FAQ's
Cassandra's Elegant Photo Art
310-961-5844 (work)
What type of photography do you offer?
Everything! I am not concerned about every picture I take because I am concerned
about finding the right moment. I take a lot of pictures because I like to do
everything-to show different parts of myself,
to be considered a photographer, not a certain kind of photographer.
Do you shoot in color, black and white, sepia or a combination?
Shooting in digital allows me to create pictures with endless possibilities.
My background consist of extensive work in the artistic field and in digital
editing. This gives me an advantage to be able to create beautiful pictures for
your album or for a favorite picture. Many photographers do not have these skills.
How long do you stay?
We stay for the pre-wedding preparation (we do not go to your home), the ceremony, and reception.
There is a 10 (ten) hour time limit. Additional hours will be billed at $100.00 per hour,
billed in 15-minute increments of $25.00.
What are your package deals?
Cassandra's Elegant Photo Art offers the following:
Package A $650.00-$950.00
(depends on distance)
500-1,000 images on DVD from a complete wedding session
Album designed and placed on our web site where you
can review and share with family and friends.
Package B $800.00
In addition to the above package, a montage is created with music
and graphics, then copied to a DVD. Two copies are given to the bride and groom.
Package C $1800.00
In addition to all the images, and the montage, 12 single sided pages, 8 x 12 flush mounted
table top album is included.
Do you do parties or other events?
Yes.
How much do you charge?
It depends on the event and the amount of time. Please call for prices.
Wedding Photography Check List
Wedding Date ____/____/____ Photographer Start Time __________
__ Mother/Maid of Honor adjusting veil
__ Bride putting on garter with bridesmaids looking on
or Brides father putting on garter
__ Bride in dressing room with mirror
__ Corsage being pinned on mother
__ Corsage being pinned on father
__ Portrait of mother and bride
__ Portrait of father and bride
__ Brothers and sisters and bride
__ Group Shot of Bride and bridesmaids
__ Individual shots of Bride with each bridesmaids
__ Bride leaving house with parents and bridesmaids
__ Father helping bride into car
AT THE CHURCH PRIOR TO CEREMONY
__ Groom and groomsmen photographs
__ Best man adjusting groom's tie
__ Groom and best man handshaking
__ Groom and groomsmen handshaking
__ Groom with father
__ Bride and matron of honor
__ Bride with parents
__ Bride and mother
__ Bride and father
__ Bride kissing father on the cheek
__ Bride and mother with father looking on
__ Bride and bridesmaids group pose in vestibule or dressing room
__ Bride's mother on usher's arm
__ Groom's mother on usher's arm
__ Grandparents accompanied down the aisle
__ Other people accompanied down aisle
DURING THE CEREMONY
__ Bridal party coming down the aisle
__ Bridesmaids, flower girls, and ring bearer coming down the aisle
__ Bride being taken down aisle by father
__ Father giving away bride
__ Shots during the ceremony itself (Pre-approved by officiator)
(These can also be taken as setup shots after ceremony)
__ Time exposure of overall area during ceremony
AFTER THE CEREMONY AT CHURCH
__ Bride and groom coming down the aisle
__ Receiving line right after ceremony
__ Best man signing certificate with bride and groom looking on
__ Matron of honor signing certificate with bride and groom looking on
SETUP POSES IN THE CHURCH
With most of your formal poses 2-4 shots should taken to help eliminate blinking and assure a good smile.
