A Wedding Celebration

Note to self-If ever you are invited to an Emirati Wedding Celebration, GO!!!

This past weekend, my Prinicpal's son was married to a beautiful young lady in Al Wagan along with 21 other couples.  In many parts of the UAE, many towns hold large "group" weddings to help families defray the cost of weddings.  Now, that is not to say that PLENTY of money is not spent by the families, because it really seems to be no object.  The dresses, food, and jewelry is simply amazing.

The wedding itself took place on Friday at a large wedding hall in which males and females are separate-Men in one part of the building and women in another.  The gowns worn by the brides were a bit more "blingy" thn the dresses worn by brides int eh US, but still; quite beautiful.  Here is a picture of one of the brides and her henna.

But, as you can see, she isn't the only one who has it.  Most all women at the wedding had it done and each design was more intricate than the next. 

Anyway, the celebration at the wedding hall was much like any other wedding reception that I have been to, with plenty of food, dancing, and fun, except it was entirely made up of women.

The following day, Saturday, my principal held another reecption at her home to welcome the bride into her home and family.  Here, the crowd was much smaller and I had a better chance to chat with several of my principals sisters, daughters, neices, and friends.  Everyone was extremely welcoming to me and tried their best to communicate with me even though I can't speak any Arabic. 

Again, the dresses were beautiful and the food delicious and laid out for all to share.  Lamb, goat, camel, rice, salads, yogurt, fruits, sweets, juices, teas, coffees, and more.  I ate SOOO much! And this went on all afternoon and into the evening.

Finally, before I left to head back to Al Ain, I was shown the room that had been prepared for the bride in my principal's home.  This is where she will live, as they have decided to live with his family (which is very traditional). Here are a few pictures of the room.  As you can see, extravagence is what it is about.  I was told that the decoration of the room cost roughtly 60,000 Dirham ($16, 000 US). WOW!

All in all, it was an experiecne I will never forget and am very happy that

I was able to witness.  You can bet that the next time I am invited to an Emirati Wedding, I will be there-in my best Kandora and all!