Newly weds Odette Khoury and Robert Epstein flanked by their sons perform the sand-blending ceremony written by the bride and called 'The Sands of Time'.

It was a beautiful afternoon on December 29 as family and close friends gathered on the perfectly manicured lawns of The Terra Nova All Suites Hotel to witness Odette Khoury and Robert Epstein's declaration of love. A love, according to the newly-weds, that's found only "once in a lifetime".

Underneath an Arabian-styled tent, lavishly draped with crème and gold fabric and overflowing with crème-coloured roses and canna lilies and orchids delicately sprayed with gold (the work of Michelle Lee), guests embraced the opulence as they awaited the arrival of the bridal party.

The bride and groom were flanked by their five handsome tuxedo-clad (with bronze and gold accessories) sons:
Johann, Joel and Adam Epstein, and Jonathan and Matthew Khoury. The five bridesmaids (all nieces): Peta-Gaye, Tara, Rachel, Tanya Shoucair and Rachael Epstein looked equally stunning, dressed as they were in gold and bronze gowns and clutching bouquets of crème and coloured roses, canna lilies and orchids with sprays of gold.

The ceremony, officiated by Reverend Joel Downer, began promptly at 4:30 pm with each bridesmaid walking down the red carpet strewn with golden rose petals to the strains of Kenny Rogers' As God Is My Witness.

The bride and groom Odette Khoury and Robert Epstein flanked by their five handsome tuxedo-clad sons.

The bride, escorted by her father Dr Badih A Shoucair, was breathtaking in a form-fitting ivory and gold customised Demetrios gown. The groom was dashing in black tuxedo and ivory accents and gallantly walked toward his bride to receive her hand from her father.

Formalities over, the couple invited their sons to partake with them in a unique and moving sand-blending ceremony written by the bride and called "The Sands of Time". The ceremony required both to pour different coloured sand, representing the relationship that they each have with their sons and the union of the two families coming together as one.

After Reverend Downer presented the couple, the newly-weds danced down the aisle, followed by the groomsmen and bridesmaids to Celine Dion's I'm Alive. Guests showered them with golden rose petals.

Cocktails followed at the poolside before guests repaired to the inside of the Pavilion, which showed once again the creative skills of event planner Lee, combined with the talented Peter Shoucair of Electro-tech, who created more warmth and atmosphere with amber lights. The proceedings were ably handled by master-of-ceremonies, Kenneth Benjamin.

The newly weds enjoy the company of their five bridesmaids.

The groom's reply caused many to fight back tears as he declared his unending love for his bride who stood by his side as he serenaded her with the song When I Tell You That I Love You, accompanied by Wayne Armond on electric guitar.

A dance solo performed by Kanna Coore and accompanied by her father, Stephen 'Cat' Coore on electric cello dedicated specially to the bride and groom followed. Then Robert and Odette Epstein performed their first official duty as man and wife - cutting the ivory, three-tiered wedding cake cascading with gold and crème orchids and exquisitely decorated by Nyla D'Andrea.

The bride then presented her bouquet to her mother, Sissie Shoucair, and another to her grandmother, Maria Lazarus "an inspiration to all and whom I love dearly".

Dancing continued late into the night as guests boogied to the music of Sparkles Disco and continued to revel in an atmosphere filled with love, happiness and blessings that all present will never forget.

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