The Sunday before Christmas we had a surprise wedding invitation to a colleague of the hubby. His daughter was getting married and they would like us to attend.

It was a Muslim wedding and every day on the run up to the wedding I asked if he had checked what the dress code was. Every day I was told he hadn’t spoken to the Mother or Father of the Groom so didn’t know.

Saturday night (the eve before the wedding) I was told this – Very low key, no boobs, arms or legs.

Well therein lies a problem.

As a lover of pin up clothing, pretty much everything I owned was either showy, booby, leggy or had no sleeves. I was in a quandry.

Getting up the next morning I found a Tatyana clothing dress that I loved. A plain moss coloured dress that was long sleeved, non-booby and reached beyond my knees. I paired it with black leather knee high boots and felt pretty good about what I was wearing.

Going Low Key

We left home with another couple and headed to Birmingham. The wedding started at 11am and we arrived around 1050. The Bride was outside the venue in a stunning red dress and red veil. Her groom was in a wonderful turban and pointed slippers; a perfect match.

Then we headed into the venue and this was when I realised my mistake…..

Although covered up, I have never seen so many bejewelled gowns and stunning ladies in my entire life. Literally bedecked in sparkles and spangles.

The Wedding started with canapes; Dates stuffed with cashew nuts and Passion fruit juice.

By this point my knee was starting to really hurt and I went into the salon area to get a seat. Opposite was a large buffet table which had people serving more canapes. This time is was puffy crisp like snacks covered with a variety of spicy sauces. We tried a couple and found them to be absolutely fabulous.

The next round featured waiters milling about with little bamboo cups containing a goujon of spiced fish, several chips and a section of lime. Stunning to look at and even better to eat.

Delicious!

We were then called into the main hall and it was truly wonderful. The whole place was bedecked in floral displays and there was a big white sofa on a raised dais for the bride and groom.

Stunning Venue

Taking our seats, each plate had a little gold cardboard box on it with 2 Ferrero Rocher inside. Yum! There was also a menu that listed the starters, main courses and desserts.

Wedding Favours

The starters consisted of vegetable samosa, lamb chops, chilli chicken and paneer 65. As I was unsure as to the spices on the food, I decided I would go with the samosa. This is where I was surprised!

The servers came along with big bowls of each starter in which there was enough for everyone to have ALL the starters.

So Tasty!

I have to say, it was absolutely fantastic. Quite spicy but so very tasty.

The bride and groom were announced into the hall to rapturous applause. They looked absolutely wonderful.

Exchanging Rings

The main courses consisted of Lamb biryani, lamb rogan josh, palak chicken, moong daal tadka, nans, chapatti and raita. There were also two other dishes for vegetarian guests.

Just glorious

Again large bowls were brought out and handed around for everyone to take from. Every dish was fresh, hot and so good. We were given extra bowls as they ran out and we ate until we were fit to burst.

All the flavours!

In between the courses various ceremonial things were happening to the Bride and Groom. Rings and the cake were cut and then it photograph time.

Bit of editing going on

All the guests were invited to go and sit with the happy couple and have their photographs taken. I point blank stated that I was not going up and having my photo taken when I looked like I was getting ready to go and do the weekly shop!

The Brides Family

I sat and people watched for a fair old time and then the dessert arrived; gulab jamun with ice cream and of course tea and coffee after.

Dessert!

Getting up from the table I was able to get some really great shots on my phone, especially of the whole family. Although I felt out of place given my outfit, I was able to move about quite freely getting a plethora of photographs which I was really happy about.

The Happy Couple

Around 4pm it was time for the bride and groom to leave. This meant that the party was pretty much concluded and everyone went outside to see the couple off. They got into the biggest Humvee Limo I have ever seen; it had to have been 30+ foot in length. How it turned corners I really didn’t know.

Mahoosive Limo

Anyway, we decided that it was time for us to make our goodbyes too. However we didn’t see the next thing coming. We were told to wait as it was customary for guests to take home food with them. A huge metal trolley was brought out full of large takeaway containers.

Photo time

We were handed two as were our friends and we then could say goodbye to the family. The journey home took around an hour and to be honest when I got inside the house I was absolutely shattered and still full from the wonderful food.

Time to go

The whole event was a smorgasbord for the eyes. The colours, sounds, smells and tastes exploded all around and I can honestly say I that if I am ever lucky enough to be invited to a Muslim wedding again, I will be much better prepared for it!

Till next time

SPSG xxx