Our time now: Wedding Ceremony

We arrived at the Mission about an hour and a half before the ceremony. We waited in a classroom off a beautiful courtyard where our photos were taken. Then, in what seemed like a minute, it was time to move the party to the entrance because the ceremony was about to begin!

Sarah K Chen Photography

A look down the aisle before guests filtered in.

Sarah K Chen Photography

Canon in D Major by Pachelbel was played on the organ as we began. Father Daniel celebrated the ceremony.

Sarah K Chen Photography

I adore the look hubs is giving his mother as they begin their walk.

Sarah K Chen Photography

Of course I knew where the photographers were standing so I had to smile at the camera :)

Sarah K Chen Photography

I felt nervous and excited as we walked down the aisle and saw the smiling faces of everyone.

Sarah K Chen Photography

It was equally nerve racking to stand up there in front of everyone, I kept telling myself not to trip!

Sarah K Chen Photography

My brother did the first reading (Song of Songs 2:8-10, 14, 16a; 8:6-7a). He said he messed up the word "lattices", but we didn't notice. The Psalm and response followed and I remembered seeing and hearing all my college friends singing the response, which is hilarious because they love karaoke.

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My cousin D did the second reading (Philippians 4: 4-9). Her dress and hair flower match our ceremony flowers so well.

The Gospel Acclamation followed and Father Daniel read the Gospel Proclamation (Matthew 5: 1-12). This was followed by a very good homily.

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Everyone loved the homily. We had met with Father Daniel a few times before the wedding, one of those times he asked us relationship questions, how we met, and how we feel. He was taking notes the entire time, and is generally a great speaker, so his homily brought laughter and joy to the crowd. We also loved that he talked about fashion, love, equality.

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Our vows felt so intimate, even though we were up there in front of everyone. I remember seeing the faces of my bridesmaids, and just feeling the love.

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Blessing.

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Hubs said his vows perfectly, but had to helped me since I totally forgot them! We exchanged rings, said prayers, and then yay we're married!!

Sarah K Chen Photography

Sarah K Chen Photography

There were more prayers, blessings, and the sign of peace.

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And then we were officially wed. We walked down the aisle and out the doors to Ode to Joy.

Sarah K Chen Photography

Happy parents :)

The ceremony was very personal, solemn, fun, cheery, and described us. I really loved the whole event and thinking back on it makes me so happy.


Blog title is from lyrics by Plain White T's

Meet me at the altar: Weddings at the Old Mission Santa Barbara

A few years ago an extended family member was planning her wedding in Santa Barbara. She had wanted to have the ceremony at the Mission, but something had kept her from that and she decided on a different church. I don't know all of the details but it was either residency, price, or rules that deterred her. Flash forward to two years later and I was just married at the Mission. The process is involved, requires dedication and attention to detail, and may not be what every bride pictures.

The Mission is run by Franciscans and is a Catholic parish also known as St. Barbara Parish. They have daily morning mass, weekend masses, and services for sacraments (baptisms, weddings, funerals). Weddings are among their most popular services and require quite a bit from the bride and groom.

To begin, a wedding information session is held every other month. Prospective couples meet the Pastor, find out about the rules and requirements, book a date, and pay their deposit. About 10 couples are at every meeting. If you want to reserve a date, this is when you do it. Dates are generally booked around a year in advance, based on church and priest availability. Weddings usually do not take place between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and the season of Lent. The ceremony begins at 1pm, runs about an hour, and everyone must be out by 2:30pm. They require flower arrangements to be left in the church, for the upcoming week's masses. But flower petals cannot be placed anywhere (even the flower girl cannot toss them as she walks down the aisle). Because the Mission is a tourist attraction, bubbles and confetti are not to be used outside (because someone might slip or because of the mess it leaves).

Other requirements are that one person in the couple must be a baptized Catholic, two witnesses on each side must sign a freedom to marry form, the couple must attend an "Engaged Encounter" weekend, and a license must be obtained from the city.

There is a meeting with Father Daniel (who does all the weddings) to discuss relationship, why we want to have a Catholic wedding at the Mission, what marriage means to us. During that meeting he takes notes to help him prepare his homily for the ceremony. We also give him baptism, first communion, and confirmation certificates. If one is not Catholic they must sign a form of consent stating that they will support the other in their Catholic faith. A follow-up meeting is done once the Engaged Encounter weekend is complete. Here we discuss readings with Father Daniel.

The next meeting is with the church coordinator. She collects our wedding worksheet, witness forms, and discusses all rehearsal and ceremony details. Witnesses (usually parents) must fill out a form at their home parishes, and submit it. Then there's a meeting with Music Director to discuss all music and ceremony program. The Music Director puts together the program, unless you want to diy it.

This is basically on overview of the rules/requirements, but I'm sure I'm missing a few things. It's a lot of work, but everyone at the Mission is helpful, organized, and knowledgeable about what you need to do. And even with the restrictions and requirements, to us, a ceremony there is worth it because of the place, the history, the location, the love.

Has either of your venues (ceremony, reception) had strict requirements?



Blog title is from lyrics by Jagged Edge

So many different kinds: Filipino Wedding Traditions

Growing up with first generation, traditional, Catholic, Filipino parents has given me a sense of culture and tradition that I try to balance with growing up in a more modern LA/CA/USA. Although I put a lot of importance in their values, I am Filipino-American and my thoughts and likings sway towards a more modern feel. This has been quite apparent when planning my wedding.

