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When it comes to Southern traditions, I love them all. Yes, even the crazy ones! But, when we scheduled this feature, I didn’t even have to search for images, because I have a a whole folder on my computer filled with brides, grooms and wedding parties praying. It’s one of my VERY favorite wedding moments ever.
After much research, I found that there isn’t usually a specific prayer being prayed, just a sweet moment to pause and give thanks and ask for blessings. Usually this takes place in the last few moments before the ceremony, when everyone is just buzzing with nervous excitement. You might notice that in most of the images the group is placing their hands upon the bride or groom. In Christian churches, the practice of placing your hands on the bride or groom is used as both a symbolic and formal method of invoking the Holy Spirit. If you’ve experienced this yourself, I’m sure you know how calming and emotional it can be.
I haven’t been able to find where the moment of prayer tradition originated, but it is rooted in faith, a spirit of thanksgiving, and love.
Image credit from left to right and top to bottom: Brooke Courtney, Millie Holloman, Our Labor of Love, Studio A Photography, and J. Malahy.
One beautiful way to incorporate a friend or loved one who isn’t in your bridal party is to ask them to lead the prayer. This would be a perfect request for a godparent or another close relative, and I’m sure they would be touched to be asked.
Did you or will you pray before your ceremony? Do you know where this tradition came from? If you do, leave comment in the section below.
Want to learn more about Southern traditions?
Bridal Portraits
Cake Pulls
Groom’s Cake
P.S. Three years ago today, I married the love of my life. Happy anniversary BDK! xx
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Emily, December 13, 2011 11:39 am reply Beautiful post, Marissa! I'm going to ask one of my best friends (who is not in my bridal party, but whose faith I very much admire) to lead us in prayer right before the ceremony. It's one of the parts of our wedding day I'm most looking forward to!
Marissa, December 13, 2011 11:54 am reply Thanks Emily! I'm sure that will be a beautiful and amazing moment. xo
Nancy Ray, December 13, 2011 12:06 pm reply LOVE this post. So much. Beautiful images!
Marissa, December 13, 2011 12:08 pm reply Thanks Nancy! : )
RachelC, December 13, 2011 1:43 pm reply I follow you in twitter - rchamberlin7
RachelC, December 13, 2011 1:44 pm reply I have 6 wonderful bridesmaids: my sister, my fiance's sister, my fiance's sister-in-law, two of my sorority sisters, and my best friend who I've known since 1st grade
RachelC, December 13, 2011 1:46 pm reply RachelC: I replied on the wrong post - I'm so sorry! I do love this post and will definitely be including this moment in my wedding!
Marissa, December 13, 2011 1:54 pm reply It's okay, Rachel! We're glad you love it post! : )
Madelynne Miller, December 13, 2011 2:24 pm reply This brought tears to my eyes! I can't wait for this special intimate moment at my own wedding. What a sweet and wonderful tradition - it never even occurred to me to call it such. It is SO ingrained in our culture!
Amanda Noel, December 13, 2011 11:34 pm reply Happy Anniversary Marissa! that was a BEAUTIFUL post. This tradition will definitely be included in my wedding :)
Marissa, December 14, 2011 11:02 am reply Thanks, Amanda! I'm sure it will be a very touching moment at you wedding. xo, Marissa
Havens, December 14, 2011 5:22 am reply I wish people in the UK would adopt more of these "Southern" traditions. These pictures have captured those few moments of silence and contemplation brilliantly, you can see how it pulled everyone together and calmed the atmosphere.
Desiree, December 14, 2011 11:55 pm reply ahhh ~ totally a favorite moment of mine! I had a moment of prayer with my mother and father before our ceremony and I asked my uncle (a former minister) to give the dinner blessing. His dinner blessing was above and beyond what I ever expected. Sort of like the 'laying on of hands' that Marissa described, but he requested that ALL of our guests reach our their hands towards us, and they shouted "Bless Them! Bless Them!". I literally felt my world shake and I knew that I had an entire community's support in my marriage. THANK YOU for reminding me of this, Marissa! xo
Southern Weddings Weekly Round-Up « Southern Weddings Magazine, December 16, 2011 12:02 pm reply [...] told us about her very favorite Southern tradition this week: a moment of prayer. This tradition is rooted in faith, a spirit of thanksgiving, and [...]
Lisa, December 16, 2011 6:31 pm reply Always such a special, touching moment, and these pictures are breathtaking. I definitely want to do this someday!
Tradition! | The Budget Savvy Bride, July 27, 2012 9:05 am reply [...] Photo courtesy of: Brooke Courtney via Southern Weddings [...]