__ Groom kissing bride at the altar full length
__ Groom kissing bride at the altar 3/4 pose
__ Groom kissing bride at the altar tight head shot pose
__ Groom putting ring on bride's finger
__ Bride putting ring on groom's finger
__ Bride and groom lighting candles, full length
__ Bride and groom lighting candles, 3/4 pose
__ Bride and groom's hands with rings and flowers
__ Bride and groom with officiator
__ Bride and groom and bridal party with officiator
__ Other missed shots during ceremony
__ Bride with bridesmaids flowers around her
__ Bride and groomsmen
__ Groom with bridesmaids
__ Bride and groom at church door (or stained glass window) in silhouette
__ Bride and groom on the steps of church
__ Bride and bridesmaids on the steps of the church
__ Groom and groomsmen on the steps of the church
__ Group shots back inside church
(Use church altar/steps, etc. as a studio)
__ Bride and groom with bridal party standing
__ Bride and groom with bridal party sitting
__ Bride and groom with bridal party
(alternating male and female)
__ Bride and groom with all of the Brides family
(as big as the bride would like to go)
__ Bride and groom with brides immediate family
__ Bride and groom with bride's parents
__ Bride with her parents
__ Bride with her mother
__ Bride with her father
__ Bride and groom with all of the groom's family
(as big as the bride would like to go)
__ Bride and groom with groom's immediate family
__ Bride and groom with groom's parents
__ Groom with his parents
__ Groom with his mother
__ Groom with his father
__ Bride and groom with both sets of parents
__ Bride and/or groom with special family members
(e.g. favorite uncle, best friend, generations photograph, etc)
__ Bride and groom leaving inside of church
__ Getting into car or limo
__ Shot through the sun roof of the limo
__ Shot while seated in limo
__ Wide shot of church/ceremony site and limo
__ Mood shots in and around the church/grounds and/or
on the way to the weddings reception site.
OUTSIDE SHOTS
__ Outdoor shots of bride and groom
__ Outdoor shots of wedding party
__ Shots of groom and best man
__ Shots of groom and groomsmen
__ Shots of bride and maid of honor
__ Shots of bride and bridesmaids
AT THE RECEPTION
__ Wedding cake (prior to being cut)
__ Guest book
__ Guests signing book
__ Wedding Favors
__ Gift table
__ Introduction of the wedding party
__ Wedding party toasting bride and groom
__ Close up of bride and groom toasting
__ Close up of bride and groom at head table kissing
__ Group shots of guests at their table during the meal
__ First dance
__ Parent dance
__ Bride and father dance
__ Groom and mother dance
__ Parents dancing
__ Bridal party dancing
__ Guest dancing
__ Bride showing rings to bridesmaids
__ General dancing shots (wide and close up)
__ Flower girl and ring bearer together
__ Candids of guests and bridal party as conditions permit
__ Bride and groom posed in front of the cake
__ Cutting the cake
__ Bride and groom feeding cake to one another
__ Bride faking the bouquet toss
__ Bride throwing the bouquet
__ The catch of the bouquet
__ Groom taking off garter
__ Groom and garter
__ Groom throwing the garter
__ The catch of the garter
__ Group shot of bride and groom with the recipients of the
bouquet and garter
__ Guest leaving
__ Posed departure shot of bride and groom
(kissing, waving, etc.)
__ Getaway car
__ Bride and groom leaving reception area (rice, rose pedals, bubbles)
__ Bride and groom in car as it goes in to the distance.
Remember - all weddings are unique. Our wedding list is meant to be used only as a guide, not the rule. Many of the above shots are not needed by some couples, yet others want many more! You and your photographer
can make that decision.
__ Receiving line (If not taken earlier)
Wedding Etiquette
Wedding Etiquette. Cultural backgrounds and individual convictions heavily influence the decision-making in Nevertheless, the following is a general guide that should be construed as such... and adopted as you deem fit:
Who Pays For What?
The Bride typically
pays for the groom’s wedding ring, and the wedding gift for the groom.
She is also responsible for the Groom Gifts for her attendants, and accommodation for out-of-town attendants.
The Groom typically
pays for the bride's rings including the engagement ring. The honeymoon wedding gift for the bride, and the marriage license. The Groom's men gifts and accommodation for out-of-town groom's men. Flowers for the bride. The going-away corsage, corsages for mothers, and or special ladies. The boutonnieres for men in wedding party. The gloves, ties and accessories for the men in the wedding party. Fee for clergyperson or judge.
The Groom's Family typically
pays for clothing for the wedding travel, lodging expenses, and the rehearsal dinner. The wedding gift for the newlyweds.
The Bride's Family typically
pays for the costs of the reception. The bride's wedding attire/trousseau, invitations, announcements, thank you notes, the seating assignment chart, napkins, mailing costs,
photographer,
videographer,
and ceremony costs. Bridesmaids, flower girl, ring bearer flowers and accessories. Transportation for bridal party on wedding day from ceremony to reception. All gratuities for all services: parking, security, and bridesmaid luncheon.
The Attendants typically
pay for their wedding clothes, travel expenses, and wedding gift for the newlyweds.
