RIMA KHALAF & DR. GEORGE BITAR JULY / BEIRUT/ LEBANON BY Z E I N A H E LO U PHOTOS BY GEORGE S ABI RACHED
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or a couple used to traveling from coast to coast, the wedding trip to Lebanon – the native country of Rima Khalaf and George Bitar – was an easy journey. Bitar, a local plastic surgeon, met Khalaf while she was pursuing a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering at UCLA. The event was an opportunity for the two families and many friends from all over the world to reunite. After a religious ceremony St. Nicolas Cathedral in Beirut, guests enjoyed a moonlit dinner in the gardens of the “Domaine du Comte.” Nested on a steep cliff overlooking the Mediterranean, the 17th century residence was an ideal romantic setting. A saxophone player and blues singer greeted guests, followed by the couple’s entrance with belly dancers, swordsmen, a fire-eater and the loud music of drum players. The newlyweds arrived at the reception in the traditional Lebanese style, “zaffi.” The feisty atmosphere lasted till the early morning hours as guests danced to the live music of Arabic, English and French hits. Right, top to bottom– Bride and groom entering reception with fireworks / Wedding portrait / Front row, left to right: Danielle Chidiac, Rhea Helou, Sandra Chidiac; Second Row, left to right: Paul Helou, Odette Khanji, Ferial Khalaf, Rima Khalaf, George Bitar, Lily Bitar, Dr. John Bitar, Inaam Abi Samra, Bassam Abi Samra; Last row: Dr. Roy Khalaf, Zaza Sabeh, Josiane Maalouf, Fouad Sabeh, Zeina Helou, Marc Helou, Wedad Hubaiter,Rhea Mufarrij, Rafiq Hubaiter, Tamara Mufarrij, Tania Chidiac, Faysal Mufarrij, Marwan Bitar / Danielle Butrus, Rose Debbas, Lois Khairalla, Reem Aboud (wife of the Lebanese Amb. to the US), Fadila and Lana Kalnan.
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WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| MARCH
| washingtonlife.com