Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/287250
40 brava magazine | april 2014 Sometimes the most momorable ceremonies incorporate family members in symbolic ways. For Madisonian Katie Olsen and Mehran Mohammadian, whose father is from Iran, the Persian custom of two happily married women (in this case, their mothers) sprinkling sugar over their heads as they sit under an awning signifi ed the beginning of a sweet life. Karin Witte (left) joined with other women in a "Mehndi ceremony" to connect, share advice and get henna'd up the day before her wedding with Nirav Patel. An age-old tradition in Chinese culture, the tea ceremony is touching. Members of the pair's family are served tea by the couple, and in exchange give presents such as money or jewelry. But the most meaningful part? The couple also receives marital advice. For Amanda Steele and Conrad Pun (above) the ceremony was fi ttingly held in a cozy, red-and-white room inside the Madison Masonic Center. e Ceremony Amanda and Conrad Pun, photographed by SV Photography Katie and Mehran Mohammadian, photographed by Laura Zastrow Photography