a in M - the wedding

the whole reason for our trip to Morocco was a friend's wedding. and what a wedding! here's a very general account.

it was taking place at the bride's parents' home, in the suburbs of Marrakech. from the entrance, rugs led us to a massive Bedouin-like tent with seating for 400 people, a dais for an orchestra, a dais for the wedding sofa which the newlyweds would sit on later, during the picture-taking phase.

the guests were welcomed at the entrance by a small musical group playing on very basic instruments (see picture, courtesy of T!). once in the tent, people could sit freely where they wanted. once everyone was there, the bridal couple were 'carried' in individually from the garden on wooden 'seats'. but it wasn't all smooth going from A to B. the carriers were bouncing them up and down and around, so that they looked slightly seasick. while pictures were being taken, the orchestra was playing and all the women, wearing incredibly beautiful kaftans, were dancing in front of it.

dinner was then finally served (we'd been there since 9pm and it was after half past 12), during which the couple came back in, wearing a new set of clothes. all the way through the various courses, music was being played (very loudly) and the Moroccan Pavarotti was singing traditional songs. among many other things (and a complete lack of any kind of alcohol), we were served mechoui lamb. in between courses and events, the women and quite a few of the non-Moroccan guests were dancing around. at around 4am, the bridal couple were carried back in, both wearing more traditional clothes (she looked like a tent - very weird but quite cool). a fourth change of clothes was supposed to take place, but we were long gone by then...

it really was an amazing night, with men in fez serving us, other men in traditional costumes sitting on rugs and serving mind tea, the moon beautiful in the sky. a great wedding!