She expected the reception to be just as grand as the wedding was and Nina wasn’t let down. Crystal chandeliers hung above long tables dressed in ivory linens and gold flatware. Candles flickered in hurricane glass even in the early evening light. Tall floral arrangements spilled over with white roses, orchids, and greenery, with smaller bowls of citrus placed between them. She loved the twist on the centerpieces. Nina was in awe at the dinner spread. The Gottis spared no expense.
They didn’t have your typical wedding food. Jio introduced her to the Chef and sung his praises.
Sea bass with lemon butter. Braised short ribs. Lobster pasta. Roasted vegetables. Fried calamari. Grilled oysters and lemon pepper Cornish hens was what she had on her first plate after hitting the buffet. She planned on trying everything throughout the night.
Champagne was poured endlessly and everyone’s wine glasses stayed full. The DJ moved through generations. His timing was perfect and he knew exactly when to let the old folks have their moment and when to bring the younger cousins back to the dance floor.
Nina loved it and she was having a grand ole time.
She leaned toward Jio after the cake cutting. “I understand what you meant now,” she whispered into his ear.
He looked down at her. “About what?”
“Mob weddings.”
“It’s a lot I know.”
“They’re everything.” Her eyes sparkled.
Before he could respond, everyone started standing once the DJ put a song on that Nina didn’t know.
The bride was guided toward the center of the dance floor, laughing as older women circled her with bills already folded between their fingers.
“What’s happening?”
Jio leaned close enough for his lips to brush her ear.
“It’s time for her money dress.”
She looked at him.
“What’s that?” Her interest was piqued.
“You about to see.”
One by one, women approached the bride and pinned money to her gown. Each bill was folded, kissed, blessed, waved over her head, or pressed briefly against someone’s heart before it was attached to the dress. Twenties. Fifties. Hundreds. Stacks.The bride danced in place, laughing and crying as the women around her cheered.
She watched in awe, and it wasn’t because of the money, but she understood what it all represented. They were covering the bride in prayer, community, love, and tradition. It was a silent reminder that she wasn’t walking into her marriage alone. Her family would be there to uphold her if needed.
Auntie Vee saw Nina observing and came over with her arms out.
“Every bride in this family gets sent into marriage covered, but you gotta cover others first. Jio, give the girl some money.”
He went into his pocket and pulled out a few bills before handing them over.
Nina followed her into the circle.
She heard the women praying, shouting, and celebrating the new union. Nina pinned the money on her. She looked up and said, “Thank you so much.”
Nina nodded. “God bless you on this new journey.”
She didn’t know what else to say.
From the corner of the tent, Jio watched his baby eyes soften as his family brought her out of her shell. Before he knew it, Nina was bouncing around with the Gottis. He loved to see it.
The groom’s family went next. His mother pinned money with both hands trembling. His sisters danced around the bride. Old ladies shouted and his cousins threw bills in the air, and someone yelled that love needed seed money. The tent erupted in laughter.
Nina didn’t even notice that Jio was gone. He went to get his gift. It was fifty thousand dollars and they could do whatever they wanted with it. He approached the circle with stacks in both of his hands and his family started hooting and hollering up a storm.
