As I escorted Amita (the bride), Ardalon (the groom) and their small wedding entourage from the waiting room at the Los Angeles County Clerk’s Office to the chapel, Ardalon’s father asked me if we would have a nice view. Discerning him to be a good-humored man, I assured him that we would have a wonderful panoramic view overlooking the ocean, the faint roar of which would be punc-tuated by the distant cries of seabirds. I further elaborated that the air would carry a floral scent as the roses nd lilacs surrounding the garden gazebo were in bloom. We all had a little laugh.
Imagine their surprise (people often are) when I opened the door to the chapel and they were actually greeted with a bridal arch festooned with roses and greenery -- never mind that they were artificial. And, although it was subtle, in the chapel there actually was a bit of a sweet fragrance that hung in the air… thanks to a room freshener that was discreetly hidden behind a flower vase.
All things considered, the County Clerk’s Office, where I volunteer my
services one day out of every other week, does succeed in providing a nice
wedding venue. And, I personally, accommodate couple’s special requests, especially cultural observations, traditions and practices.
Once inside the chapel, we quickly settled into the rhythm of the civil marriage “script” which I punctuated, as I often do, with impromptu asides based on observing the bride and groom and their interaction with each other and with the words that formed with ceremony. Amita, Ardalon, and family, who are Persian, later conveyed how much they appreciated my creating a space where they all felt comfortable and at ease.
All things considered, the County Clerk’s Office, where I volunteer my
services one day out of every other week, does succeed in providing a nice
wedding venue. And, I personally, accommodate couple’s special requests, especially cultural observations, traditions and practices.
Once inside the chapel, we quickly settled into the rhythm of the civil marriage “script” which I punctuated, as I often do, with impromptu asides based on observing the bride and groom and their interaction with each other and with the words that formed with ceremony. Amita, Ardalon, and family, who are Persian, later conveyed how much they appreciated my creating a space where they all felt comfortable and at ease.
They felt encouraged after I pro-nounced the couple as married to bring forth a beautifully decorated, white “Ghand” cloth which was held over the newlyweds while each of the mother(-in-law)’s took turns grinding sugar cones, or “Kalleh Ghand” above the cloth. Together these symbolized the showering of sweetness and happiness in the life Amita and Ardalon would share going forward. We all then together ate
sugar-coated almond strips, or “Noghi”; by doing so we would also experience the sweetness and happiness of life. It made for a perfect way to celebrate my 250th wedding for the Los Angeles County Clerk’s Office.
sugar-coated almond strips, or “Noghi”; by doing so we would also experience the sweetness and happiness of life. It made for a perfect way to celebrate my 250th wedding for the Los Angeles County Clerk’s Office.
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