Sally & Paul Lebanese Wedding

Sally and Paul will forever hold my affection and prayers in an extra special way. I had the blessing of introducing these two beautiful spirits to one another (along with the help of Paul's friend Vasileios). It makes me deeply happy knowing that it was my photography that first drew their hearts together. Of course the real credit is God's who orchestrated their miraculous story.

Last July I visited dear friends (the Mamalakis family who introduced me to my husband) in Boston before covering a destination wedding in Vermont. During dinner with friends Nektarios and Vesileios (Greek names!), I first learned of Paul Kassab: half Lebanese, half Greek, doctor, single and known for his warm personality and deserving character. A plan was developed for me to subtly meet and photograph Paul at Nektarios' going away (back to Greece) party. This way I'd have information and photos for my girlfriend Sally (an extraordinary woman, editor, and writer), whom we believed could be the perfect match for Paul. Sally was vacationing and visiting family in her homeland of Lebanon when the July War began. (You can read some of her war experiences in her article that appeared in the Seattle Times.) As Sally was waiting to be evacuated from Lebanon, I was meeting her future husband!

Seven months later, I photographed their wedding. Sally and Paul are genuine soul mates. Their love and gratitude overflowed on their wedding day with tears of joy and so much expression.

The Lebanese are wonderfully passionate! Sally and Paul (with the help of the truly talented coordinator Melissa Bryan) planned a wedding rich with meaning and traditions from their faith and culture. The ceremony was celebrated in three languages and chanted in Arabic. You can learn more about the Orthodox wedding service on Sally and Paul's Web site. As a gift to their family and guests, Sally and Paul surprised everyone by entering the reception to the traditional ceremonial hail, a "zaffeh," performed by a Lebanese dance troupe complete with drums, tambourines and lots of color!

Lastly, I have to share a sentiment of Sally's father delivered during his toast. He explained how it had been his dream to walk his daughter down the aisle on her wedding day. And having experienced it, he announced that he felt sorry for fathers who have only sons. I loved that! Sally requested the beautiful Lebanese song (translated by her father) that accompanies their SLIDESHOW. She heard it during the war and wondered if she would ever find the kind of love in the song. Yes, Mrs. Kassab!

Congratulations Sally and Paul!

Quote

Received an e-mail from a good friend Jean Murphy (brilliant college professor, writer and musician) who follows her signature with this quote. Very good food for thought and I wanted to share it.

"May we look upon our treasure, the furniture of our houses, and our garments, and try to discover whether the seeds of war have nourishment in these our possessions." -- John Woolman (1774)

Urban Unveiled

I was having tea yesterday with wedding photographer Sharlane Chase and learned more about the upcoming Urban Unveiled. We're all invited to this premier event on the evening of March 8th at the Palace Ballroom. Luly Yang will be there with her exquisite gowns. Tom Douglas will prepare the food... it's going to be a top notch affair designed to introduce couples to local vendors who truly provide excellent services and products - all in a relaxed and beautiful setting. Even if you've selected your wedding vendors, join us anyway to meet new friends! Sharlane has worked tirelessly to make this a one of a kind event. Here's a glimpse at her wonderfully vivacious personality!

Vanessa & Mike

Vanessa and Mike were such a delight to work with! Theirs was my first wedding of the new year and what a gift to begin with such an easy going and fun couple! They planned a beautiful wedding that included special Filipino elements in their meaningful ceremony at Blessed Sacrament and reception at McCaw Hall. Immediately after Vanessa and Mike's introduction to the reception, they and their guests were greeted by an amazing Filipino drill team performance! This couple really showed how a winter wedding in the Pacific Northwest can be truly lovely. Even on an overcast day, planning with rich wedding colors, unique architecture, and natural light creates a gorgeous day! Here are some of my favorite photographs of their wedding SLIDESHOW.