Romanian Weddings

I have been trying to get a picture of a traditional Romanian wedding for our entire mission.  We have never been able to get the camera out in time for a good shot.  Sunday during Relief Society I could hear the musical instruments that always play during the wedding procession.  I immediately grabbed my camera and ran to the balcony door with the Romanian sisters cheering me on.  Because there is a balcony just off the RS room I was able to get a pretty good look.

 

The Romanian government requires a civil ceremony before a religious wedding can be performed.  So after the civil service, the wedding party travels in cars with their horns honking the entire way to the brides home.  Then there is a procession of the bride and groom followed by family and well wishers accompanied by a traditional band into the yard.  The tradition is for well wishers to gather at the bride's gate.  Then there are some other traditions like a dowry dance and placing of flowers on the bride and groom.  They then come out of the yard and the procession follows the bridal party to their car.  Then, with horns honking, they go to the church for the religious ceremony.  Following the church service, everyone goes to a restaurant where they dance and eat the night away.