Elise is the sister of my very good friend here in Salt Lake City. She is super funny, down to earth and has got herself married to a fabulous guy, Kasim. He and his family are German-Turkish, and they are all so very beautiful. Most of his family speaks English. And German. And Turkish. Of course I felt quite limited in my capacity to communicate in simply English, as I have many times when I’ve traveled. Elise’s family presented speeches in Turkish – phrases carefully learned and rehearsed from Kasim’s relatives prior to the big day. I love cross cultural celebrations. I love that it happens more and more now.

A photographer was hired by the National Geographic in 2013 to compile a series of photographs showing how different American people will look in 2050 as a result of all the mixed race relationships that occur. No doubt, if Elise and Kasim decide to make babies they will be pretty darned beautiful ones. (But of course I’m not pressuring them about kids, that’s the job of their relatives!).

Their wedding was relaxed and fun. The Turkish dancing that followed on the dance floor to modern Turkish dance beats was impressive. As I write this they are on their way to Germany to celebrate their wedding a second time there.

I wish them both a lifetime of happiness together.