New Beginnings Deserve New Traditions
I saw something delightful recently at Swann Plantation.
I photographed the marriage of Celia and Gary. Now, Celia and Gary, while longtime friends, came together with each bringing a lifetime of experiences to the marriage. But that dopes not mean that their wedding cannot be as fresh and as new as with a couple getting married for the first time.
Their ceremony took place in the barn at Swann Plantation. But Shari Coleman, who owns the venue, had an idea. Instead of having the traditional Groom-with-Pastor-Watching-Bride-Make-Her-Entrance-And_Everyone-Is-Standing, she proposed something novel to the couple.
There is a small distance between the venue's authentic 1821 plantation home and the barn. Not very long, but also not right next door. In fact, perfect for a . . . parade. And why not? Are not second lines in New Orleans popular for a wedding? With Indian weddings, does not the groom have a royal procession to his bride, called the baraat? Who doesn't love a parade?
So that is what Celia and Gary did. Gary went with a red rose to the plantation house in view of the assembled guests to claim his bride, and then the two of them led their guests in a happy and joyous procession from there to the ceremony site.
How wonderful! For the less-than-traditional-think-outside-the-box brides, what a grand way to start the wedding, especially if you were to add strolling musicians as well. Or have your guests participate by carrying balloons or flowers.
Traditions are lovely but they have to start somewhere. It doesn't take much to add some pomp to your wedding that will have people talking about. Make it your "something new!"