Five Friday Faves

Happy 11/11/11!
In honor of Veteran's Day I though I would share a few of my favorite pictures of military weddings! Veterans should be honored and so should those serving in the military today! Another thing is they have beautiful weddings and traditions!

Favorite Arch of Sabers:

After the ceremony, the newlyweds walk through an "arch of sabers" which are curved swords with only one edge. It's not mandatory but it is a memorable part of a military ceremony. Only commissioned officers can carry sabers or swords and participate in this ceremony. Often the military groomsmen participate, but other officers, guests perhaps, may be designated to create the arch. Usually 6-8 officers are included. The head usher usually initiates the commands, starting with "Center face" which is the signal to form two facing lines. When the order "Arch sabers" or "Draw swords" is given, each usher raises his saber, cutting edge up, to form the arch.

Favorite Wedding Reception:

At the reception, if the groom is in uniform, protocol demands that he proceed the bride in the receiving line. The national colors and distinguishing flags may be displayed, exactly centered, behind the receiving line, and if the reception room is large, the bridal couple may want an arch included at the reception instead of during the recessional.

Favorite Cake Cutting:

On command, the saber bearers enter the reception room in formation lining up in front of the wedding cake, facing each other. The bride and groom leave the receiving line, then pass beneath the arch. They may pause and kiss, before proceeding to cut the cake. The groom would then hand the bride his unsheathed saber and with his hands over hers, their first piece is cut.

Favorite Wedding Attire:

Probably the main distinction of a military wedding is that the bride and/or groom, as well as service members in the wedding party, usually wear their uniforms. The type of uniform depends on the style of the wedding, the time of day, the season, and most importantly, the government-issued uniform manual. I love that not only is the groom wearing his uniform, but the bridesmaids are all wearing dresses to compliment his uniform.

Favorite Garter Removal:

Although some military weddings have their own traditions, there are also many traditions they follow that are in most weddings, including the garter removal. I though this was such a perfect picture to post and it captured the moment perfectly!

There are many more traditions you can follow, these are just a few of the ones that I wanted to share!What do you guys think of the military traditions?