Chris And Simi's Weddings, Part 4: The Christian Ceremony

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Chris And Simi's Weddings, Part 4: The Christian Ceremony

...Continued from yesterday:
      At 4 pm Saturday afternoon the bus arrived at the Courtyard by Marriott to shuttle the guests to the nearby Water Works, the venue of Chris and Simi's Christian wedding ceremony.

    Located on the Schuylkill River at the foot of the majestic Philadelphia Museum of Art,

...The Fairmount Water Works was Philadelphia's old municipal waterworks, built in 1812.
     Today the Water Works is a museum and popular wedding venue.

    The bus let us off near the back entrance of the Art Museum and, as the wedding didn't begin until 5:30 pm, some of the guests enjoyed a stroll around the grounds.

     The wedding was held beneath this columned shelter,

...which offered lovely views of the river.

   The altar

     Parents of the bride, Jayendra and Kashmira.

    There was cold water available for the guests - my brother Joe
here -

...also champagne - Callie and my sister romaine here -

...while we socialized,

...got ready,

...or just sat nicely.

      My brother Michael (back row, center) and his wife Louise (second row, second from the right) and their ten children with their spouses and children.

   Tom with Blonnie Brooks, the super-nice photographer.

     At 5:30 pm,

...Chris appeared with the celebrant, Father Phelim Jordan,

...the music began,

...the attendants processed,

...and for the second time that day Simi looked stunning walking down the aisle,

...this time on the arm of her father.

     It was a lovely ceremony,

...during which there were readings by Chris's sister Maura,

..and his mother, Theresa.

     Lighting the Unity Candle

    And then for the second time that day, Chris and Simi were joined as man and wife.

     After the wedding the guests walked over to the pre-reception hall,

...where we were treated to a magnificent array of the most awesomely delicious
hors d'oeuvres.

     After the hors d'oeuvres, we proceeded to the reception tent,

...checking the table seating chart on the way.

     The reception tent was beautifully set up,

...the gorgeous cake in its place of honor.

     The patio afforded beautiful views of the Water Works and the Art Museum,

...as well the Schuylkill River and a bit of city skyline,

...the view  more beautiful in the setting sun.

     When we arrived the 14-piece rock band was already playing.

    They were so lively and wonderful that the guests couldn't resist getting out on the dance floor,

...which quickly became a crowded, happy place.

     After about an hour the Simi and Chris arrived,

...and danced their first dance to "You Are The Best Thing" by Ray LaMontagne.

   Then, after speeches filled with love and good wishes by Simi's father, Chris's mother, and Chris's best man, dinner arrived.

   The meal, traditional spicy hot Indian dishes, was served family style in bowls that we passed around the table.

      After dinner Simi danced with her dad,

...and Chris with his mom,

...and then we all joined back in the dancing and celebrating.

     Later in the evening there arrived the most spectacular and yummy assortment of desserts.

    Then the reception was over, and every guest on their way out the door was given a wrapped slice of the delicious vanilla buttercream wedding cake.

     It was a sweet ending to a beautiful beginning.