365 Days of Falafel: Ibrahim and Noor's Wedding

I just realized that I never posted this. Better late than never?

Our sweet landlord, Abu Ibrahim invited Michael and I to his son, Ibrahim's wedding on August 30. We were able to experience a real Muslim wedding, and I tell you what... it was quite the party! First things first, all the grooms family starts at his house and drive to his bride's families home, all the while honking their cars like mad. In America we have funeral processions... in Jordan we have wedding processions. When we got to the bride's home we (all the groom's family) walk inside clapping and hollering, having a jolly time. Once inside, the groom's family gathers on one side of the room and the bride's family on the other. When the bride, her name is Noor, comes into the room everyone stands and all the women whop and holler. The father of the groom Abu Ibrahim, (literally means father of Ibrahim) then has an exchange with the father of the bride in which he asks for the bride to become part of the groom's family. The bride's father consents to give his daughter away and she is free to go with her husband.

Ibrahim then takes his bride to their lovely ride (courtesy of his brother who was kind enough to let him borrow the Camaro). And we all follow along honking the whole way to the reception location.

At the bride's home there are always traditional dressed dancers/drummers of her nationality. In this case, these are traditional Palestinian dancers. Ibrahim is Circassasian, and apparently, a Circassasian marring a Palestinian is an unusual event. Most of Abu Ibrahim's daughters have married Circassasian men. Your family roots mean so much in this part of the world.

We had a Ferrari in our Wedding procession, no big deal. I have seen more Ferraris in this 3rd world country than I have ever seen in the states. I think the owner is part of Abu Ibrahim's family.

The reception was held outside the city at an event center with a great outdoor set up. It is tradition to throw candy at the couple as they arrive and coins as they leave. I tried to fight the urge to jump in with the little kids.

It was a beautiful outdoor area, with white sofas, a dance floor and a lighting system you wouldn't believe. They even had one of those cameras on a big arm so they could film above the dance floor.

There was dancing, dancing, and more dancing. This is Circassasian dancing, an integral part of their culture. It is a fun dance to watch. Have you ever seen those birds on Animal Planet strutting their feathers for the women...
Circassasian Dancing Video 1
Circassasian Dancing Video 2
Circassasian Dancing Video 3

Then the Arabic music began and everyone got on the dance floor. One of Abu Ibrahim's son in laws even drug Michael and I up there. And yes, believe it or not, Michael danced! Turns out Arabic dancing isn't so hard. All you have to do is twirl your wrists and snap every once in a while. I just mimicked the other women.

Muslim weddings have adopted many of the Western traditions such cutting the cake, and a daddy daughter dance.
Cutting the Cake Arab Style Video

Dancing with one of Abu Ibrahim's daughters.

Robin, Muhammad, Dana, and me.

We arrived at the reception center around 6 or 7. They fed us a wonderful meal at around 11pm. It was worth the wait. After we ate, Zaid, one of Abu Ibrahim's son in laws asked us if we were ready for "round 2!" "haha, of course we are!" Apparently he was not kidding, like we had thought. After people finished eating they turned up the music and everyone started dancing again. You'd think (we thought) that people were full and wouldn't dance too much, but boy were we wrong! They danced harder than before. The party went on till 3am and we didn't get home till after 4. It was worth all the lost hours of sleep though.

We love this family and are so blessed to be considered part of it.

Here, I'll try to name everyone. Some people in this picture are from Noor's family so I don't know them. From left to right back row: ?,?, Dana, Muhammad, Aiya, Adan, mother of the bride, Abu Ibrahim's wife, Norr, Ibrahim, Nancy, Zaid, Farah, ?, Hamza, ?

2nd row left to right: ?, ?, ?, sister of the bride, Simon, ?, Hannah, Adan.

On the chairs: Father of the bride, Abu Ibrahim.