Entertaining ...

Setting the mood ... sophisticated, vibrant. The party's waiting
at Somerset Inn. . Elegant banquet facilities, adding a "touch of-
class" to wedding days, rehearsal dinners, showers, bar mitzvahs,
birthdays, and more. Our friendly Somerset staff can provide
professional assistance .

Our 7200 square foot Grand Ballroom offers style that is unmistakeably

Somerset...Or for more intimate yet distinctive gatherings, Somerset suggests
The West End...available for special occasions....Whatever your pleasure,
it's Somerset Inn when your special times deserve only the best.
Come entertain...Somerset Style.

Please call our sales and catering
office at (248) 643-2286.
Monday-Friday 8 AM - 5 PM

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Michigan's
Hottest Group

—

Mel Ball
and
Colours

Voted #1 Best Band

Crain'S/Detroit Business

• Wedding Specialists

Mel Ball Entertainment Agency

Specializing in Weddings and Corporate Events

248-851-1992

• Exclusive entertainment agency for
the Ritz Carlton Hotel and many other
first-class establishments
• Also representing the finest high-energy
bands, DJs and ceremonial ensembles.

• National Acts and Full Orchestras

Celebl a ,e!

(marriage contract), our Orthodox
ceremony was strictly in the rabbi's
hands. He gave us a little back-
ground on the Sheva Brachot, the
seven- wedding blessings he would
recite; he told us what we were
expected to do and say; and he sug-
gested a couple of traditional
melodies that could be played
before and after the vows.
Memories of the most important
day of my life are a blur, not
because it was so long along, but
because it was so emotional and sur-
real. I know there was a cocktail
hour before the ceremony (actually
chopped liver, crackers and bever-
ages to keep the guests' stomach
rumbling to a minimum), but I
spent it in the bride's room fixing
my lipstick, posing for pictures and
trying not to faint.
I vaguely recall signing the ketuba
in front of two witnesses and being
spellbound during the bedeken, the
ritual veiling of the bride after the
groom verifies he is marrying the right
woman.
Then I climbed the two flights of
marble steps and floated halfway down
the aisle where my father released me
into the custody of the groom. We
trembled as we made our way toward
the bima and took our place under the
crimson velvet chuppa.
Although we chose to get married
in an architecturally rich, old shul,
there is nothing in Jewish law that
mandates a marriage ceremony must
be performed in a synagogue. In fact,
many observant Jews follow the tradi-
tion of having a wedding under the
stars. So it might be best to go along
with the first law of real estate —
location, location, location (is every-
thing).
Find a place that makes you feel
special.
If your favorite rabbi is unavail-
able or you don't have one, shop
around for one who can put you at
ease.
The problems of pleasing all the

in-laws, selecting the right menu and
music, and the dozens of other items
that mark your big day will be more
bearable if your heart tells you that
you have chosen the right place and
rabbi before you take your turn at
happily ever after.

❑