July 20th 2020 we made the decision to officially be together as a couple exclusively. Despite the circumstances because our connection was just so undeniably strong.
For both of us as very empathic people there was an unexplainable familiarity and energy between us we both felt that was like a magnet that was instant. Like we knew each other before. Like we were both finally home. For Abdou when he looked at Robin’s eyes he felt compelled to reach out to her. For Robin she saw him and felt a swirl of emotions and left it to fate if he was interested she recalls he will find her. It only took a few weeks after seeing her without her saying anything for him to see her and reach out. Robin and Abdou were both very specific in what they wanted and knew exactly what they wanted. The amazing part is each of them have every single thing each were looking for and had an almost twin like connection and synchronicity. And it is this type of almost magical connection that is so fascinating to witness. Despite their distance in miles as it has been for their relationship, because of their strong connection they managed to be able to find a balance so they are still so very close. Robin and Abdou both stated they felt like they were home when they were interacting with each other in a way they never felt with anyone else before. And that is when they knew they needed to be together and have been inseparable since. Within a few days they knew to take their relationship to an exclusive level. They met July 13th 2020 and by July 20th 2020 they knew they needed to see this through.
The short answer is No not legally. The plan was to elope together in Tunisia and have a full ceremony. Then, as a married couple, have a celebration with our friends and family in New York. But in Tunisia we were not able to have a legal ceremony due to one of the embassies being closed because of Covid. Since we were unable to get one last paper approved from that closed embassy we could not complete a legal marraige with a legal official in that country. We tried so hard till the day before the event but they refused to make any exceptions. Since we already had our entire wedding out there planned, we decided to have a commitment ceremony with each other for each other and made our vows to each other with no officials present. That is not acceptable to our countries as a legal marraige so we will have to do it all over again. We changed the party in New York with family and friends to our official wedding ceremony and reception. Spiritually we already view each other as husband and wife and cherish that day as our private ceremony. Legally, the marraige in New York will be our official legal ceremony where we will be legally and officially married.
Even though the miles at some points are far between us we always have been able to adapt and video chat, have our little virtual dates together. We communicate a lot. We wake up and say good morning we talk through the day we experience our entire day with each other and when we go to bed we say goodnight. There has never been a day we went without communication so it is like we are together all the time. The honesty of how we feel and transparency to each other is the most important part. We have a very good understanding of each other so much that we can tell each other’s emotions just by the way we may type. We both seem to know exactly what each other’s feeling all the time and are always able to support each other through it. The hardest part is when we miss each other and that is when we can just take a vacation together and be able to hold each other as that is all that we usually would be missing. That and us helping each other cook, carry things, and so forth. When you have a connection like ours there is no one else in the world who can change that. It gives you the strength to be able to wait and do what you need to do to be together. We will be very thankful in the fall to have each other around physically more often. We are incredibly natural as working as a team. Our love and patience makes the long distance work.
It is 4000 miles away in the north part of Africa next to Morocco and Tunisia. Locals speak French and Arabic. So it is kind of like having a long distance with someone say in California/NY with an extra 1000 miles. Abderahmen speaks French, Arabic, and English fluently.
Abderahmen and I are both vegan and live this lifestyle. Vegan is not just as diet as most people understand it to be the diet element alone is referred to as “plant based”. When committed as a vegan, we do not use animal products and live a lifestyle in support of doing our best to no support the killing of animals in any way we can. Considering the diet in itself healed both of us from illness and in that healing we discovered what happens to animals for humans to eat them and we do everything animal free. Robin grew up with a Christian upbringing and is very connected to animals and nature even more so since this transition and Abderahmen grew up with a Muslim upbringing and also is very peaceful and spiritual animal lover as well. In his culture, Alcohol is against his religion and he can not have it at a function he is participating in. Both of us are alcohol free and due the combination of honoring his cultural restrictions and our goal not to harm any animals the best we can the wedding will be plant based. Don’t worry it will not be all salad we have an amazing chef who will wow the evening with some amazing food people not used to never knew was possible. We can be healthy have fun and celebrate without hurting any animals or being under the influence beyond anything other than the joy we have for the evening. All ingredients will be listed in respect to those with food sensitivities and allergies however we do need to know of any food allergies and sensitivities ahead of time and immediately so please contact the host immediately if you have any food allergies. The earlier the better. The menu put together will be a blend of the many ethnic backgrounds of the ourselves and the guest. As the date gets close this website will be updated first with all the details needed. In health fashion know organic & non gmo options will be served. This will be probably one for the cleanest delicious well thought after loving menu you ever had.
