Where to begin, where to begin? This is going to be a long one, but I have so much to tell!
On June 11, I attended my first dance practice for this event. Yes, I said dance practice. I was terrified and felt ridiculously uncoordinated, but I persevered (and had some wonderfully patient teachers to help me). On the 12th I visited florists with the bride and helped tie ribbons on party favors for 350+ people. On the 13th, three of us choreographed a surprise dance (with Areej's help) for the Saturday reception. The week leading up to the wedding was full of dance practices and restless sleep, because I was worrying about said dances.
Friday, the 18th, Eric surprised me by getting home at 11:30ish - he woke up at 5:00am! - three or so hours before I expected him. It was so wonderful to be able to spend time with him before I had to leave! At 3:30 I went to the florist with Areej's cousin, and then we headed to the hotel to put the arrangements together. Eric met me at the hotel at 6:30, as the other guests were starting to arrive. The night was a bit of a blur because all I could think about was the dancing. There were about 160 people the first night (Mehndi). We performed after dinner, and it went by in the blink of an eye; I didn't even mess up!
Saturday, Eric and I woke up early and went to breakfast and spent some time outside. At noon, eight of us met to finalize our plans for the surprise dance that evening. We figured out formations and taught the dance to four of the people, including Eric! Amazingly, practice went really well and we finished earlier than expected (Eric was a really quick study!). That night, the eight of us surprised 350+ people with our four minute dance, and I think we were a big hit! The best part was how much Areej and Uzair liked our show.
On June 11, I attended my first dance practice for this event. Yes, I said dance practice. I was terrified and felt ridiculously uncoordinated, but I persevered (and had some wonderfully patient teachers to help me). On the 12th I visited florists with the bride and helped tie ribbons on party favors for 350+ people. On the 13th, three of us choreographed a surprise dance (with Areej's help) for the Saturday reception. The week leading up to the wedding was full of dance practices and restless sleep, because I was worrying about said dances.
Friday, the 18th, Eric surprised me by getting home at 11:30ish - he woke up at 5:00am! - three or so hours before I expected him. It was so wonderful to be able to spend time with him before I had to leave! At 3:30 I went to the florist with Areej's cousin, and then we headed to the hotel to put the arrangements together. Eric met me at the hotel at 6:30, as the other guests were starting to arrive. The night was a bit of a blur because all I could think about was the dancing. There were about 160 people the first night (Mehndi). We performed after dinner, and it went by in the blink of an eye; I didn't even mess up!
Saturday, Eric and I woke up early and went to breakfast and spent some time outside. At noon, eight of us met to finalize our plans for the surprise dance that evening. We figured out formations and taught the dance to four of the people, including Eric! Amazingly, practice went really well and we finished earlier than expected (Eric was a really quick study!). That night, the eight of us surprised 350+ people with our four minute dance, and I think we were a big hit! The best part was how much Areej and Uzair liked our show.
Sunday was the third and final night (Walima). (Eric had six hours of driving, so he didn't go, but I did get to spend most of the day with him.) I wore a black dress and a pink shawl from Pakistan that Areej gave me when we were roommates in college. After two nights of wearing gorgeous clothes from Pakistan, I felt under-dressed and plain, but I wasn't the only girl in American clothes. That night, there were sweet and funny speeches that made me tear up a little.
During the three nights, I felt like I was in a movie (perhaps because at any given moment at least 40 people were taking pictures!). Everything was beautiful, colorful, and intricate. There was amazing food, and I think I need a new playlist of Bollywood songs, because they are so catchy! The first night I borrowed an outfit from Areej (orange, because she knows that's my favorite), and the second night I wore an emerald green outfit that was made in Pakistan specifically for me! Watch the slideshow below for more photos of everything.
During the three nights, I felt like I was in a movie (perhaps because at any given moment at least 40 people were taking pictures!). Everything was beautiful, colorful, and intricate. There was amazing food, and I think I need a new playlist of Bollywood songs, because they are so catchy! The first night I borrowed an outfit from Areej (orange, because she knows that's my favorite), and the second night I wore an emerald green outfit that was made in Pakistan specifically for me! Watch the slideshow below for more photos of everything.
I've been looking forward to this since the engagement party in May 2009. Now, more than a year later, the wedding has come and gone. It was beautiful, and I'm so thrilled that I was able to be there. For me, almost all of it was new and exciting; what fun!
To Areej + Uzair: May your future be filled with love and laughter. ♥
To Areej + Uzair: May your future be filled with love and laughter. ♥
5 comments:
So colorful! Really beautiful! I would have loved to have been there with my camera.
you would have been in picture heaven. i barely took any pictures on saturday because i was dancing too much :) i'm a dancing a machine. lol
Love these pics! April, you were awesome on the dance floor. Thanks for all your help with the wedding!!!
P.S. You and Eric make such a cute couple!
thanks nahdia! :)
What a glorious celebration. The beautiful couple (the prince and the princess), the exotic and colorful setting filled with joyful people seemed magical.
For Areej & Uzair, may the magic last the rest of their lives.
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