Our Wedding

It was Saturday, April 29, 2006. The sky was filled with silvery clouds. We had hoped for a warm sunny late spring day, but it was perfect just as it was because it was our wedding day.

We walked over to the beach, took our places, and got ready to walk down the aisle. And, just then something magical happened. All of a sudden, the cold, the wind, the clouds…they all melted away. The noise died down, the commotion silenced. All I could hear was my heart beating and all I felt was my close friend and escort holding my hand as we began our walk over the sand dunes and down the beach to our beautiful bamboo Chuppah.

I don’t remember much. I know I was smiling and I tired to look into each and every guest’s eyes to connect with each soul who had come to witness our marriage. Our friend, John, was playing “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton with his guitar. I picked it because I have always love it, but considering my father’s passing three weeks before the wedding, the song seemed to be even more fitting.

At the end of the aisle, Scott stood, so handsome and so serene. He was so tranquil through the entire ceremony, and whenever I fought tears back I only had to look into his handsome, happy and peaceful face to center myself and calm my heart.

The ceremony was a blend of old and new, Jew and Persian, the traditional and the zen. Our officiant, Jane Mayer, drew everyone into the ceremony by asking us to face our guests and making everyone connect from the start of the program. We had a hand fastening ceremony, borrowed from ancient Persian Zoroastrian traditions, but Jane made it our own by cutting the ties off, revealing to the audience that we were bound not by visible or tangible ties, but by invisible emotional ties of love and commitment. The ceremony ended by both of stepping on glass…I love equality.

The reception continued the theme of the coming together and the blending of two distinct cultures and backgrounds. A Sofreh-ye-Aghd or traditional Persian wedding spread was present, representing my ancient heritage, traditions and rituals dating back to more than 2500 years. We began the night by dancing the Hora, a very boisterous traditional Jewish celebration, and ended with some very festive Persian dancing. And our guests feasted on delicious Persian food, including Shirin Polo, or Sweet, symbolizing the start of a sweet married life for the bride and groom.

Our reception was filled with lots unique and personal touches. Our centerpieces represented earth, wind, fire and water. The tables were named after songs by Scott’s favorite band, the Allman Brothers. Madonna songs reigned prominent and I even got a chance to do some vogueing. Strike a pose! Our very last song was “Little Martha”, by the Allman Brothers Band, and the song most ABB concerts end to.

Our wedding was full of uniqueness, love and tradition. It was simply perfect.