April 24th, 2014. The Engagement or "Othukalyanam".

The relative in the Father Position of both Finahaz and Rima gives word in front of God,in Mamangalam Church in Cochin. This custom ,which is essentially Knananite, is symbolic of the Old Testament story of when Aleyas was sent by Abraham to find and bring Rebecca back home for his son, Issac.

Gigi Kuriakose from Finahaz's side and Mohan from Rima's side gives word, on behalf of their families.

The Feast was held later in the evening in Ramada Resorts,Cochin.The Knananite customs of the "Exchange of Kozhithoda", Handing over of "Chandhamcharthu" accessories were all followed.

The photos of the feast will be uploaded soon! :)

April 11th, 2014. Finahaz and Rima attends the Pre-Marital Counselling sessions.

The Family Directorate of Knanaya Arch Diocese Chingavanam, Kottayam organized it's three day Pre-Marital Counselling from 11the April at Clemis Centre, Chingavanam.

The couple attends these Counselling Sessions.

Unfortunately, we don't have any photos of these sessions.

April 9th,2014. They get the "Manthrakodi" together!

Both the families, along with Finahaz and Rima goes shopping for the "Manthrakodi" in Cochin


"The Syrian Christians' many wedding customs, have been influenced to a very large extent, by both Hindu and Jewish customs.One such ritual which is quite unusual is the presentation of the ‘Manthrakodi’ to a bride during the wedding ceremony itself. Simply put, ‘manthra’ means blessed and the word ‘kodi’ means new clothes. Manthrakodis are specially bought by the groom’s family and are richly embroidered with both gold and silver threads. 21 threads carefully taken from this manthrakodi are entwined in seven sets, each containing only 3 threads and it is these threads that are tied around the bride’s neck as a ‘thali’. The ‘thali maala’ which is also an important aspect of Hindu weddings, signifies that both the bride and groom are now formally a couple. While the prayers are being recited, themanthrakodi is then placed on the head of the bride. This act symbolizes the care or love that the groom promises to give his bride once they start living together and also signifies that the full responsibility of providing for her now rests with him."

 The families  finally  pick out the "Manthrakodi" and a lovely Second saree.

The above Saree is the "Manthrakodi". It is a lovely Kancheepuram Silk in Pink with a square-striped body and lovely golden borders.

And this is Rima's Second Saree, which is again a Kancheepuram Silk in Pink,and Orange.

As Rima tries out her Second Saree in Jayalakshmi.

There again, both of them sfinds some time for them..

April 6th, 2014. As our Lady gets ready to move out.

Rima spends her last day in Wayanad, before she leaves for Cochin for the wedding preparations.

The next time she goes back to Wayanad, she is will have someone new to hold hands with.

This photo was clicked in Wayanad a year ago.  

April 5th,2014. And the wedding cards are out!

"They two shall be one flesh.This is a great mystery.But I speak concerning Christ and the Church" - 

Ephesians 5:32

Finahaz's wedding card have silver alphabets on a simple white backdrop. 

The above Biblical verse,from Ephesians, is lettered first on the card. 

It essentialises the Christian symbolism behind  the Holy sacrament of Marriage.

This verse is very personal to the family, as this was the same Bible verse imprinted on Finahaz's parents' (Mrs.Sheba Aleyas and Commander T.O.Aleyas) Wedding Invitation Card,30 years ago

Now, Rima's invitation card is lettered in Gold with Cream backdrop.

"They are no longer two,but one." : Mathew 19:6

 

The parents on either side, have already started visiting their relatives with the invitations.

Just Three weeks to go for the wedding!    April 28th.

March 15th, 2014. And they climb uphill!

Finahaz and his parents spends a lovely Saturday with Rima's Family in the serene Hills of Wayanad.


Candid clicks at Rima's place-

And then ofcourse, these two find themselves in the midst of some wilderness :D

27th February 2014. As Finahaz goes to Beach Varkala

Thanks to Peter Varghese, who wisely sent these photos, Now we know what Finahaz did at Varkala Beach this Thursday :D

Rima <3