1. Real Weddings

Amber & Fernando: A Cultural Wedding in Seattle, WA

For Amber Berman and Fernando Ortiz, there was no shocking, sweep-her-off-her-feet marriage proposal. Somehow, it was even more romantic than that: We

For Amber Berman and Fernando Ortiz, there was no shocking, sweep-her-off-her-feet marriage proposal. Somehow, it was even more romantic than that: We always had the understanding that we were each other's destiny, explains Amber. THE BRIDE Amber Berman THE GROOM Fernando Ortiz THE DATE August 3 The two met when Amber was studying in Mexico. A mutual friend introduced her to Fernando, who was working as an IT specialist. The more we got to know each other, the more we realized that we wanted to spend our lives together, Amber says. Six months later, however, Amber had to return to the States, where she tried helping Fernando get a visa -- a process that took more than a year.

The Couple
There was no question that the wedding would be held at The Lakeside, which Amber's family owns and where Amber, as a director of operations and sales, has watched countless other couples celebrate their weddings. Amber and Fernando knew guests would love the first-rate views of the Seattle skyline and the elegant, Northwest-style decor. The ceremony took place on the patio, where 250 white chairs were tied with bright green bows. Amber walked down the aisle toward a brightly hued huppah that was held aloft by four family members. The Jewish ceremony was performed by a cantor, a family friend.
The bridesmaid dresses of raw silk shimmered from fuchsia to orange, depending on the light. The dresses were made by Tamara Fidler of Nancy's Sewing Basket. Amber's mother created her silk gown with a scoop neck, bodice trimmed with hand-stitched crystal beads, and plunging back.
After a receiving line, the dancing began immediately with the band kicking off an exuberant horah, the traditional Jewish circle dance. Later, an 11-piece mariachi band (a gift from groomsman Antonio Rodriguez) brought a touch of Mexican culture -- and lots more dancing -- to the party.
Amber describes planning the wedding as exciting, and it was certainly an unusual blend of cultures to mesh into one celebration: Amber's family is Jewish and Fernando's family would be coming from Mexico. The couple was undaunted by the challenge, and chose to express their joy by using lots of vibrant color in their wedding decor. The invitations set the stage with shades of apple green, fuchsia, and orange -- colors that were echoed in the flowers, the table linens, and more. Fernando's aunt pitched in, arriving with a suitcase full of colorful paper flowers and lanterns from Mexico City.