Kelly Colby and Hosny Meftehy were married at Megrine on Saturday 17th May and I was privileged to be among the large number of their family and friends gathered to wish them well. Melanie has asked Kelly to put a report of the wedding on here but as she won't have time at present I've volunteered to do it for them. In any case you will get a far more honest report from me as I know Kelly would be much too modest to report how absolutely splendid the occasion was.
The ceremony took place at Complex des Annonces and most of the English guests stayed at a hotel in Borj Cedria prior to the wedding, Dispensing with the Tunisian custom of the groom collecting his bride from her home, Kelly and her father, in the bridal car, followed by the rest of us, drove from the hotel to Hosny's village where all the neighbours came out to welcome them and admire the bride before the wedding. Kelly looked absolutely stunning, in a beautiful ivory dress, which had a crystal encrusted strapless bodice, hooped skirt and lovely long train. Her blond hair was set off with a tiara and she wore matching earrings and bracelet. Her bridesmaids were her friend Dominique from Ireland and Amal, Hosny's niece, both wearing burgundy dresses designed by Kelly. All carried bouquets of cream and red roses.
When we got to the venue it looked lovely, all beautifully decorated in ivory, pale pink and burgundy and with so much attention to detail. Most of the Tunisian guests had already assembled and the lawyer was at the table, as was Hosny looking extremely elegant in a black suit with satin lapels and burgundy waistcoat and tie, so after greetings all round we sat and waited for Kelly to arrive on the arm of her father Edward. The bride and groom then took their places at the table, flanked by Edward and Hosny's father, Mohamed, who were the ring bearers and Ramzi, Hosny's brother, who was his best man. Dominique and Amal stood behind them while the lawyer read out the service in both Arabic and English so that we were all able to understand the proceedings.
After the official part of the ceremony was concluded the bride and groom retired to an ivory chaise longue, set on a raised dais, to receive kisses and good wishes from their guests and have more photographs taken.
There then followed a sumptuous buffet, after which there was dancing and I have to sadly admit that the Tunisians leave us Brits very much in the shade when it comes to that as they are so much better than us. I must mention the children, who were absolutely adorable, especially a tiny pair of twins, about 2 years old, the little boy in a black dinner suit with bow tie and the little girl in a white dress and white mob cap who kept going to the very end, after 1 a.m.
The photographer took a great number of photographs and it is obviously not possible to put them all on here but a few have been included. Kelly may post some more later when she has had a chance to go through them.
So much care and effort had been taken by the families to make it the truly wonderful occasion it was, but perhaps the thing which stands in my memory most is the love for Kelly and Hosny which was so apparent from everyone there. Kelly has obviously been taken to their hearts by Hosny's family and friends, particularly his mother, Fodha, who treats her like a daughter, and Kelly's family feel the same about Hosny.
I'm sure everyone here on Marmite will join me in wishing Kelly and Hosny a long and happy life together.
