I do.... again.

So it has been a week since the wedding and so much to write about! I don’t know exactly how I’m going to tackle it all in a blog, but you can also check out my mum’s blog here (http://roaringfiftys.blogspot.com/2012/07/six-dresses-for-moroccan-wedding.html) for her perspective and more pictures!

But I’ll start from the start – the day before. A most interesting hens party if you could call it that! I have been to the hammam several times, but for nearly everyone else it was their first time and lots of giggling was had! Scrubbed, massaged and sung to by toothless topless women, we were certainly sparkling clean by the end! We followed this up with the henna party, where henna was applied to my hands and feet, including the soles of my feet, so that I had to remain lying down for a few hours while the people around me had to feed me patisseries and tea. It’s hard being the bride sometimes! Yassin’s group played lovely music while all the other ladies got henna too. In the evening, the men went off for a shave from the barber where my dad shaved his beard after more than 40 years! And then they too went off to the hammam with Karim to get scrubbed by a not-so-big baba. 

The next morning – the day of the wedding! While I went to the salon with Karim’s brother and sister, Karim was still running around and organising everything! Now I had been forewarned that Moroccan make-up can be quite over the top (understatement), so I made sure to tell them that I only wanted a little, which they seemed to be ok with. An hour later and I looked like a drag queen. I was able to negotiate some being removed, but the coloured in eyebrows, diamantes next to my eyes and bright red lipstick had to stay. Luckily, there were no touch-ups during the course of the wedding, so by the end, I think a lot of it had been sweated off! Next onto the hair; 49 bobby pins, 2 extra hairpieces and a hairnet later and I had quite a headache, but it did look pretty! And I was ready! 

Off to the venue and I was snuck in via a side door so that no one could see me. It was time for the first of my 6 dresses. A bright pink and blue number! Every dress came with its own set of jewellery, (including tiaras!) and the fact that one of my ear piercings had nearly closed over was no obstacle. Not only was my ear practically re-pierced, but both were also stretched as the thick and heavy earrings were pushed through every time. The price of beauty I guess! 

Karim and I made our first entrance for lunch and from that time onward I had a permanent smile on my face- partly from being happy, partly from being constantly on film! There were photos taken at every stage, and the video was streamed live directly to the plasma screens around the venue, so there was no escape! Dad’s drilling on table manners as a child certainly paid off as I was even filmed eating lunch. The food was delicious – meat with almonds and eggs followed by delicious chicken followed by fruit and ice-cream. Luckily there was so much food, as we had about 50 extra people show up! 

Karim and I were then led to our throne – an elaborately decorated couch on a platform where we were joined by just about every guest for photos! The lights from the cameras combined with the heavy dresses, combined with the 34 degree weather made it all a bit hot, but Karim, ever the fixer, solved the problem by getting his brother to buy us a fan. After that, we had the coolest spot in the whole wedding! 

Time for dress number 2, my favourite dress and another entrance. This time, I was lifted in a carriage by 4 men, who danced me into the venue, while Karim followed on a horse! Lots of waving and smiling, definitely a princess moment! This was followed by more photos and more couch time as the guests danced to the music and were offered tea and patisseries. May I add that I did not get offered any, but maybe this was a blessing as the dresses were already pulled in tight by the central belt! 

Dress number 3 – a red velvet number. No special entrance, but a lot more photos. By this time, my cheek muscles were getting pretty sore from smiling, so it was a relief whenever I got to change dresses, as it gave me a break! Throughout the wedding I had 4 ladies attend to my every need; they helped me into and out of my dresses, put on my jewellery, and made sure everything was looking perfect for the photos. Our headquarters were in a side room, which provided a sanctuary away from the cameras!

Dress number 4 – this time, green velvet. I was carried in a matching green carriage, while little girls got hold of the flower centrepieces and threw rose petals at me! Karim and I had to awkwardly dance for a bit (Moroccan dancing is still a bit of a mystery to me) before retiring to our couch once again. More photos!

Dress number 5, although I don’t think I could call it a dress. I had only seen pictures of it, and I had been warned that it was heavy, but nothing really prepared me for wearing it. I had the option not to, but it is a traditional Fes dress, and I wanted to have the full wedding experience. So off to the change rooms! I can’t really describe it so you’ll have to settle with the pictures, but what I can tell you is that the headdress dug into my forehead like nothing else and I was on the point of tears at one stage. But I just had to grin and bear it, although my grin looked more like a grimace! Luckily it was only for about 15minutes, and despite the pain, I’m glad I did it!

Time for the final dress – a real white bridal gown with veil! I had never tried it on, but somehow it fitted perfectly. This time, Dad walked me out and passed me onto Karim, who lifted my veil and gave me a kiss (on the forehead – it is Morocco after all!) Our final task was to cut the 5-tiered cake and feed each other a piece. After 9 hours, the official festivities were over! The girls changed out of their hired Moroccan gowns while I smiled for more photos, and then it was into the bridal car and off to the palace for even more photos! 

Finally, at about midnight, we checked into our hotel and I was able to scrub off the makeup and wash out my hair. The end of a long day! But even without the cameras, I still found myself smiling– a perfect wedding to the most amazing man, happiness doesn’t even begin to cover it. 

Before I leave you with the photos (these are photos from friends, official photos are coming soon), I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who flew over to join us, I hope you enjoyed morocco and our wedding! A big thank you also to everyone who sent love and support from afar, we look forward to celebrating with you another time. And the biggest thank you ever to my husband Karim, who organised everything and made me the happiest bride ever! 

Henna being applied to my feet

Henna entertainment

Fully Henna-ed

Henna before

Henna after!

Pretty rainbow girls!

Dress number 1 on our throne

Ohhhhh....

Band number 1 for our grand entrance

Smiling for the cameras with dress number 2

Making our entrance!

Dress number 3

Being carried in dress number 4

Keeping on smiling in dress number 4

Instantly displayed on the plasma screens

Fassia dress - ouch!

Cutting the cake in dress number 6

Dress number 6 with the family

Dress number 6 with my mother-in-law

Band number 2 played until the very end

Everyone gathering around the palace doors for the last photos of the night!