Wedding

We've enjoyed a fantastic week at my parents' house. We came up for my youngest sister's wedding, and now we're recuperating from all of the preparation and festivities.

True to the way my family works, we did practically everything ourselves. My sister designed and sewed her own wedding outfit (except for the jacket), as well as the bridesmaid's skirts, which were made from saris she ordered from India. My mom planned and cooked a huge informal family dinner the night before the wedding, a formal lunch the day of the wedding, and the reception food. My older sister made the wedding cake, including the sugar gum paste flowers that took an insane number of hours. My other younger sister did the flower arrangements. We also decorated the historic house we rented for the wedding lunch and reception. My BIL took the pictures. A true do-it-yourself wedding!

My little brother was not able to attend, since he is serving a two-year mission in Russia. Right now he's on Sakhalin Island, off the east coast of Russia. Basically he's about as far away as possible from where we are on the globe. Recent adventures include being mugged by a drunk Russian man.

Luncheon Menu
Greek Salad with feta cheese, olives, red onions, and bell peppers
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Tomato and Basil Soup
Hungarian Mushroom Soup
Coconut Lime Thai Soup
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Curried Chicken Salad
Asparagus spears in Hollandaise Sauce

Fruit kebabs
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Tropical Lime Torte with Mango Compote
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Raspberry Lemonade

Reception
Gorgonzola Tarts
Stuffed Mushrooms
Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Hummus with Pita Chips
Fresh Pineapple, Cantaloupe, Strawberries & Watermelon
Cheese platter: Brie, Gouda, & Boursin
Chocolate Velvet Cake
Chocolate Turtle Cheesecake
Citrus Cheesecake
Vanilla Cheesecake with Raspberry Sauce
Sparkling Fruit Punch

Now some pictures!

First, Zari and I in our sari skirts.

My little sister has a very vibrant personality, and these pictures reflect that quite well.
The dress she designed, and sewed, herself. The skirt is made of white silk dupioni and lined with blue silk. She had a brief moment of misgiving because she didn't have a Cinderella dress. But then she said to herself, "I'm not 19 years old. I don't need to look like a princess."

The cake.
The groom and his four brothers. He also has one sister.

My sister and her husband love to joke about their rings--whose was cheaper, in particular. Hers is a cushion cut yellow tourmaline. His is made of tungsten. He especially likes that his ring is scratch proof and virtually indestructible.

In front of the St. Paul Temple, where they were married.