A few weeks ago we performed a wedding ceremony for a mixed race couple. The bride was Mexican American and the groom African American. They met in high school 7 years ago. After being high school sweethearts, they continued their education, had beautiful twin girls and finally stood in front of me before their mutual friends and family to marry. So why, you may ask, did I name this blog "Traditions" and not "Lasting Love" or some such thing? Glad you asked!
I named it "Traditions" because my couple worked very hard to make sure everything in their wedding honored both cultures and heritages. The ceremony was fully bilingual allowing all present to understand the meaningful words and promises spoken. The Bride's Godparents who are also her aunt and uncle, draped the traditional Mexican Rosary Lasso across the couples' shoulders binding them as husband and wife; they exchanged "arras" or coins in the Spanish tradition symbolizing the sharing of their worldly goods. The couple memorialized the groom's late uncle and beloved sister recalling the importance of loved ones. The menu, drinks music , everything about this wedding honored both cultures and traditions.
I applaud this new Mr. & Mrs. for their mutual respect. I wish them and their new family a lifetime of love and happiness. Que Viva el Amor!