http://nielsandsusie.blogspot.com/2009/08/big-fat-persianmormon-wedding.html
Wow, you folks have GOT to check this out! It warmed my heart to see a successful, joyous, vibrant wedding combining two very different religions and traditions. NOBODY left to sit outside a fugly temple because they weren't considered "worthy" to be at one of the most important family events for their own flesh & blood. The groom & his family are Mormon; the bride and her family are Persian (Iranian) with a very rich and ancient culture. Bride didn't convert; seems like the couple decided that the relationship was more important than a church, and they chose each other. Every single Mormon should see this as an example of what a real wedding could be and SHOULD be. I've said it before, if somebody really wants to get sealed in a temple (providing both are members), they can do so later. And in some other countries, they HAVE to have a wedding outside the temple first. But temples are NOT about families and weddings; they're about keeping you in the cult. Period. I'm sening this link to my daughter :)

What a great story! I posted the link on my FB page as an example of how it should be. Hopefully some of my Mormon relatives and friends will start to get it!

So many smiles. When I got married, the mood in the sealing room was somber. I later found out my SIL had been threatened with being kicked out about an hour before because she wore slacks instead of a dress. Imagine!

"keeping promises to the cult" is exactly right.

I loved it all...if only all weddings were that fun.

stormy

agreed to do the civil wedding. My guess is that some would not.

Yeah, I really wish I'd had this kind of a wedding. NOBODY from my family (consisting of my wonderful mom and grandma, the only two immediate family members I had left) came to the temple, not being "worthy" and all. GOD I hate that word!! It's just as well they didn't get to see the farce, because I don't consider a temple 'sealing' to be a marriage at all; it just cements you to the cult, first and foremost. And the absolutely lame reception in the cultural hall afterwards......thankfully I can hardly remember any of it anymore, it really sucked that badly. I can't see my daughter putting up with such a crappy scenario; she's got more sense and independence than I had.
Stormy, I was thinking of your wedding too. I hope for all your sakes that things settle down, that the wedding is a truly joyful occasion, and that SIL gets the help she needs.
SusieQ#1, yeah, I'm sure there are bishops who wouldn't be terribly gracious about officiating at the wedding of a member to a non-member. I've seen stories on the boards where the bishop essentially 'hijacks' a wedding and takes every possible opportunity to rub it in the couple's faces that their wedding is for TIME ONLY and how much better a REAL Mormon temple wedding is. What a lovely way to 'honor' the bride and groom and their new life together :- /