehearsal dinner. I’m not sure how we got ourselves there, especially since even the little Moroccan boy who tried to lead us also chose the wrong path at one point, but we made it. On time, and safely.

Few events are as warm and exciting as a wedding. And since the rehearsal dinner is the first time many wedding guests see each other, or meet for the first time, the rehearsal dinner has become my favorite part of a wedding celebration. I reunited with LEF’s family and her in-laws, I said hello to Peace Corps friends I had met years before. I met new faces, as well, from both the s side of the bride, as well as the groom.

Smiling and hugging, love radiated throughout the restaurant throughout the rehearsal dinner. LEF, gorgeous in her red dress, shined. MAS, quiet and proud, stood tall. Salads, lamb tajines, orange desserts, and bottles and bottles of wine later, the group returned to Riad Blanc to continue the celebrations. We played games and we danced and by 3:30 AM, MM, LC, and I realized we really needed to go home. But since we were the only women left at the Riad, JB and OB escorted us through the winding streets of the Medina and back home to Riad al Tainam.

The wedding was scheduled for 6:00 PM on the following day. I arrived at the riad a little early, and proceeded up to LEF’s room to say hello and to see how she was doing. She was all smiles, and I honestly don't think I have never seen her so happy. And although I cried while hugging her, I have never known myself to be so happy, either.

The ceremony was beautiful; the right combination of thoughtful readings with light-hearted speeches and the presence of so much loving energy. I couldn’t look at LEF and MAS without feeling butterflies in my stomach - their love makes even me giddy.

The ceremony concluded with a big fat kiss and the popping of plenty of bubbly. As if the love and wine that filled the riad were not enough to get the party started, the dancing commenced with a belly dancer. After about an hour of cocktails and belly dancing, the wedding band lead us through the streets of the Medina from Riad Blanc to the resuraunt that was hosting the reception. The procession was fantastic! Donkeys, wild cats, Moroccans, cars, motor bikes, bikes – nothing could stop us. We had a wedding to celebrate!

Under the stars of Marrakech, friends and family totaling up to fifty people gathered to eat, drink, dance, and tell stories about our bride and groom. Laughing until we were crying, crying until we were laughing. It was a perfect evening.

LEF, I’m so happy that you and MAS “decided to move forward with getting married.” I wish you all the happiness and love that I have seen the past several years, but especially on this wonderful night, and during these unique, wonderful days in Marrakech, throughout every day of your marriage.