Last Fall I met Amirah and Mohamed at the Pinnacle Bridal Show. This couple was so fun and energetic I couldn’t wait to hear more about their wedding!

When I met with them, they explained it was going to be a traditional Arabic wedding, which I had never done before. Of course I was interested in learning everything I could, but nothing prepared Echo and I for the experience we had with these guys!

Amirah did such a great job educating me on their cultural beliefs, beginning with no guy is allowed to see an Arabic woman without her scarves (being covered) until they were married. And, even after that, she must not be seen in public, outside her own home, without be completely covered. Mohamed had never seen Amirah’s hair before the night of the wedding.

When we arrived at the hotel where Amirah was getting ready, even I was shocked at her beauty as I walked in to see her in full makeup and with her hair intricately done in a gorgeous up-do for the event. I didn’t recognize her! Striking is the word that comes to mind. I wish I could show you images taken of her without her scarves, but I promised to respect their traditions fearing any other man beside her husband find this blog post.

So, you’ll have to take my word for it, the women were all breathtakingly beautiful under their scarves (even with their scarves!)

Here are some of my favs of the day…

Before heading to the reception site, Amirah and Mohamed wanted pictures done at the Henry Ford Museum in Livonia.

For the ceremony part of the night, the couple and their families, which made up the wedding party, were led into the hall by a drummer who helped lead them through the crowd, called a Zaffa, I’m told the biggest part of an Egyptian wedding.

In the middle of the festivities, the reception room is split in two by a wall, separating the women from the men. At this time the women “get naked”, as they call it, removing their head scarves revealing their beautiful dresses, while the men are on the other side dancing. Now, when I say ‘dancing’ I mean throwing the groom in the air ALL NIGHT LONG, having him in a mosh pit most of the time! As I recall, the groom suddenly ran to the men’s room in hopes of not spewing his dinner all over the dance floor, that’s how intense it is!

The women’s dance floor was packed as well all night, showing their moves. connecting with each other, having a grand time! The night was packed with smiles and laughter and I am so grateful to have been a part of it all!

Thank you Amirah and Mohamed. It was a joy!

Sarah and Jason