Two Cultures Collide by Irene

I had the privilege of officiating at a wedding last month which was so very different from any other.
 
The Bride was from a Jewish background and the Groom had been born and brought up in Botswana. Both wanted their cultures to be evident in their wedding celebrations and what a day it turned out to be. The wedding was in the beautiful setting of Loch Ken in Galloway and the weather was kind, allowing the couple to marry on the beach. 
 
There was an African band playing on the beach and beautiful African paintings and decorations. The couple married under a 'canopy' and when I pronounced them husband and wife, they stamped on glasses as is the Jewish tradition. 
 
I learned so much that day and was buzzing with excitement for hours.
 
To top it all, the couple's lovely big friendly lurcher had the wedding rings secured in a pocket on his coat.  The Bride did have to entice him over with a dog treat hidden in her wedding dress but he seemed very happy to be the ring bearer.
 
Wishing every happiness to Joanna and Ben.
 
“Thank you for such a perfect day.  We are actually married now!!!”