Maid/Matron of Honor responsibilities
The maid or matron of honor is usually a sister or very close friend. Choose someone dependable. If you choose, you may have both a maid (single) and a matron (married) of honor takes precedence at the ceremony, will sign as you legal witness and carries the groom's ring.
Advance Help
The maid of honor may plan your wedding and take care of details for you. If she lives nearby she might help address invitations, plan pre-wedding parties, make favors or table decorations, and keep track of gifts received and thank you cards sent. The maid of honor usually hosts a bridal shower. The bride can delegate care of bridesmaid's fittings and details. She attends pre-wedding parties. She attends the rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner.
At the Wedding
The maid of honor helps the bride with dressing and assists with the, train, veil and holding the brides bouquet during the ceremony. The maid of honor wears the groom’s ring on her thumb (or carries it in some other safe manner) until it is time for the blessing and exchange of rings in the ceremony. She is responsible for having an emergency kit with miscellaneous items such as a needle and thread, extra nylons, a roll of tape etc. The maid of honor holds on to a duplicate list of desired shots for the photographer and videographer as well as a song list for ceremony musicians and a copy of any special prayers or readings to be used during the ceremony. She walks in front of the bride in the processional and with the best man in the recessional and stands near the bride at the altar. She makes sure that all of the bride's clothing, make-up and personal belongings are removed from the changing room at the ceremony site and taken back to the bride's home. She helps to line up bridesmaids for formal photographs. <
At the Reception
The maid of honor stands next to the groom in very formal receiving lines. The maid of honor is seated at the head table or table of honor. During the reception, she mingles with guest. She dances with the best man at the reception. She helps the bride with her train, fastening it to floor length so it is out of the way for dancing, if necessary. The maid of honor keeps a duplicate copy of the list of names and pronunciations for the bridal party announcements. She also keeps a duplicate song list for the reception musicians or disc jockey. If the bride needs assistance in tossing her bouquet or in gathering single women to catch it, the maid of honor can help out. If requested, she helps the bride dress for the honeymoon and makes sure the bridal gown and other personal clothing items are returned to the bride's home after the reception. She takes the bridal bouquet for preserving and may take the gown for heir looming while the bride is on her honeymoon.
Expenses
The maid or matron of honor pays for her own dress and other attire. If travel expenses are involved, she pays for her own dress and other attire. Although she may attend several pre-wedding parties, only one shower gift and one wedding gift are to be expected. She may share the cost of bridal shower.
Bridesmaid Responsibilities
Bridesmaids are usually close friends or family members. When inviting them, make them aware that there are costs involved as well as a time commitment. It is an honor to be asked, but may also be a financial burden. Make friends feel special when you invite them to be part of your wedding.
The number of bridesmaids usually depends on the formality of your wedding, with a dozen being the maximum for any wedding. Girls between 8 and 16 are considered to be junior bridesmaids. Junior bridesmaids are not expected to help with details as much as bridesmaids.
Advance Help
Bridesmaids help take care of details for the bride such as running errands, and making table decorations or favors.
Bridesmaids usually join the maid of honor in hosting a bridal shower.
Bridesmaids attend pre-wedding parties.
Bridesmaids attend the rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner.
At the wedding
Bridesmaids walk in the processional and recessional, either single file, two together or with an usher.
They stand near the bride during the ceremony.
They are in formal photographs of the bridal party.
At the Reception
Bridesmaids pay for their own dresses and other attire.
If travel expenses are involved, they pay their own cost involved in getting to the wedding and staying in town during the celebration.
Although bridesmaids may attend several pre-wedding parties, only one shower gift and one wedding gift are to be expected.
Bridesmaids share the cost of the bridal shower with the maid of honor.
Flower Girl Responsibilities
You may choose one or two little girls to be flower girls. The best age range is between four and eight. (Although younger ones are cute, they can create some real challenges during a processional or ceremony.) If you choose two girls, it looks nice if they are about the same size, but that may not be possible. It can be a special honor for a child to be chosen as part of you wedding.
Advance Help
Flower girls attend the shower and some pre-wedding parties.
They attend the rehearsal and may attend the rehearsal dinner with their families.
At the Wedding
Flower girls walk directly in front of the bride in the processional and in front of the maid of honor in the recessional.
