It’s now been almost 3 months since our oldest son was married and we are finally starting to see the photos from the day.
While I recognize that it’s heartwarming for the family and close friends to revisit a happy occasion by reminiscing through the photos, I wonder whether the rest of the world finds it just as interesting, or if it’s merely a common event with different faces and clothes.
There is however one part of Jordan and Dempsey’s day that I wanted to share because I had never witnessed it before and I loved the symbolism it represented.
It’s called the Veil, Cord, and Coin Ceremony.
Our new son-in-law is from the Philippines and the young couple decided to include this piece of Filipino tradition into their day. Weddings are all about symbolism and it seemed like a very appropriate thing to do.
The Veil
In a traditional wedding, after the vows and rings are exchanged, the bride’s veil is draped over the groom’s shoulders. This symbolizes their oneness and introduction to the world ‘dressed’ as one.
With no bride in the ceremony, a veil was provided and pinned to the shoulders of the two grooms … although if you had asked Jordan, he would have preferred to call it a cape.
The Cord
Then a white cord is placed over their shoulders in a figure eight design to represent infinity and the bond of fidelity promised to each other.
The Coins
Lastly, a bowl with 13 gold coins is introduced – or in this case, highly polished ‘Loonies’, the Canadian $1 coin.
… and no, the name Loonie doesn’t mean it’s a piece of folly, but rather is a nod to the bird – the Loon – on the back of the coin.
The coins, symbolizing the hope of a future with mutual support and prosperity, are then passed between the hands of the wedding couple.
In this case, Jordan and Dempsey kept passing the coins back and forth between them several times. They were clearly having fun with this. Meanwhile I was holding my breath in superstitious fear that they would drop them and invoke bad luck.
I had hoped the 13 coins would have some thoughtful significance like 13 key values or virtues, but was disappointed to find only references to Jesus and the 12 Apostles. It may be just my shrivelled little agnostic soul speaking, but that’s a lost opportunity in the symbolism department.
In the end, their untraditional marriage was full of traditional elements and having now experienced the wedding of one of my children, I appreciate that these small customs – in whatever form they take – impart huge meaning in our lives.
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Note – none of the photos in this post belong to me. They were taken by the wedding photographer, Brianna Premo, hired for the occasion and used with permission given by my son.
I am glad there is more to this story. I find people’s personal lives very interesting. What makes them tick? Yes, there are similarities. Also, unique differences.
I always write my comment as I am reading, and here comes the “unique.” Huge smile on the “cape.” Another smile on “lost opportunity in the symbolism department.”
Joanne, fascinating information conveyed with humour, warmth and love. Thank you!
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It seems that you and I have the same approach to writing comments. There is almost always a phrase or photo that triggers a reaction.
I loved the veil, cord, and coin ceremony … its tying of cultures and meaningful symbolism. The unique elements of any wedding is what makes it memorable … oh yeah, and the fact that it was my son 😉
Thanks for taking the time to go back into my archive to read this story 💕
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Interesting meeting today. I wonder whether it helped clarify the direction of blogging for many of us. As you have said in the past, Joanne, it has brought us to the now, this present moment. And that is a good thing. xx 💕
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It was an interesting meeting. This was a topic I think we all could have talked about for some time.
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Such a handsome couple and I do love their outfits.
Weddings can potentially be run of the mill – what makes them stand out in our memories I think, are things that a couple personally finds meaningful that they share with the witnessing guests as these two chose to do.
So lovely and poignant.
Peta
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Takes so true! I love weddings and you’ve just put your finger on one of the reasons why 🙂
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So glad you shared your son’s wedding tradition. I find them fascinating, and this one is new to me.
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I think it’s little details like this that make an event memorable. If I should ever encounter this again, I’ll know the background and what it’s all about 🙂
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Aww absolutely beautiful Joanne 🙂 I’m catching up on blog reading and when I started a little while ago I was particularly anticipating photos from the wedding ❤ xxx
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Awww – thanks Annie 💕 It’s the only story I’ve been inspired to write about the wedding that was a little different. Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
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I love the symbolism of the veil and cord, and the coins as mutual support and prosperity, but I would look beyond the Christan symbolism too.
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Yeah – I’ve long believed that we should keep what works for us and leave the rest.
… if only everyone could be content with that simple philosophy …
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I agree, with you, Joanne.
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I too love the traditional elements being infused to this non-traditional wedding and am happy to have a seat at the head table (albeit virtually). This second visit to Jordan and Dempsey’s nuptials brought a smile to my face this morning. As you know, motherhood was more adventure than I ever thought I could handle, but it is lovely to experience the rewards of that adventure here.