The parents know the traditional and religious customs/ceremonies they'd seen in countless weddings past. The huge bridal parties, the godparents, the cultural customs. I have been to a few traditional Filipino weddings and think each detail and ritual is beautiful. While I may not do all of them, I respect the love and meaning in each.

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The bride wears a white wedding gown, similar to in the US, the groom wears a traditional hand embroidered formal shirt called a barong. Made in a thin, almost transparent material, embellishments of lace are added to the front as nice details. Since the barong is basically see through, a white shirt is worn underneath for modesty.

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The wedding ceremony usually takes place in a Catholic Church. Two popular cultural traditions occur during the ceremony: cord and veil, and coin. Sponsors, usually godparents and uncles and aunts, are present to witness the union. They will provide guidance and support to the couple, and can participate in the wedding ceremony.

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During the cord and veil part, two sponsors pin a veil over the bride's head and the groom's shoulder. This represents the couple's commitment to protect each other, to clothe each in their love and loyalty.

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Once the veil is on, two more sponsors place a cord (in a figure 8) over the couple's shoulders. This cord binds their love, symbolizing unity and infinity.

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Following the cord and veil is the coin ceremony. Also known as "arras", the priest drops 13 coins into the groom's hand, then the groom drops the coins into the bride's hands. This symbolizes the groom's support of his wife and household, as well as wealth and prosperity.

For a more modern take, we plan to change this a bit. We will ask the priest to bless the coins and place them in both of our cupped hands, symbolizing our shared commitment and position in our marriage, as well as a symbol for prosperity. We feel this portrays an equal, balanced relationship.

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Coins can be regular quarters, half dollars, or dollars, and they can be fancy. Fancy coins, like the gold plated ones above, are a beautiful keepsake and can be passed down.

The rest of the wedding ceremony consists of vows, blessings, and kisses. For more information on Filipino wedding traditions please visit:
Wedding in the Sky
Weddings in Bliss!
Sweet Knottings

With all the serious and business parts over, it's time for fun! A Filipino reception has lots of food, family, and fun. There aren't really any rituals or traditions at receptions, but there are a few cultural aspects to add. Most of these have to do with dancing.

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The dollar/money dance is a popular event. After blogging about it here, we are still considering how it will be recieved by our guests. Chances are, if we do this dance, it will be spontaneous.

Other dances are more traditional to the culture. Dances like tinikling and eskrima could require bride and groom participation or be performed by family members.

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Tinikling is the national dance of the Philippines. It involves the beating and tapping of bamboo poles on the ground and against each other, in harmony with one or more dancers. The dancers step over and in between the poles while dancing.

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Another dance is the eskrima. More of a martial art, participants use rattan sticks, in a fencing but more fluid like motion.

There are so many aspects, details, and meaning in the traditions. So many different kinds to incorporate into a ceremony. I know that although we aren't choosing to have every tradition, using one or two allows us to share my culture withe one another and with our guests.

Will you incorporate any cultural rituals or traditions to your wedding day?


Blog title is from lyrics by No Doubt

Such a lovely place

On a recent weekend in Monterey, we heard mass at the Carmel Mission. I love all of the California Missions. Growing up we were able to write reports, create models, and visit them. They are all such an important part in CA history, and since a lot of them are located near major cities, it would be almost a given to have a wedding ceremony in one. The Carmel Mission being one of my favorites.

The Spanish culture and rich history surround you with such a welcome feeling. The altar is so simple, with warm colors, and relaxing ambiance.

And of course the organ music is beautiful and classic.

Even their gift shop is beautiful.

And I love all of lovely flowers in their garden. So romantic. I really hope to attend a wedding ceremony there.

Blog title is from lyrics by the Eagles

Beside the green, green grass

Another SB landmark and popular wedding ceremony location is the SB Courthouse. Nestled downtown, the beautiful example of Spanish architecture greets everyone with a sense of calm. It has taken me 7 years of living in SB to visit this gem, and now I understand why couples love to get married here.

On a relatively busy palm tree lined street, the Courthouse stands. Bell tower, fountain, and arch face the street. People walk back and forth conducting business and tourists take photos. Then you walk through the archway and into the lush lawns and Sunken Gardens. It is like a retreat away from all of the hustle and bustle. There are people around but the grounds are so expansive that you can find your own peace.

The Sunken Gardens are through the front archway.
Ceremonies can take place in the Sunken Gardens, mural room, and even the bell tower. The Sunken Gardens being possible the most popular due to the outdoors, greenery and sublime feel.
The lawns extend so far and are so soft to walk on and green. I like the various levels.


Courthouses usually aren't so pretty. There is no main contact person for the Courthouse, but here are some sites with information.
Courthouse Official Site
SB Wedding Guide

I really like this place and will consider it as a possible location.

Blog title is from lyrics by Six Pence None the Richer

I think about the two of us, I don't know why, I feel good on the inside

We had our second meeting with our Pastor today. He will be presiding over our ceremony and used this meeting to interview us, get to know us better, and note things for his homily. It was really nice to take some time out of our day and reflect on how far we have come.

We talked about when we first met, our first "I love you", and when we knew we'd be together forever. It was really comforting to be on the same page as one another and to be able to share our story. We've come so far from where we've started that we have this understanding now. A confidence and respect in our relationship that helps us make it through.

The details of our ceremony are starting to set up. It's so exciting to see things get into play :)

Blog title is from lyrics by The Bouncing Souls