As flower girls walk down the aisle, they may scatter flower or rose petals. If petals are not permitted, sometimes flower girls will hand out single flowers to guest as they walk, or they may just carry a bouquet, a ring of flowers or a pomander ball.
During the Ceremony
Flower girls may stand near the bridesmaids or may sit with their families. Younger ones probably will do better sitting with their families.
They are in the formal photographs of the bridal parties.
At the Reception
Flower girls do not usually stand in the reception line.
Flower girls usually sit at a table of honor with their families rather than at the head table.
Flower girls may dance with family members, friends or other members of the wedding party if they choose to do so.
Expenses
Families of flower girls are expected to pay for dresses and other attire.
If travel expenses are involved, the girls' family picks up these costs.
Flower girls are not expected to bring a gift to pre-wedding parties they may attend. If their parents attend, gift expectations would be the same as any other guest. If they attend more than one shower or party, only one shower gift is expected.
Flower girls are not responsible for helping financially with bridal shower.
Groomsmen & Usher Responsibilities
The number of ushers is usually determined by the size of the wedding. One usher can comfortably seat about fifty guests.
Ushers are usually brothers, relatives or best friends of the groom. In inviting people to serve as ushers, make sure that they are aware of the expenses involved.
While it is not necessary to have an equal number if ushers and bridesmaids, it does balance nicely if they walk in pairs in either the processional or recessional.
Advance Help
Groomsmen usually help the best man plan the bachelor party for the groom.
Groomsmen attend pre-wedding parties.
Groomsmen attend the rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner.
At the Wedding
The main Job of the usher is to seat guests. They should arrive at the ceremony site at least one hour in advance and should have clear instructions on the seating plan. In Christian Ceremonies, the bride's family and guest sit onthe left and the groom's on the right. In Jewish services, the seating is opposite, with the bride's family on the right. Female guests are escorted by having the usher offer his right arm to her. Her date or spouse walks behind. Male guests are lead to their seats. If there are pew cards being used or a special reserved section, ushers should pay special attention as they escort these guests to their seats.
Ushers distribute any programs or ceremony handouts at the ceremony. Ushers direct those bringing gifts to the ceremony to a gift table.
If there is a guest book at the ceremony, ushers direct guest to sign it.
After all guest are seated, the ushers escort the groom's parents to the front row on the groom's side (Unless they are part of the processional.) Lastly, they escort the bride's mother to her seat, unless she is a accompanying her husband in the processional.
Once everyone is seated, the groomsmen unroll the aisle runner in readiness for the processional.
The Groomsmen may be part of the processional or they may take positions in the front with the best man or groom.
They stand near the groom during the ceremony.
They are in formal Photographs of the bridal party.
They Escort the bridesmaids from the ceremony in the recessional.
One of the ushers should be responsible to roll the aisle runner back up after the ceremony and have it cleaned and returned.
One of the ushers should collect any leftover handouts or programs and see that they get returned to the couple who may want to send them to family or friends who were unable to attend.
At the Reception
Ushers may be part of the receiving lines in the very formal or formal weddings.
Ushers may be seated at the head table or a table of honor at the reception.
During the reception, groomsmen mingle with the guest.
Groomsmen dance with the bridesmaids at the reception.
They assist by encouraging single young men to participate in catching the garter.
Expenses
Groomsmen or ushers pay for their own formalwear and accessories.
If travel expenses are involved, they pay their own costs involved in getting to the wedding and staying in town during the celebration.
Although groomsmen may attend several pre-wedding parties, only one shower gift and one wedding gift are to be expected.
Groomsmen may share the cost of the bachelor party with the best man.
Responsibilities of the Wedding Party
Maid of Honor/Personal Attendant
(Usually special friend or sister of the bride.)
Helps bride with shopping, invitations and other details as requested. Attends all pre-wedding events. Pays for own wedding attire. Takes charge of groom's ring during ceremony. Witnesses sign wedding certificate. Help the bride in arranging veil and dress at ceremony and at the reception.
Returns bride's gown to designated place after wedding.
Bridesmaids: Purchases and completes fittings of gowns. Performs tasks as assigned by bride. Attends rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
Best Man: Assists groom with all details of the wedding day. Pays for his own attire. Transports groom to the church. Supervises the groomsmen regarding their dress and duties at ceremony. Takes care of bride's ring until ceremony. Presents the clergy person with fee. Signs and witnesses the marriage certificate. Offers the first toast to the bride and groom. Dances with the bride after the groom and both fathers have danced with her. Prepares the honeymoon car, packs suitcases in car. Holds for safekeeping any tickets, keys, etc. for the groom. Returns groom's tuxedo to rental shop.
