As everyone gathered in front of the church, in what appeared to be the main town square of Actopan, I snapped away. The picturesque scene and the celebratory mood were definitely something to preserve. Joshua was handed a little camera and asked by the photographer to assist him by taking cadid shots, which he seemed to enjoy. Two sweet, jovial elderly ladies expressed great concern for Sveta's father being able to navigate the steps into the church, but they did so in very fast Spanish through broad smiles. When I confessed to knowing only a little Spanish, there was a lot of nodding and giggling, and of course many more rapid Spanish comments as they each gently placed a hand on either of my arms to reassure me that this was no impediment to our being welcome.
As is customery, the ceremony begins with the groom standing outside the entrance of the church facing in and the bride approaches from behind him with an escort. I found it funny that he had to stand there with his back to Sveta, while everyone, still at the entrance, as well, talked about the bride, how beautiful she looked, I guess, until the priest arrived and the bridal march began to be sung. At that point, they began the long walk through the nave, led by sweetly pretty little flower girls dropping white petals. Gerardo was accompanied by his mother dressed in the most enchanting color, and Svetlana was escorted by her father. Originally, he was not expected to make it so I know this experience meant so much to both of them.
I, of course, had to ask if it was inappropriate to photograph within the church, and was relieved to be told no. As you can see above, the church is undergoing renovations but it hardly detracts from the beauty. I could never explain in words the myriad styles of ornamentation, statues, colors, and textures. The size of the space allowed for so much decoration, so it was not overwhelming, but certainly amazing. I could not stop looking all around, wishing I could memorize every detail, but knowing this to be futile I chose to store my memories on disc instead so I'll just show you.
The priest spent quite a while sitting in this chair elevated before us speaking somberly, and I surmise with an air of warning, about the sanctity of matrimony. I'm sure I heard that word alone several dozen times and the diatribe was full of pregnant pauses and stern tones, emphasized by metronomic hand gestures. It was a long service compared to those I've attended in the US and England, with a moderate amount of ritual involving candles, a little white bible that they each kissed, and, naturally, communion. One item I have not seen before was a string of beads with a large loop at both ends that were draped over each of their necks as they kneeled. I could not help making a comparison to a double sided neuse, though I'm sure the intention is much more romantic. Sympathetically, I think, the church provided the couple with a pair of wooden chairs so that they did not have to stand or kneel the entire time. Various members of the family participated at different times throughout the service and there was a constant presence of men with cameras maneuvering strategically all over the front of the church to get the best shots, with an obvious lack of concern that they may be distracting, but no one seemed to mind. The language barrier spared me all the romantic notions of love and partnership that I miss so I didn't cry, but some did. Between the sideshow of photographers, the endless eye candy, and heart swelling moments of complete adoration for my friends and the story that got us all here, I was entertained and quite happy. The man in the red shirt at the end of the pew in front of us had trouble staying upright as he kept drifting off to sleep. When we reached the time when everyone turned to greet their neighbor and, I assume, extend wishes that God go with them, I was pleasantly surprised by how long they lingered on this exchange and some even walked across the aisle to hug and kiss a particular friend or loved one. I was very touched to once again feel those gentle hands on my arm and turned to see that those two sweet ladies had sought me out and were undoubtedly granting me peace, love, and guidance.
At the close of the ceremony, everyone clapped as they kissed, and I couldn't wait to wander around and snap as many photos as I could squeeze in before we had to leave. I didn't realize that the newlyweds would remain standing in the front to be photographed with each friend and family in attendance. Near the start of the process, one of Gerardo's relatives led me by the hand to take my place between Gera and Sveta for a photo and a throng of photographers began making odd noises to gain our attention in their direction. It was so sudden and unexpected that I had no time to locate Joshua, but there he was as I made my hasty retreat, looking oh so dejected. It was my turn to take his hand an lead him over to the paparazzi.
Well we made it through the wedding ceremony, and Svetlana is here with Papaya for breakfast so I'm off but I'll get back to it soon.
Thanks for checking in. Ciao!
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