Reminiscing Rajiv's Wedding

Eugene finally sent me his share of pictures taken at Rajiv's wedding. As I was organizing them, it brought back fond memories. I had been really busy over the past few months, and thus, allow me to share with you the highlights of the wedding in March.

Do click on the picture to view pictures taken at the wedding.

During March, I was in UK to attend the biggest day of my brother's life thus far. After spending a few days in London and about a week catching up with my sister in Glasgow, I flew south to the city of Birmingham. I remembered vividly Rajiv being late picking me up at the airport, but I was glad as we were finally together again.

Jesse, Rajiv's brother-in-law to-be drove us back home where the traditional celebrations of an Indian wedding was in motion. I was greeted with Rita's many close-knit relatives and was welcomed by hugs and kisses from everyone. It was like a scene from "My Big Fat Greek Wedding." I finally met Rita and we exchanged pleasantries and soon resumed the ceremonial preparations of the bride. Rajiv had his turn too, but it soon turned into a yellow-"cakey"-hair-removing experienced and caused a mess in the bathroom.

The next day, Rajiv picked me up from Elka's (maid of honor/Rita's cousin) place and we hung out at the salon. Rajiv was to have a haircut and we were just chilling till we pick Eugene up from the train station. Rajiv and I decided to walk around the Bullring (center of downtown Birmingham) as we waited. We spent our time catching up while window shopping and enjoyed music recitals at St. Martin's Church. We were starting to get worried when we did not hear from Eugene. We were supposed to meet up in the morning but have yet to hear from him around 5pm. Stressed out we found ourselves at a pub worried and wondering where we would spend Rajiv's last evening as a bachelor. The situation was getting bad as the best man was nowhere to be found. Soon we checked-in to rooms at the local hotel and went out for dinner at the most tackiest Greek restaurant ever. What a nightmare! Well, things could only get better from now on. Eugene finally arrived 12 hours later as he missed his train. Rajiv went over to meet him and to pass Eugene his tux before turning in early.

The BIG Day

I have never seen Rajiv more excited. He was actually hurrying me in getting myself prepared. We left the hotel 15 minutes earlier than as planned the day before. Rajiv wanted his hair to be just the way Rita likes it. We picked Eugene and Yukimi exactly at 9am and arrived 10 minutes EARLY at the church. In these 4 sentences, people who know us well will definitely notice the difference. Since we were early, we had time for pictures, and Eugene and Rajiv had time to catch up and talk while waiting for the guests and the bride. Rajiv was getting really nervous as he was going to the bathroom every 5 minutes.

Rita and her bridal party finally arrived. We waited for 2 hours and the wedding ceremony started with a 1.5 hour delay. Nevertheless, it was one of the most organized and beautiful wedding I have ever attended. The flow of the ceremony was wonderful, the congregation was colorful, and we had the best of both cultures having both English and Indian reflected. After the message, the couple exchanged vows, I did a reading and we enjoyed songs dedicated to the newly-weds.

Marriage Joins Two People in the Circle of Its Love- Edmund O'Neill

Marriage is a commitment to life,

the best that two people can find and bring out in each other.

It offers opportunities for sharing and growth
that no other relationship can equal.
It is a physical and an emotional joining that is promised for a lifetime.

Within the circle of its love,

marriage encompasses all of life's most important relationships.

A wife and a husband are each other's best friend, (I was welling up just about here.)
confidant, lover, teacher, listener, and critic.
And they may come times when one partner is heartbroken or ailing,
and the love of the other may resemble
the tender caring of a parent or child.

Marriage deepens and enriches every facet of life.
Happiness is fuller, memories are fresher,
commitment is stronger, even anger is felt more strongly,
and passes away more quickly.

Marriage understands and forgives the mistake life

is unable to avoid. It encourages and nurtures new life,

new experiences, new ways of expresing
a love that is deeper than life.

When two people pledge their love and care for each other in marriage,
they create a spirit unique unto themselves which binds them closer
than any spoken or written words.
Marriage is a promise, a potential made in the hearts of two peoplewho love eah other and takes a lifetime to fulfill.

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After the wedding was over, we made a move to the reception hall and had a fantastic time at the wedding reception. Rita's relatives warned us that the English part of the wedding is over and the Indian fun begins. Guys were teaching Eugene how to Banghara and told him that he has to dive in front of the procession dancing as the newly-weds made their entrance. We enjoyed Indian food and danced the evening away. We feasted and danced. Laughter and tears were shared with Eugene's touching speech/toast to the couple. People were commenting that they have never been at a reception where the bride and groom danced as much as everyone else. Everyone had fun and even though we had a few unfortunate incidents, it was a memorable day that left everyone smiling.

We returned to the Masih family home later for the traditional ceremony of sending off the bride. I enjoyed watching the customs carried out and could not help but relate it to my own cultural background. In the midst of it all, my brother has fully embark on the next stage of adulthood. I am so happy for him.

There is so much cover about the wedding. I think I have missed out a lot on the details here. I can still remember the entire event vividly, thus if you like to hear the story, do feel free to ask and I am more happy to tell you all about it.