Wednesday December 1st
Jade McCully / Savannah
Pictured above, a couple added a little tradition to their ceremony by jumping the broom. As a way of sweeping away the old and starting a new life together, the couples featured in today’s blog each took a leap of faith into their new lives.
The History
Jumping the broom is a wedding tradition that dates back as far as the 1600s. It is of Welsch and Celtic origin and was also widely practiced by African Americans during the time of slavery in North America. The tradition of jumping the broom was created to honor the unity of a couple who could not legally marry.
The Ceremony
Jumping the broom usually takes place immediately after the couple is announced married, however, it is also popularly done as the bridal party enters the reception. Typically a woman is assigned to be the broom holder, and it is this person’s responsibility to place the broom in front of the now-married couple and to explain to guests the importance of the ritual.
Chennergy / Chicago
The Symbols
A broom is used during this ritual to symbolize cleansing and sweeping away the past life to welcome the new unity. Because of it’s history, jumping the broom is done to honor past ancestors and represents strength, love, and loyalty.
The Modern Significance
The symbolism relevant to the past is still the same today. Equally Wed, an online wedding magazine for gay and lesbian couples suggests this ritual to couples still unable to wed legally. They explain:
For a same-sex couple, the African tradition can serve as a powerful expression of defiance and the power of love over law…Jumping the broom signifie(s) that their vows (are) sanctioned by god even if they (aren’t) recognized by the law.
Decorating Ideas
Many couples decorate their brooms with ribbons, flowers, and paint. You can purchase pre-decorated brooms, however decorating your broom can be a fun community experience. Some couples ask their guests to tie ribbons onto the broom before the service to represent their wishes for the couple. Here are some recommended vendors for some gorgeous brooms: AKZ ME Designs, nefranqui1128, and broomsandweddings—have I mentioned how much I LOVE Etsy?
Sources
Do It Yourself Wedding
Celebrate Intimate Weddings
Equally Wed
Christian Wedding Planner
– Heather
Thursday August 5th
The popular wedding blog, Green Wedding Shoes (GWS) highlighted Cake and Pictures yesterday!
GWS was founded in 2008 by former web and print designer Jen Campbell. With audiences increasing at 30 – 40% a month, it quickly became her new job. Jen uses her personal and professional experience “helping couples create a personal brand for themselves, which they can showcase on their wedding day.” She inspires brides daily through her posts. We are pleased to be on the Green Wedding Shoes blog!
Our featured photographers include Davina + Daniel, Dan Chen, Olivia Leigh, Katy Gray, Jade McCully, Andrea & Marcus of Tag7 Photography, Andreas Feusi and Lisa Lefkowitz.
Check it out here.
Submitted By Cake and Pictures at 8:51 pm
Tags: Andreas Feusi, Chennergy, Dan Chen, Davina + Daniel, Green Wedding Shoes, Jade McCully, katy gray, Lisa Lefkowitz, Olivia Leigh, sponsored post, Tag7 Photography
Categories: Sponsored Post
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Friday July 23rd
Our ears have been burning lately, thanks to some of our beloved photographers and ad partners! We thought we’d go ahead and thank everyone for the love, as well as let you know where else you can find us on the web this week.
Southern Weddings gave us a shout out in their most recent Sponsor Love post. Their blog is chock-full of gorgeous photos and delightfully Southern details!
We featured some fabulous real weddings and engagements, and some of our photographers shared the good news! Savannah wedding photographer Jade McCully and Cleveland’s Linczak Photography both gave us a nod.
Finally, Chicago wedding photographer Dan Chen thinks we’re legit. We think you’re legit, too.
Photo by Dan Chen
Stay cool.
Thursday July 22nd
Remember that awesome vintage-inspired engagement session from Savannah wedding photographer Jade McCully that we posted on Tuesday? Well, you’re in for a treat because today we have Ashley & Khalil’s wedding to share with you!
Ashley & Khalil
Ashley & Khalil were wed at Historic Little Rock Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan. Their wedding and reception were both about the great migration northward of former slaves, and Ashley put a tremendous amount of effort into all the details – especially her outfits and her bridesmaids’ jewelery and hair pieces. Their reception was held at the Charles H. Wright Museum of the African American History and boy, what a reception it was! Do you SEE those towering white lily and feather centerpieces?! Other special details included a watermelon cocktail, southern soul food, dolls representing different eras in history, and a book that each guest received documenting special events in Ashley & Khalil’s life – including recipes!
The night ended in the basement, which was set up like a speakeasy! Ashley changed into a hot pink asymmetric number with lots and lots of ruffles so she and Khalil could dance the night away with their guests.
Congratulations, Ashley & Khalil! A truly beautiful celebration for the start of your lives together. Thanks, Jade, for letting us share their special day! Visit her blog to see more of her wedding photography and fine art work. Fun fact: it was Jade’s fine art work that convinced Ashley to book her in the first place!
