Wedding Romanian style

Writing this post days after the wedding has blended the edges of the memories. I will try my best and let Ben's photos try and capture the uniqueness of this wedding; though nothing can capture the sheer energy of the Romanians and Iranians celebrating this wonderful couple.
The day began with preparing the the inn for the reception. Tables needed to be moved, decorations hung, flowers needed to be freshly cut from the meadows.




My contribution: Flower cutting and arranging. My favorite: birch branches stuffed into clear wine bottles.
The festivities began with the dressing of the bride and a gypsy band singing songs of saying goodbye.


Then the small group ate "bride cake" and danced around the table. Not all events were explained to us, but the energy and motion were contagious.


Then it was off to the Byzantine frescoed Orthodox church for the wedding. Everyone stood for the hour long ceremony, spoken only in Romanian. Dana's friends took pity on us and explained, "Now they are engaged", "Now they are married", "She must obey him in all things" (oh, and fear him as well).


Photos after the ceremony and then back up the hill for the party.
Each guest was greeted with bread, salt, wine and the same gypsy song. Dancing began while waiting for guests to arrive.


Then the first dinner course, with dancing and, what appeared to be every hour, more food from the kitchen.
The bride is kidnapped at midnight. Her shoe is presented to the groom as proof. Nima must dance a traditional dance to learn where she is, then woo her back down to the party. More food appears, wine glasses are never empty. We only last until 1.30am, the party continues on until 6.
The sheer amount of energy, food, wine, and palinca is amazing. This wedding was unlike any other and I'm so glad we made the trip.