"It was March of 2005 and I began my new job as an analytical chemist at Schering-Plough. Socrates works for the same company as a pharmaceutical scientist. We locked eyes in the cafeteria during lunch. He came over to my table to ask if I was interested in playing for the company’s softball team. After exchanging emails we had our first date at Mario’s Trattoria in Union, New Jersey.

"We got to know each other over the next year, and eventually fell in love. In May Socrates called and asked if I would come by his house to see the progress of the garden we had planted together. The next morning we went outside and on one of the branches of the fig tree was a ring. I said yes through my tears.

"We knew we wanted a traditional wedding venue that was elegant, close to the church, and big enough to fit 350 people. The Wilshire Grand Hotel was the first place on our list and we never went anywhere else.

"When we walked in, we were impressed with the décor, the size, and the atmosphere. We especially liked the fact that their hotel was on-site because we knew that many of our guests would not be driving home. Further, they assured us there would be only one event at a time. The Wilshire Grand Hotel was perfect for us.

"I am of Jordanian descent and Socrates is of Greek Cypriot descent. Bill Zolna, the catering manager at The Wilshire Grand Caterers, was incredible. He helped create a menu that incorporated both our cultures into both the cocktail hour and reception.

"During our cocktail hour we had spanakopita, stuffed grape leaves, hummus, and baba ghannoush. In addition, we had a suckling pig station, a shrimp station, and a caviar station that included smoked salmon, capers, and vodka.

Leyana Rabadi & Socrates Kyritsis Ceremony: St. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church Reception: The Wilshire Grand Hotel & Caterers Gown: Maggie Sottero Hair & Makeup: Erica Flamm at Podspa Florist: Crest Florist Cake: The Wilshire Grand Photographer: Celebration Studios Band: Noga Music Honeymoon: Aruba The Wilshire Grand Hotel, 973.731.7007 www.thewilshiregrandhotel.com The Wilshire Grand Caterers, 973.736.3240 www.thewilshiregrandcaterers.com

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"When it came to drinks and liquors, Bill asked us if there were any special kinds of liquors that we would like to have. This we especially liked, since we wanted to provide special drinks for our guests.

"For dessert, each of our guests received a plate with a piece of our chocolate cake with cannoli filling, plus tiramisu, ice cream, and a chocolate-covered strawberry. It looked beautiful and tasted amazing.

"Everything, from the service to the food to the location was perfect. The staff at The Wilshire Grand Hotel and Caterers went above and beyond our requests to make our night magnificent and unforgettable."

The Wilshire Grand Hotel, 973.731.7007, www.thewilshiregrandhotel.com

The Wilshire Grand Caterers, 973.736.3240, www.thewilshiregrandcaterers.com

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