Katie and Khaled are the very epitome of merging.  Yes, everyone merges together when they marry – some preferring to stay on their own little islands and tether themselves to one another.  Others though truly merge.  They blend, mix things together, blur the line between one starts and the other ends.  Katie and Khaled are that type of couple.  I think it is their vast differences that almost necessitate it.  Their islands would be too far apart otherwise.  Katie is from Wisconsin, a midwestern girl at heart, with an ear for languages and a servant’s heart.  Khaled is from Jordan, on the other side of the globe.  He also has an ear for languages, and a gift for fostering understanding.  They met in the most kismet of all places – Arizona.  Their romance has seen them blend their cultures, beliefs, families, expectations, dreams and plans together so beautifully.   On a truly beautiful day in October at the Mansion Hill Inn in Madison,WIsconsin, they merged together – wholly and completely.

Oh yeah, the light on the Mansion Hill Inn’s new orleans – style porch really is that gorgeous!

It was a unique and heartfelt ceremony, blending together readings from Khaled’s homeland (in Jordanian), observations from Katie’s mother and father (who officiated!), and original music by Katie’s brother.  There was so much outpouring of goodwill and love in the tiny sitting room, I know Katie & Khaled felt surrounded in the best way.

The ceremony was followed by a casual cocktail reception in the Mansion Hill Inn’s bar/living room.  Toasts, cake, snacks, and sweets from Jordan were the highlight.  Well that, and a Packer’s win displayed quietly on the bar’s television.  (this was the weekend where Wisconsin achieved a triple win – victories by the Brewers, Badgers and Packers)

The Credits:

Venue: Mansion Hill Inn

Cake: Craig’s Cakes

Florals: Beauty Blossoms

Catering: Manna Cafe

Bride’s Gown: Maggie Sottero

Groom’s Suit: Michael Kors

Katie was especially close to her late grandmother, and so a special wedding photo of her was amongst the many photos that were displayed all over the mansion.  The photos helped bring in Khaled’s family and friends from Jordan, who couldn’t be there themselves.

Katie & Khaled – yours is a story that books and movies are made of.  Such unlikely circumstances, so many chance decisions that led to one day with you both standing half a world away from your origins and facing each other.  I hope you never forget how unique and special your coming together is.  May you appreciate and remember that when the road twists and turns ahead of you.  It was such an honor to witness and capture this, the marked beginning of your lives together.  Thank You for making m three studio a part of it!