**Expat**

bel138

I saw your post at the end of mine from the other day. We're getting married in the Byzantine Catholic church. Technically, we're "Crowned in the Mystery of Holy Matrimony," not "United in the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony." So the crown ceremony is when we are actually married, not the vows (which we don't have) or the ring exchange. I made some cool crowns, if I do say so my self. They're in the Greek Orthodox style. I thought they would be a nice keepsake to pass down some day. Unfortunately, I took them to FILs house for safekeeping before taking pics. I'll post some after the wedding though!

ExpatPumpkin

That sounds like a really nice ceremony. I can't wait to see pictures of the crowning. I'm going to Google it now, but I still want to see yours Thanks for answering!

ExpatPumpkin

Look what I just found: [img]http://www.saintbarbara.org/images/faith/marraige/crowning2.jpg[/img] That's beautiful! Reminds me of the lazo/lasso ritual that we did. Lazos are used in Spanish Catholic ceremonies - it's a large rosary in the shape of a figure 8. It's placed over the couple's shoulders during part of the mass and symbolizes unity. Here are two pictures of us all "lazoed up": [img]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3468/3930919094_676945bc70.jpg[/img] [img]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2534/3930919234_a3d55ce2f9.jpg[/img]

bel138

All lazoed up. Cute!Ours will be just like that pic. I found some white fabric that FI liked and beaded it in a myrtle leaf pattern with silver and gold beads. The crowns were traditionally made out of myrtle branches. FI cut out some metal hoops. Voila! Crowns.

ExpatPumpkin

They sound really lovely. Be sure to page me once you have your wedding bio up!