Melissa and Afshin (Wedding)

Monday, September 27th, 2010

This post has been a long time in coming since the wedding was over a month and a half ago, and the happy couple received their photos a month ago. It’s been a busy last few weeks! Anyway, finally, here is the post you’ve all been waiting for: Melissa and Afshin’s wedding set!

The morning started early at Afshin’s family’s house, where Melissa’s hair and makeup were being done. When that was done we drove quickly over to Bothel Landing Park to take some pre-ceremony couple portraits. It was extremely hot outside, and the sun was blinding, Melissa was using the umbrella to protect herself and her carefully done makeup, which gave the photos an added effect. None of us were able to stand the harsh sun and heat long, so we snapped a quick set and hurried back to the air-conditioned sanctuary of our cars to drive to the wedding location.

The wedding was held at the South Bellevue Community Center (official website) which was a great location for both the ceremony and the reception. The large glass wall flooded the room with warm summer light, while the air conditioning kept us cool and comfortable through the entire Baha’i ceremony and then subsequent reception. The ceremony was simple and short–family members shared in their own way what love and marriage were for themselves and the community. The flow was random, chaotic, but beautiful–a song followed a speech, silence echoed after the last note of a scripture reading. The couple arose, said their vows, and exchanged rings quickly–eager to become husband and wife.

The family, tearful, rushed up to greet the newly-weds, to congratulate them on their first step into a new life. The couple drifted towards the porch area, where they created an informal reception line to thank everyone in turn for coming and supporting them. This quietly faded into conversation, followed by dinner and dancing. And was there dancing! From when the music started, there was never a moment the dance floor was devoid of life, and often it was full! Everyone took their turn, showing their joy in the occasion. And the night fell as people slowly left, the dancing continued until the last person left the dance floor late into the day. Tables were rolled away, last congratulations were given, and people left, still warm and merry from the beautiful occasion they had beheld.