The
of
and
November 20,1999
The wedding took place in the ornate 18th century Basilica
of Ocotlán outside of Tlaxcala.
The Processional
Unlike weddings in the United States, the wedding party
does not consist of bridesmaids and groomsmen, but rather
numerous godparents who are in charge of various elements
of the ceremony. The bride is escorted down the aisle by
her father. They are followed by the principal godparents
of the wedding, and then the groom and his mother.
The bride and groom, Alex and Mary, await the beginning of
the Mass.
To either side of the couple stand the principal godparents
of the wedding, Alex's Uncle Jorge and Aunt Lupita.
The couple exchanges their vows.
The godparents of the rings, Alex's cousin Antonio and his
wife, present the couple with the wedding rings.
The exchange of rings
Alex's Aunt Sandra and Uncle Javier are the godparents of the "arras". They present Alex with a small box containing 13 gold coins, the "arras", which Alex in turn gives to his bride, as a symbol of the fact that he will provide for her.
Alex's Aunt Mercedes, the godmother of the Bible, presents her nephew with a Bible.
Mary's aunt and uncle are the godparents of the "lazo". The "lazo" is a string of flowers placed over the couple's shoulders symbolically tying the newlyweds together.
The couple receives communion.
After the ceremony, the couple signs the marriage documents.
The newlyweds with the principal godparents of the wedding, Alex's Aunt Lupita and Uncle Jorge
with Alex's parents Alejandrina and Óscar
with Mary's parents
with me...godfather Bill
Best wishes to Alex and Mary!
