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The traditions that joined our
parents and our parents’ parents
are often the most meaningful
as we embark on a new
life together. “Remembering
our roots” is a wonderful way
to honor those who came
before us as well. Some religions and cultures
have very specific traditions that must be
honored, while others simply provide inspiration
to the bride and groom.
In many modern weddings, the practice
of honoring cultural and historical traditions
can get complicated—interracial, interfaith
and intercultural marriages are commonplace.
Some favorite cultural traditions in the
Southwest follow Mexican customs. A traditional
Mexican wedding ceremony includes
the following ritual: A lasso, or large rosary,
is draped around the bride and groom while
they are kneeling at the altar. Padrinos, two
special relatives the couple has chosen as
additional “sponsors” of their wedding, often
the couple’s godparents, play an important
role in the wedding, may present them with
coins (for prosperity), a Bible and a rosary
during the ceremony.
Candace Flores of Flores Event Design
explains the custom of the groom offering
the bride with thirteen coins:
“The presentation of the arras (coins)
is very traditional in Mexican weddings.”
“Typically they are held in an ornate gold
box, representing the groom giving the bride
all his fortune…somewhat like a dowry.” The
acceptance by the bride indicates that she
will take his trust and confidence unconditionally, and that she will remain dedicated
to him.
“Many Mexican wedding traditions have
religious origins,” explains Flores. “As with a
girl’s quinceñera (15th birthday celebration),
weddings are celebrated with the blessings of
family and the church.” In the case of the 13
coins, the number represents Christ and his
12 apostles.
“It is also customary for the bride to
present flowers to the Virgin Mary during
the wedding,” says Flores. “During the Ave
Maria, the bride will present the flowers and
say a special prayer.”
Naturally, music is a wonderful way to incorporate
the bride and groom’s culture into
the wedding celebration. Scottish bagpipers,
Mexican mariachi bands and belly dancers
are all fun ways to bring an international
flair to your party.
“Mariachis are very popular for entertainment
during the reception,” says Flores, who
has helped many couples implement generations-old Mexican customs in modern weddings.
“Traditional Mexican food, dancing and
decorations make for a very festive occasion.”
Some Mexican traditions have evolved over
the years, says Flores. “It is customary for the
best man to buy the wedding cake, while the
groom buys the bride’s dress in a traditional
Mexican wedding.”
Modern brides may object to having the
groom see the dress in advance, regardless of
who is buying it. This belief contributes to the
changing nature of traditions.
Many Arizona brides incorporate a general
Southwest theme into their weddings. Including
traditional regional fare in the reception
meal is a wonderful way to share local flavor
with your out-of-state guests. Prickly pear margaritas,
sangria, a salsa bar, even a Southwestern
style omelet bar at a wedding brunch are fun
ways to add a little Arizona to your wedding.
Knock that “dry desert” concept on its ear
by incorporating brightly colored blooms in
the celebration, or use festive paper flowers for
a decidedly ethnic flair. Miniature cactus in
painted terra cotta pots make wonderful guest
favors, as do bottles of favorite local salsas.
Don’t have any special family traditions to
celebrate at your wedding? Then consider this
a perfect time to start your own!
Location:
El Charro Café
Photographer:
Ted Hewitt Photography
Hair & Makeup:
The Red Door Spas Elizabeth Arden
Florist:
Inglis Florist
Wedding Gown:
Pour Moi, A Women’s Boutique
Quinceanera Gowns:
Brides by Demetrios
Coordination:
Flores Event
Creative Events
Cake:
Ambrosia of Tucson
Models:
Denise Soltero, Kelly Knipe, Fernanda Mya Encinas, Flor Maria Enunas.
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