Thank you for your patience. I am glad I divided the wedding posts into several days and will finish up tomorrow with more about the ceremony and reception.
Sunday morning 8 a.m.
We picked the girls up from the hotel and drove to the wedding venue where we found Ben’s family waiting. Yusuf and Alicia came shortly after and we unloaded cars, hauled boxes and sorted through items to figure out where they needed to be placed. Scott (Ben’s brother and best man) and Toni, his fiancee had already set up the candy bar. This was so helpful and it was one less thing on our list. By the way, the candy bar was the most popular table at the wedding!
Centerpieces were placed on each table by Ben’s mother and father and the guest book table was also completed at that time. The girls went directly to the bridal suite and prepared for the wedding. This was captured by their professional photographer and I am excited to see these photos!
The two younger sisters helping out
I spent my time downstairs directing traffic as my kids trickled in and were assigned jobs to help get everything ready. Osama arrived with the kids and buckets of flowers while Yusuf and Alicia put together a beautiful dessert table.
The little boys objected to wearing their wedding clothes and in particular suspenders and “mommom” (me) produced a toy that might have become more of a menace but at least took attention off of bow ties, slacks and little black shoes!
Everyone took turns holding the bouquet, Alyana and the boys!
It was then announced that it was time for the “first look”. I had never heard of this tradition before but Fattima filled me in on what appears to be a common practice. The groom waits for the bride, she walks up behind him and taps on his shoulder and he gets to see his bride for the first time in her gown. We were invited to watch this moment and it was priceless!
After the first look we continued with our set up as well as adding more family pictures! Five brothers from oldest to youngest.
Although this is not the best picture I had to post it as I think it best illustrates the glitter and glam of Fattima’s princess dress.
CONGRATS TO ALL!!
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Thank you so much
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Lynn, love you splitting up the photos into segments so they can be enjoyed in small bites. The photos of the little boys are so precious.The family moments are so delightful! Fattima with each of her brothers is precious. The whole family including Ben’s and yours shows the whole family doing their part to celebrate the marriage. I di miss seeing you in the photos but you were directing everyone and demonstrating your mother of the bride love. xoxo
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Thank you so much! yes I was a bit busy but there are a few photos of me I will try to post! xoxo
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Love the B&aw shots. Those were my favorites from my wedding as well. 😃
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Thank you!
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All beautiful photos! Great idea to post several in the wedding process! Looks as if it was a lovely sunny day all the way around!!🎶📚 Christine
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It was wonderful Christine! Thank you
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WOW… Just beautiful and Congratulations to the Happy Couple.. The twins look lovely and I love you in your Dress Lynz… What a wonderful Day!… Thank you for sharing and making us all feel part of this magical day that you have led us so wonderfully up to with all of your preparations..
LOVE ❤ Sue
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Thanks so much Sue xoxoxo
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❤
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The photos are lovely, Lynn. Your daughter’s wedding dress is gorgeous.
Leslie
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Thanks so much Leslie!
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🙂
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Of course she is sparkling! (even without the beautiful dress) (K)
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I agree!
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Love the photos and your dress was beautiful!! I also like that you are giving us bits and pieces of this special time.
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Thanks Alice!
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Wonderful. You have a beautiful daughter! Was your ex husband at the wedding also? Forgive me if this is too personal. I am just happy all is going well for you and your family.
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We are still married unfortunately! No way, I am sure he is reading my blog or so I have heard! This has put me off and have not been blogging as much! He has not had contact with Fattima for over three years and would not approve!
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I understand. I have been cautious and written less blogs also as I heard some of my competition was reading my blog. I can’t let my secrets off to the wind!
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Xx
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Absolutely gorgeous Lynn. I tried zooming in on the Mother of the Bride to get a better look. You look great, very happy and proud. Just as you should be.
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Absolutely beautiful… Congratulations and best wishes to all! ❤ xo
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Congratulations to the lovely couple on their amazing day. Thank you for sharing all these beautiful photos ❤
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Thank you Syl!
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You’re very welcome!
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Everyone looks wonderful. What a great idea to have a candy bar!
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I thought it was a wonderful idea but had no idea how well it would go! Fattima insisted on having her candy bar! haha
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Beautiful photos and a lovely idea to post some at a time…The bride looked beautiful and the dress was lovely as was everything else …It illustrates how far all of you have come and that is lovely to witness 🙂 xxx
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Thanks so much Carol xxx
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Just simply lovely
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Thank you so much Derrick! x
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So wonderful!!!
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It was amazing Jodi! xx
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I’m SOOOO happy for you!
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xoxo
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Everyone and everything is so beautiful. And happy!!! Amen!!!
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Amen for sure
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Oh, I love the pics and Fattima’s gown is stunning! Those boys are too cute!
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Thanks so much!
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😉
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I loved seeing the pictures and all the excitement of the wedding! What a beautiful and fabulous day you all created for Fatima and her groom! She is such a beautiful beautiful bride! The dress is gorgeous! xoxoxo
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Thanks so much PJ! xoxoxo
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My pleasure! xoxox
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Wonderful everything. Lynn. Love and congratulations to you, the bride and groom and everyone who contributed to the joyous celebration. PS. I really like the candy table.
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Such a beautiful bride, a gorgeous dress, handsome groom, and a loving family.
xx
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It really was a dream day, thank you so much xoxo
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Gorgeous pics. My turn to ask a cultural questions…Sand?
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oh hahaha
Ok lots of couples get sand one for the bride and one for the groom. Different colors. Fattima’s was blue and Ben’s was tan color. They pour them together into a special jar or container symbolizing their union. Fattima ordered a gorgeous glass that said their names and wedding dates.
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That’s lovely.
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It is sweet
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Love this! Congrats!
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Thanks!
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Everything and everyone was beautiful. Congratulations!
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Thanks Susanne
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