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Having children is definitely life-changing in so many different ways. Now that my sons are both adults, I wish I had had a bigger family although at the time when they were little, the thought struck terror in my heart 😏
It’s always a pleasure to have you at the head table with us 🙂
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Congratulations to then young couple. All the joy in the world to them!
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Thanks so much 💕
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So lovely to see photos from the wedding Joanne. I so appreciate you sharing them. I had never heard of this tradition. Perhaps we could make something up ourselves about the number 13. 🙂
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I think that’s a great idea. It wouldn’t be the first time that changes in conventional thinking resulted in modified traditions. I do like the number 13 though so I would definitely keep that 🙂
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Joanne, I loved this post — happy, beautiful, and interesting. What’s not to like? I was not familiar with the Veil, Cord, and Coin Ceremony. How lovely! I’m with you about the symbolism for 13. However before all the “modern” religions got their hands on the number, it was a power number (that’s Teaganese). There are 13 full moons in the year. Some cultures (way back then) saw 13 as the number of death and rebirth, creation, and fertility — so I can see how that would have gotten into a wedding — but such heathen things can’t be recognized as a root now. 😉 😀 (The 13 apostles would have included Judas and seen as unlucky by modern traditions.)
Sorry — I enjoy that kind of trivia. Hugs.
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Wow – this was really interesting!! I didn’t know there were 13 full moons in a year. Personally, I’ve always liked the number 13 and think the poor thing has been badly maligned 🙂
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Absolutely beautiful magic – so happy you shared. Congrats, Mama! xoxox
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I am one very happy – and proud – mama 💕
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What a beautiful wedding! And I loved the traditions. They look very happy together!
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They are very good together – it makes my heart smile 💕
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Those traditions sound and looked lovely, and fun. It was wonderful that they included them in their ceremony.
They look so handsome. It looks and sounds like it was an amazing wedding day.
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Thanks Deborah – I think weddings are wonderful and generally remembered with great fondness by those involved. This one is no exception. It’s already been a few months and my heart is still overflowing 💕
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That’s wonderful! I bet the Honeymooner’s hearts are too. 😊
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That sounds like a beautiful tradition. Thanks so much for sharing it with us Joanne! It looks like it was an amazing day all around. 🙂
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Happy occasions stay in our heart. This is one day that I will always remember with great love.
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What an awesome tradition…I love traditions!
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Some are definitely worth keeping 🙂
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Lovely photos, handsome smiles, and I love the ties. The addition of this special tradition to the ceremony must have been extremely touching for both families. This has been quite the year, and as these photos keep rolling in, you will get to relive many aspects of that beautiful day. Enjoy. 🙂
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It was been quite the year, Judy! I am extraordinarily happy 💕
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I like seeing how traditions can be imported and adapted and still have meaning for those involved. It seems like it was a beautiful ceremony.
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That it was, Dan 🙂
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Thanks for sharing a lovely tradition. I was very aware of symbolism in my own wedding (many years ago) and it’s delightful to hear about ones from other cultures. I truly hope they don’t die away. And, it’s also lovely of you sharing the joy of the day. I too love the ties!
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Bicycles were a theme of this wedding and they showed up in many places – including not only their ties but also their socks 🙂
Symbols play a large part of our lives and the real magic starts when we do finally notice it.
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How very lovely to incorporate that lovely tradition. I laughed at the veil to cape preference and both lads look distinctly nervous about that cord being strung around their necks! But they seemed to enjoy the passing of the coins. I wish them a wonderful, happy and joyous life together through the good times and those more stressful ones which life seems to throw at us all. The bow ties are a wonderful touch!
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I was a little curious about the whole cord thing. It didn’t sound very comfortable – until I saw what it actually entailed. What was really funny were the 2 Best Women. THEY were the ones who were really nervous when they found out it was their job to perform the different parts! 😆
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I’m glad they didn’t strangle them both!
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Yes, definitely still heartwarming, even though I only know the newlyweds via your blog! I think it’s lovely they wanted to include the tradition. The comments above about these kinds of traditions dying off are quite valid. When my sister got married, they did the tea ceremony (Asian tradition), but had to be talked through the whole thing by our auntie. I don’t think the generation after ours will be able to get that same sort of guidance…
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As long as there are enough people who want to incorporate elements of traditional practices, hopefully these precious ceremonies will survive.
I expect some of the symbolism will change though – and it should, like the Coins used to represent the Groom’s promise to take care of the Bride and their future family. I much prefer the modern interpretation of mutual support.