Plant based refers to only the diet portion of the vegan lifestyle. Someone who is plant based most likely will not eat meat, dairy products, eggs, fish but may use honey. The terms are used interchangeably due to the food but they are different. Vegan is a lifestyle there is a deliberate effort not to support the cruelty to animals the best we can in everything not just food. The goal is to minimize the suffering caused by abusive industries. Most vegans also extend that compassion by not using honey. Due to the rise of abusive bee keeping practices. We take the time to use only ethical bee keepers and still use honey. We support companies taking initiative not to harm animals in the making of their product or ruining their habitat & so forth. It is an accountability to our planet and animals to each do our part as individuals to give all living things the respect and compassion they deserve. The lifestyle is to help save the animals and the planet the best we can. A vegetarian does not eat meat products or fish but still uses honey, eggs, and dairy products. A Pescatarian is similar to vegetarian will not eat meat products but uses honey eggs and dairy products but eats also fish and ocean animals like fish, shrimp, crab, scallops, and etc. This is important to understand so you don’t harm any animals trying to do things for us as we both care about that deeply. I hope this answers your questions & if you’d like to learn more how to heal naturally & how we got here feel free to learn more on the subject these great shows on the state of food: What the Health, Food Inc, Dominion, Secret Ingredient, Genetic Roulette, Journey to the Last Oasis, OMG GMO & Forks over Knives
Abderahmen we call Abdou for short is Algerian. Algeria is the biggest country in North Africa and it has an Arabic and French background. He speaks French, Arabic, and English fluently and is very open minded and well versed in English. Robin also known as Miraj is American born New Yorker with a Jamaican background. Jamaica is part of the Caribbean. Robin is well aquatinted with the culture and lifestyle considering both her mother and father are Jamaican and her mom sent her to stay in the country way every year from the time she was about 2. Robin speaks English understands the Jamaican dialect fully and moderately speaks Spanish as well. Due to the diverse mix of history Robin has blend of ethnicities her dna. We are all part of the human family let’s be respectful.
We were initially informed the visa process would be 9-12 months when it was filed however due to overloads the process went as far as almost 15-1/2 months. We did not anticipate this being so outrageously behind hence the need to change the dates. From start to finish it can take another 3-5 months to complete so we set the date far enough ahead so that all the requirements could be done and we still have some time to finalize the wedding details. We apologize for the inconvenience and hope the problems inhibiting the fiancé and spousal visa process improve.
He arrived here on July 3rd 2023. We are overjoyed to say the least🥰🥹🥰. So he is here.
The dress code basically means it is not as strict as the “Black Tie” dress code where men are confined to black suits ands a bow tie and women long evening gowns. It allows for more of a variety of formal attire in a creative way. So for example women have the options to wear a diverse amount of formal attire and colors as men can wear ties, colored jacket type suits and as it say be creative with the formal attire.
We wanted to celebrate in a colorful multicultural and creative way while still remaining formal but not too uptight formal😄. Semi formal was a bit too dressed down for the men and black tie was a bit to strict for everyone so creative black tie is that middle ground that gave more flexibility. Whether your thing is to keep it traditional, Wakanda formal style (black panther reference), Algerian formal style or even is the formal look of the capital in the hunger games, It is all good under this dress code. Bring your grown and sassy out share in the color and fun. As an artist The bride loves diversity and all of that coming together to celebrate together so it is all good. The groom comes from a more conservative culture which is why we retained some formality in formal attire. But I hope this explanations hones through the need for the guest to be fun and creative yet formal. Don’t worry about the colors or thinking anything may be too eccentric. If it is formal and you are not running bare naked it is fine. This is your time to be you and not feel the need to be confined into a bow tie if your style says ascot tie and fantasy suit. Do it. If your style says 1800s throw back do it. Want to have that little mask thing on a stick, do it! Have fun with this!!
Yes there is plenty of parking within the lot of the event space that are free spots. And there is also a city lot right across from the event space with paid parking spots. (The fee is very low) If you choose to park in the lot across the street from the venue it has recently changed from being free on weekends to now 24/7 paid parking and is enforced. There are 76 parking spaces open within the event space. If there are any questions feel free to call Revel 32 to clarify (845) 244-8880
Try just typing your first name only. And it should bring up what is listed easily. Select your name. If it still doesn’t work that way send me a quick text saying “rsvp wedding” with all the names in your party and the meal choices for each in your party (I will send the example menu.) So I can complete your rsvp manually. 845-264-1294. It is extremely important to inform me of any food allergies you or anyone coming with you have that informations is all listed on the online rsvp. In any case please mail back the card with first names written out. Whether you are coming or not. The silver pen provided is to write on the black paper. The envelope is already pre stamped and has a slit for the tip of the flap so it can be closed. Please complete rsvp as soon as possible. Thank you.