Groomsmen: Pays for their own wedding attire. Attends rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. Attends bachelor dinner if there is one. Escorts bridesmaids during the ceremony.
Ushers: Pay for their own wedding attire. Make sure principles have flowers before being seated. (Unless this task is
assigned to another)
Distribute wedding programs. (Unless this task is assigned to another)
Seat guests on appropriate side of church. Assist elderly guests to seats. After all guests are seated, unroll aisle carpet. Check church or synagogue for any items left behind.
Ring bearer and Train bearer Responsibilities
Neither of these is required positions and may be boys or girls. Usually only one ring bearer is used, but two with one ring per pillow will work if you have and abundance of four or five year children that you would like to have involved in the ceremony. Although the rings on the pillows are usually not he actual wedding rings, you could have two ring bearers if you are having a double ring ceremony, one for the bride and one for the groom. Trainbearer or pages usually walk in pairs but a single trainbearer can be used.
Advance Help
If ring bearers and train bearer are little boys they are not likely to be interested in any pre--wedding parties. If they are girls, they might want to attend the shower and some other parties.
They attend the rehearsal and may attend the rehearsal dinner with their families.
At the Wedding
The ring bearers (s) carry a pillow with a ring or rings sewn to it. (These are usually not the real wedding rings but symbolic ones for show only.)
The ring bearer (s) walks either directly in front of or beside the flower girl (s) in the processional and the recessional.
If real rings are tied to the pillow the ring bearer takes the pillow directly to the maid or honor and the best man who will remove the rings. The trainbearers follow the bride in the processional and recessional, and carry the bridal train.
During the Ceremony
The ring and train bearers may stand near the ushers or sit with their families.
They are in the formal photographs of the bridal party.
At the Reception
Ring and train bearers do not usually stand in the reception line.
Ring and train bearers usually sit at a table of honor with their families.
Expenses
Families of ring and train bearers are expected to pay for attire.
If travel expenses are involved, the children's families pick up these costs.
Ring and train bearers are not expected to bring gifts to any pre-wedding parties they may attend. If their parents attend gifts expectations would be the same as any other guest.
If they attend more than one party, only one shower gift is expected.
Rules of Etiquette for Mother’s Attire
1. Tradition holds that the mother of the bride chooses a dress first, followed by the mother of the groom. Their dresses should complement each other, as well as the bridal party. For instance, having one mother in a floor length dress and another in a mini-skirt is a major no-no. Likewise, your mother wearing an orange dress next to your bridesmaid’s light green ensembles are bound to make your wedding pictures look tacky. While your moms shouldn’t be wearing the same style and color, their dresses should coordinate.
2. Generally, at formal weddings, your mother and mother-in-law should be in floor or tea-length dresses.
Semi-formal or informal weddings allow them to get more creative with the length, but they still need to make sure they are complementing one another.
3. Unless your bridesmaids will be wearing black, a mother of the bride or groom should avoid this color. Until recently, black at weddings was considered a social blunder and many guests will still look at the color choice with suspicion. Steer them away from choosing a color that will raise eyebrows as to whether or not they approve of the marriage.
4. Don’t forget to finish the look with a matching corsage or a small bouquet.
The Perfect Dress
Jennifer's wedding day was fast approaching. Nothing could dampen her excitement, not even her parents' nasty divorce. Her mother had found the perfect dress to wear and would be the best-dressed mother-of-the-bride ever!
A week later, Jennifer was horrified to learn that her father's new young wife had bought the exact same dress as her mother! Jennifer asked her stepmother to exchange it, but she refused.
"Absolutely not. I look like a million bucks in this dress and I'm wearing it," she replied.
Jennifer told her mother who graciously said, "Never mind sweetheart. I'll get another dress. After all, it's your special day."
A few days later, they went shopping and did find another gorgeous dress. When they stopped for lunch, Jennifer asked her mother, "Aren't you going to return the other dress? You really don't have another occasion where you could wear it."
Her mother just smiled and replied, "Of course I do, dear. I'm wearing it to the rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding."
