Indian Wedding

One of Rick's friends, who is Indian, got married this last weekend. We got to attend her wedding and reception. Luckily we have some Indian friends who were more than happy to dress us up for it. It was by far the most fun wedding I've ever been to. So much energy, color, food, fun, music, and wonderful warm people. We had such a blast!

Here's us at the temple for the ceremony. We had to cover our heads and go barefoot. The ceremony was very cool and symbolic. 

As a funny side note (for the Mormons in the audience)- we had to go to a meeting with the Stake President straight from here. So we were all dressed up just like this when we meet with him. We had warned him, and are actually pretty good friends with him and his wife. So he just laughed and took a picture of us to send to his wife :) (second side note- Rick is now in the Bishopric! yikes!)

Okay- back to the wedding...

For the reception our friend dressed me up in a saree. Things I learned. 

1- Sarees are big long, heavy pieces of fabric (that is all super real beading- in the end weighing probably 15 pounds) that you have to wrap very elaborately. She was so kind to do it, and I loved the way it looked- but it was complicated!

2- I wore a bindi for both occasions (the jewel on the forehead of women) and it shows that you're married

3- I also wore real bangles. Real bangles for women (ie. once you're married) are made of glass and are snug. So imagine putting tight glass bands over your hands- and sure enough some are guaranteed to break. (we broke like 5 in the process- I have the cuts on my hands to prove it!). 

4- Indian women are incredibly beautiful and tough!

I felt so pretty though- we joked that it felt like going to prom. 

Guys just wore suits to the reception. At the reception the dancing and party was incredible. Everyone danced (from the little kids to the old men) - and I mean DANCED! Like Indian-night club. And everyone throws money at the bride and groom. It was so much fun. Such a cool night! I hope we get to go to another one, or Sophia marries an Indian guy ; D