Pops....I can't tell you how it warms my heart to hear your story of the marriage. You are such a special person and deserve all the happiness that life can offer. So, now I have some questions because obviously I know nothing of your culture except what we've been priviledged to hear from you. And since there will be another wedding ceremony next year......
What did you wear and what colour? Since we won't see pictures would love to know. I can only imagine how beautiful you are!
Was there a wedding party with bridesmaids and all the glimmer or will that wait until summer 2006?
Did you exchange engagement and wedding rings?
So you are legally married but not living together. Does that mean that he can claim you as a dependant?
Does your culture see you as legally married or will that wait until the second ceremony?
I too say I'm sorry if you've answered these before. I've been working long hours and have trouble keeping up with all that's happening here.
{{{hugs}}}
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, champagne in one hand and strawberries in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming WOO HOO - What a Ride!
--unknown
Sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can't see
--Polar Express
Until one has loved an animal, part of their soul remains unawakened.
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He can legally claim me as a dependant, as I am now legally his wife, and that is recognized by the government. I think all one needs is a marriage certificate for that. 
Our culture/religion sees us as married. The ceremony we had at the mosque is the main thing, and what makes us 'legally' husband and wife. The city recognizes religious marriages like that. We had to have the ceremony before we could have the legal documents from the city. We can be together now if we want to be, but with our current circumstances, it is best that we wait to start life together until he is done with school/has a job. We just had a small ceremony with our closest friends, but the big wedding will be the party we have before we start life together. It is kind of difficult to be so far from him right now. We're on the phone 24/7...something you can all probably tell, because I'm not getting any time for PT. 
Hope this answers your questions. 
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