Natalia and Paul

It isn't often that we're invited to weddings, and it also isn't often that we're able to attend. Furthermore, it isn't often that two people as wonderful as Natalia and Paul find each other and decide to spend their lives together.

The ceremony was held in a Syrian Orthodox Church in the Detroit suburbs. Orthodox ceremonies have a lot going on; incense, bells, candles, singing, chanting, and sections where the audience lets out something like a battle cry that is sure to startle you if you don't know to expect it. The ceremony was pretty much half English, half Arabic. Most of it was sung, though there were some readings from the Bible.

It was a very orthodox ceremony, followed by a reception that was far more relaxed and far less solemn--as any reception should be, I suppose. I met a few people there that I knew from the old Beirut days--Matthew's former colleagues who have moved on to other locations. The Bride and Groom made their way from table to table throughout the evening to greet the guests. I chatted with them briefly and their happiness was absolutely contagious.

It was a beautiful wedding.