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I guess even deep-rooted traditions can evolve
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wow – this is so beautiful and rich tradition and important to share – amazing
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Thank you. It was kind of you to say it was important to share because that’s exactly how I felt about it ❤️
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such a nice tradition and I have to say that when you first shared some of the wedding plans (early on) I felt this joy with you – it is an example of how blogging connections are part of us. And last year when Dr Perry got his doctorate it was a special moment too –
anyhow – congrats again
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I agree that our blogging connections become integral parts of our world and we want to share these special moments. It gives us a chance to express our feelings and throw our joy out there into the world 💕
I missed your special moment. Dr Perry is your son? Is there a blog post you can reconnect me to?
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oh no – he is just a random blogger. well not random.
but he started his blog while in school – and I am not that into following folks on their educational journey – I mean that would be fine but I follow more people who do the challenges and all that –
anyhow, he has like 10,000 followers and it was just fun to see him finish up and the he shared was fun.
I will try and find his site –
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Ooooh – interesting 🙂
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Tradition and symbolism are so important! Well done to them for incorporating these elements into their special day, and blessings on their marriage!
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I’m not a particularly a person who clings to traditions. In fact there are very few traditions I hold on to, but I really liked this. Thank you for your kind wishes 💕
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Very cool! And a great way to start things off right with a blending of traditions.
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These 2 guys put a lot of thought into the small details that made up their special day. I thought this one was particularly special 🙂
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I think weddings should be as special and unlike “everyday life” as possible; packed full of ceremony and tradition and symbolism. Otherwise why bother? I love that your son and his husband chose to include elements of your son-in-law’s culture — and that they had fun with it! Yay for embracing celebration and building wonderful memories.
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I think weddings are by definition special occasions and it’s fun to see how different couples approach their special day. My favourite weddings have been the ones that were a little different – that reflected some characteristic unique about the couple. Not necessarily something complicated or showy but something small that made me smile and think ‘yes, that’s them’.
I was thinking that couples often live together for some time before they get married and afterwards life goes on pretty well as it did before. There is a lot of pressure on that one day to make lasting special memories ❤️
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I think that’s very true Joanne. My favourite weddings have also been the really personal ones. Often they have also had the smallest budgets. As Ernest Rutherford said “we didn’t have any money, so we had to think.”
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Isn’t that the truth!!
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Hi Joanne,
Thanks for sharing this ceremony. I had not heard of it. Like you, I wish the 13 coins stood for something more than what they do. I love when people honour their heritage and traditions and merge cultures as well as lives. Hope to see more pictures on the blog! I love weddings.
Deb
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Ahhh – I think it’s the romantic in us that love weddings. Each one is special whether it is buried in pomp or simplicity and I love them all.
I don’t consider myself a particularly traditional kind of person so I was surprised by how strongly I felt about some of the traditional elements – like this veil, cord, and coin ceremony. The13 coins though was a failure in the symbolism department. How much more meaningful it would have been to have each coin represent an important value to the longevity of a marriage like trust, communication, patience, respect, honesty, sharing, etc. Clearly this is a piece of tradition that needs a rewrite 😉
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Lovely ceremony. I love seeing wedding photos, especially ones that introduce unique ceremonies and traditions!
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I love weddings. They are wonderful happy occasions and everyone is in a good mood. My favourite weddings are the ones that have some unique element in them that reflects the couple. It seems from the comments I’m getting that I’m not the only one who thinks this way 🙂
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I think its wonderful that you’re sharing posts about your son’s marriage and the blend of traditions. We need more of this!
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Thanks Tracey. As much as I love reading posts where other’s have shared about their personal lives, I’m still not quite there myself. It feels awkward to me.
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That tradition is new to me, and I like it. I don’t think anyone tires of wedding photos when the couple looks so happy, as they do.
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Weddings are wonderful occasions. Everyone is happy – what’s not to love?
This one however was extra special because the people involved were extra special 🙂
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Oh, I love it that they included a tradition from Dempsey’s heritage. I’m all teary at the symbolism and that they had fun with the “cape,” cord and coins. 🙂 Great pictures, Joanne. They’re off to to a wonderful start. And you cracked me up with this…”It may be just my shriveled little agnostic soul speaking” Ha ha. Thanks for the wonderful post – I was waiting for it. ❤
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hehehe! Thanks Diana. Every once in a while I’m particularly proud of a string of words I put together and this was one of them 🙂. I didn’t want to offend anyone’s religious leanings, but ….
I’ve been itching to write this post for almost 3 months. I’m glad to finally put it out there 💕
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Nice photos and sentiments. My wife and I got married in a courthouse, by a government clerk, at a cost of about $100. This symbolized our love of simplicity, and thriftiness. And it has worked out that way also, as our marriage has been mostly uncomplicated, and we’ve rarely had financial difficulties.
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Isn’t that what it’s all about? … a ceremony that reflects the couple? It’s a rare couple who can say they’ve rarely had financial difficulties throughout their marriage. Clearly the 2 of you brought shared values into the relationship! Kudos!!
