McHarg, Mahmood exchange vows in Hawaii

Close friends and family were in attendance when Rachel McHarg and Tareq Mahmood were united in marriage Sunday, Oct. 19, 2008, during a non denominational sunset ceremony at the lawn garden gazebo (Grand Hyatt Resort property) overlooking the Pacific Ocean on the island of Kauai, in Poipu Bay, Hawaii.

The bride is the daughter of Nancy McHarg, Ranier, and John McHarg, Humboldt, Tenn., formerly of Ranier. The groom is the son of Retired Brigadier General Salam Mahmood and Momena Khatun, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

The ceremony was performed by Pastor Harold Kilborn and included the Hawaiian tradition of the bride and groom exchanging orchid leis. Music included a violin compliation of classical music performed by Gordon Marron. A childhood friend of the bride, Stephany Lanahan, Orlando, Fla., gave an inspirational reading, “The Awakening.” Tamara Khan, friend of the bride, Minneapolis, distributed wedding programs and the guest book was attended by cousin of the bride, Sheri McGrath, Coon Rapids.

The bride’s mother escorted her down the aisle which was adorned with scattered ivory orchids. She wore a satin, sheath-style, ivory gown designed by Demetrios with multi-colored pastel floral appliques and Swarovski crystal detailing. The strapless, ruched dress featured tulle overlay, a sweetheart neckline and chapel train with pleats at the hem. A fingertip ivory veil with floral Swarovski crystal etching complemented the ensemble.

The bride’s jewelry, a gift from the groom, was a Tiffany pearl necklace and vintage chandelier earrings with a matching vintage brooch she wore in her hair along with an ivory orchid.

She carried a bouquet of ivory and pink cymbidium orchids wrapped in satin kiwi green fabric, matching her mother’s dress.

Attending the bride as maids of honor were her sister, Beth McHarg and cousin, Chelsie Pederson. The bridesmaid was Lisa Iverson.

All wore chiffon, halter-style dresses in different colors reflecting the Hawaiian garden — Beth in Buttercup yellow, Chelsie in Mango and Lisa in fuchsia. Each carried a bouquet of mini calla lilies and orchids, coordinating with their individual colors. Orchids adorned their hair.

The mother of the bride chose a kiwi green, strapless, chiffon, floor-length gown with Sawarosky crystal accents and matching stole. She carried a bouquet matching the bride’s with ivory and green orchids.

A social hour followed the wedding ceremony at the Hyatt gardens with champagne and artisan cheese with fruit. A buffet style dinner that included local Hawaiian seafood was then served at the Illama Terrace catered by Grand Hyatt. A dance followed the dinner.

The bride’s mother and family hosted a rehearsal/welcome dinner the evening prior to the wedding at the home she had rented in Hawaii.

A wedding reception is planned in Dhaka, Bangladesh in January. As well, a hometown celebration will take place Dec. 27 in International Falls.

Rachel graduated from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls with a bachelor of science degree and from Metropolitan State University with a bachelor of arts degree. She is employed by Morton’s of Chicago, Minneapolis, and plans to attend graduate school next year to pursue a masters degree in social work.

Tareq graduated from Mankato State University with a bachelor of science degree. He is an independent consultant for Chelsea Consulting.

Following a two-week Hawaiian honeymoon, the couple resides in Minneapolis.