The couple technically had two ceremonies—the first took place on Friday evening and was their traditional Chadian celebration, and the second was their wedding ceremony on Saturday. “The Friday ceremony allowed me to share my culture with so many people who had never experienced it before,” Imane explains.
As guests entered, they were greeted by a sea of red. The entire room was draped in rich red fabrics, flowers, carpets, candles, and décor. “Traditionally, Chadian brides wear red while the groom wears white,” Imane explains. “Red is considered a color that commands attention and symbolizes celebration, joy, and prominence. Imane wore a traditional bright red Chadian ensemble known as lafaye (or thobe) accompanied by gold jewelry sourced in Chad by her aunt.
“Being able to share this tradition with guests from all over the world was one of my favorite parts of the weekend,” Imane says. “For many, it was their first introduction to Chadian wedding customs.”
Before the couple entered, their bridesmaids and groomsmen formed a tunnel, singing, cheering, and clapping as they walked into the room. Imane and Patrick came in holding hands while their mothers followed behind them. “As the celebration began, guests threw money over us as a symbol of prosperity, happiness, health, and abundance for our future together,” Imane explains.
Once the couple was seated, the henna ceremony began. In Chadian culture, it is traditionally led by an older woman in the family. Imane’s mother’s cousin had the honor of leading this one. She applied henna to the bride and groom’s palms while candles were lit around them and music filled the room.
Throughout the service, Imane carried a traditional umbrella symbolizing protection, while Patrick carried a ceremonial sword representing strength and responsibility. As the ceremony went on, guests continued celebrating around the couple, throwing money, dancing, and singing. “Our friend Bunny Laughlin even created custom $100 bills featuring our faces,” Imane remembers. “I still have them and will treasure them forever.”
The following day was the wedding ceremony. After months of shopping with little to show for it, Imane found the one at the last bridal salon she visited. The couture gown was by Pnina Tornai and felt unlike anything else she had worn. “I was drawn to the lace, long sleeves, high neckline, and delicate scallops,” she says. “I wanted something that felt regal, romantic, and timeless while still delivering a distinct wow factor.”
The ceremony space overlooked the vineyards and featured an aisle covered in white flower petals leading to a rectangular structure filled with even more white flowers. Violinist Jeremy Green performed a rendition of “Dangerously in Love” by Beyoncé for the procession as the wedding party walked in. “From the beginning, guests were cheering, laughing, and clapping along as our friends made their entrances,” Imane says.
The bride walked down the aisle with her father to a personalized violin rendition of “Umbrella” by Rihanna. “As soon as those first notes began, everything suddenly felt real,” she says. “When I saw Patrick standing at the end of the aisle, I became emotional. Then I looked at my father. My father is not someone who wears his emotions openly, but when the moment came for him to give me away, he hugged me and simply would not let go. I eventually had to gently push him away because neither of us wanted to move. That was the moment I finally cried. Then he hugged Patrick. Watching the two of them embrace and cry together is one of the most emotional memories I have from the entire weekend.”
