Day two of Sonya and Faisal’s wedding was the actual wedding ceremony–signing the marriage license, exchanging rings, officially becoming Mr and Mrs.

The venue was the same, but the decor completely different:

Sonya’s mom got her outfit from Pakistan, and it was breathtaking. Pictures don’t do it sparkly justice!

One of the things that really struck me about the ceremonies was how visible the support from Sonya and Faisal’s family and friends was.  From being escorted into the ceremonies, to being fed fruit and sweets at the Mehndi, to getting ready backstage, their family and friends were very present.  Here are a few shots I love of Sonya’s getting ready crew:

Look at all these hands ready to help!

Exchanging the rings:

As the evening came to an end, Sonya’s family stole Faisal’s shoes.  I had everyone fill me in as negotiations began for his shoes.  It’s an Indian wedding tradition for the bride’s family to steal the groom’s shoes…in order to leave with her, he has to buy them back.  As figures from $25 to $1000 were tossed around, I asked a few people nearby what a usual sum was.  One woman said her family held out for $500, and the man keeping Faisal’s shoes hidden said he’d had to pay $750!  (At this point I asked what was to keep Faisal from just walking out barefoot [or bringing along an extra pair of shoes] and people looked at me like I was nuts: tradition keeps him from leaving!)

Here is Sonya’s brother as he grabbed Faisal’s shoes (I love that he tossed a triumphant look back to the crowd):

In an unexpected turn of events, Faisal’s mother promptly stole them back!

Sonya’s family got their hands on them again somehow (it was crowded and loud and crazy and AWESOME and tough to see exactly how that happened), and then the bidding began.  Some of my faves (I told Faisal about these at the reception the next day–I know he’ll get a kick out of them)!

Is it just me, or is Faisal totally channeling Zoolander with a little Blue Steel in this shot?!

Remember how I said it was chaotic?  I wasn’t lying!

Jubilation when they reached a settlement:

After that, Sonya got marriage advice from the other married women and then it was time to leave.  Sonya’s departure from the ceremony was especially touching, because it marked her move from her parent’s house to her new life with Faisal.  This part of the ceremony has a name at Muslim weddings: the rukhsati.  There were plenty of tears and it reminded me of when Nic and I left for our wedding/move to Virginia.  As Sonya cried with her sister, it reminded me of how I cried with mine, and how lucky she is to have a word for that transition!

Sonya saying goodbye to her best friend: 

But don’t be sad, because everyone got back together the next day for the reception.  (In other words: get ready for some AMAZING dancing pictures in the next sneak peek from Nicolas!)