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Thanks. Yes we do have similar values in a lot of ways. And our differences complement. I think the chemistry has helped things work out for us as long as they have.
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Tippy, I do believe you have a romantic soul 🙂
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What a lovely tradition. I always enjoy learning about different wedding traditions. And, yes, we all enjoy those photos!
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I’m glad to hear that people generally like wedding posts. Now I might be tempted to write another one 😉
… but probably unlikely.
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I love the symbolism this tradition represents & I love that shared it with us. Wishing Jordan & Dempsey a lifetime of love together ❤️
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Thanks Lynn ❤️
I knew that I wanted to write about this ceremony and it’s been killing me not to have photos to share. Mission now accomplished 🙂
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What an interesting tradition. I have never heard of it.
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It was new to me too and I was instantly curious about it when they first brought it up. I love the symbolism of these traditional practices.
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It’s a heartwarming ceremony, Joanne. You described it well; I felt as if I were there, too. Thanks for sharing this precious moment with us. And congratulations!
Have a great day.
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For those of us who had never seen this ceremony performed before, it was very interesting.
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Interesting ceremony! My daughter was in a Hindu ceremony once and we really enjoyed learning all about their traditions as well.
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That would be really interesting! It would be another first for me too.
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Interesting customs – i’ve never come across any of those before. It’s good that weddings are becoming more “freestyle” – pick the things that appeal to you and don’t fe
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contd … feel constrained by what others view as traditional.
*Sighs for the many times I hit comment and it doesn’t cooperate. Tonight I touched it lightly by accident and off it went*
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Lol! I can relate 😀
You expressed it very well – picking the parts that mean something and leaving the rest. I think there is a lesson in there for us in most things we approach in life.
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I love learning about different traditions and the meanings behind them. I also loved seeing the joy in these photos. Thank you for sharing them, Joanne!
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Sometimes the meaning of a particular act can get lost in the hype of the day. I witnessed the ceremony and yet it was still a blur. Researching it afterwards made it come alive for me.
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Beautiful post Joanne. I love seeing other people’s wedding photos and look forward to seeing all of them!
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Thanks Judy. I admit I have a soft spot for wedding photos too however I never like to impose mine on others 🙂
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I so love traditions and the symbolic meaning behind them. This is quite beautiful, Joanne. The bowties with the bicycles….they met cycling? Of they both like to bike?
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They are both very active and outdoorsy people. They both embraced cycling around the same time and love the sport. It’s become a huge part of what they do together. As a result, the bicycle became a theme of their wedding.
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I love that not only were two people joined in the ceremony, but two cultural traditions as well. And, by the way, if you’d like to share more pictures of the wedding, please feel free!
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That’s an interesting perspective I hadn’t considered, but you’re right. On one hand, we had a bilingual ceremony to accommodate the French-speaking half of our family combined with the Filipino custom. We did meld together 2 cultures. That’s pretty cool 🙂
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Very interesting Joanne. I am so glad you shared this with us. Sounds like it was such a lovely day
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It was, Jacquie! We couldn’t have asked for better 🙂
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Very interesting, Joanne. As you say, symbolic gestures mean so much. And it’s great to see the photos of your son’s special day.
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Thanks Karen. I’m lucky that Jordan indulges my need to share 🙂
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Thanks for an interesting share ~ especially enjoyed learning about the CAPE, Cord, and Coin Ceremony. 😀
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Oh damn! – now that I’ve seen it written like this, I wish I had used it!! What a great alliteration! 😆
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Love the tradition. It was new to me!
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I wonder if it’s a dying tradition now. So many of these traditions are seen as archaic and abandoned by younger generations.
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I know the weddings in my family that I attend no longer do the old Austrian traditions that were prevalent when I was a kid.
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That’s kind of sad, although I’m already noticing that in some things, everything old is ‘new’ again.
Maybe you should write about some of those Austrian traditions. I for one would be interested in reading about it – especially if you had incorporated them in your own wedding.
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I got married in Las Vegas so sadly I did not.
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Have you ever considered a renewal of vows as part of a special milestone anniversary?
I’ve often wondered if marriage would be treated as something more precious if it was a license that had to be renewed every 5 or 10 years. Instead of couples staying together out of habit, it would be a deliberate conscious decision.
I can’t help but think that generally people would be happier.
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I had a friend who always lobbied for marriage renewal but I think she was interested in finding a new partner.
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bwahahahaha!!!
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I love this posting and your wonderful commentary. Congratulations to the happy couple and thanks for sharing your description of the elements of the ceremony and their meaning.
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Thank you! I thought it was very interesting and I hoped others would too.
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