“Welcome to my big, fat, Lebanese wedding”, moaned Jackie, exasperated and propped up in the limo on the way to the church.  I felt her pain: the thermometer was topping 100 degrees, the salon experience had been a major disappointment, getting into the dress proved logistically challenging, various family members coordinated posed photos with every step she took towards the front door and the noise level was over the top with so many people talking excitedly and no one really listening.  The look on Jackie’s face was definitely of the “Calgon, take me away” variety as that limo pulled away, late to the church, making Jackie crazy because she is never late.  “See, this is why I’m never having a wedding, its too crazy”, chimed her sister Christina.

Fast forward to the reception.  The room is lit in purple hues with hundreds of votive candles hanging from the ceiling, dance music blares through the speakers and a lone drummer follows the couple as they dance their way into the crowd to make their first appearance as husband and wife.  I know that I can’t speak for Jackie but if these photos have a story to tell and if that story is true, I would have to conclude that all the craziness is well worth it.  Because by the looks of it, nothing beats being a Lebanese bride or groom…

And if you can’t actually be a Lebanese bride or groom, partying with one is the next best thing…

Jackie and Ramzi, congratulations and thank you for making us part of your big, fat, Lebanese wedding.  Family is the best kind of crazy there is!  Enjoy this slideshow with our favs from the day and if you would like to be notified by email when all the photos are ready for viewing, click here.  We can’t wait to share the rest of these, there just isn’t enough room here for all of it.  Fly high, you two!