WHY IT BECAME "BAD LUCK" FOR THE GROOM TO SEE BRIDE BEFORE THE CEREMONY
Until relatively recently, brides were considered the property of their father. Their futures and husbands were arranged without their consent. The marriage of an unattractive woman was often arranged with a prospective groom from another town without either of them having ever seen their prospective spouse. In more than one instance, when the groom saw his future wife, usually dressed in white, for the first time on the day of the wedding, he changed his mind and left the bride at the altar. To prevent this from happening, it became "bad luck" for the groom to see the bride on the day of the wedding prior to the ceremony.
THE WEDDING VEIL
Brightly colored veils were worn in ancient times in many parts of the world and were considered a protection against evil spirits Greek and Roman brides for yellow or red veils (representing fire) to ward off evil spirits and demons. At one time, Roman brides were completely covered with a red veil for protection. In early European history, with the advent of arranged marriages veils served another purpose - to prevent the groom from seeing the brides' face till after the ceremony was over. Brides began to wear opaque yellow veils. Not only could the groom not see in, the bride could not see out! Therefore, the father of the bride had to escort her down the aisle and literally give the bride to the groom.
Nellie Custis, the daughter of Martha Washington, is credited with wearing the first lace veil.
Today, prior to a Jewish wedding ceremony, it is the groom who ritually "veils the bride". This reason for this tradition goes back to the marriage of Jacob to Leah (the older sister) when he thought he was marrying Rachel (the younger sister) whom he loved.
THE TERM "WEDDING"
Although some brides were kidnapped, marriage by purchase was the preferred method of obtaining a wife. The "bride price" could be land, social status, political alliances, or cash. The Anglo-Saxon word "wed" meant that the groom would vow to marry the woman, but it also referred to the bride price (money or barter) to be paid by the groom to the bride's father. The root of the word "wedding" literally means to gamble or wager!
THE "ENGAGEMENT RING"
In 860 A.D., Pope Nicholas I decreed that an engagement ring become a required statement of nuptial intent. He insisted that engagement rings had to be made of gold that signified a financial sacrifice on the part of the prospective husband.
THE DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING
The diamond engagement ring originated with King Maximillian who presented Mary of Burgundy with a diamond ring in 1477 as a token of his love. The Venetians popularized the custom during the 15th century. Since the diamond was the hardest and most enduring substance in nature it followed that the engagement and marriage would endure forever.
THE "WEDDING RING"
Rings were used as currency in the Middle East prior to the advent of coinage and were a sign of a person’s wealth. In ancient times the wedding ring was thought to protect the bride from "evil spirits". Ancient Roman wedding rings were made of iron. In early Rome a gold band came to symbolize everlasting love and commitment in marriage. Roman wedding rings were carved with two clasped hands. Very early rings had a carved key through which a woman was thought to be able to open her husband's heart.
WHY THE BRIDE STANDS TO THE GROOMS LEFT
After the bridegroom captured his bride, he placed her on his left to protect her, thus freeing his right hand or sword hand against sudden attack.
THE GARTER AND BRIDAL BOUQUET TOSS
In parts of Europe during the 14th contrary, having a piece of the bride's clothing was thought to bring good luck. Guests would literally destroy the brides dress by ripping off pieces of fabric. In order to prevent this, brides began throwing various items to the guests - the garter belt being one of the items. In order to avoid this problem, it became customary in the 14th century for the bride to toss her garter to the men. Sometimes the men would get drunk, become impatient, and try to remove the garter ahead of time. Therefore, the custom evolved for the groom to remove and toss the garter. With that change the bride started to toss the bridal bouquet to the unwed girls of marriageable age.
WEDDING FLOWERS
From the earliest times, brides have adorned their hair with flowers and carried bunches of flowers. Traditionally, each type of flower had a special meaning and significance in and of itself. Flowers were often thrown at the couple after the ceremony. However today, most brides pick their flowers for color and personal appeal not based on the traditional meaning of particular flowers. The groom's flower, worn on his lapel, usually matches one of the flowers in his bride's bouquet. This tradition goes back to medieval times when knights wore the colors of their lady in tournaments.
THE GROOM CARRYING THE BRIDE OVER THE THRESHOLD
Traditionally, the bride had to enter her new home the first time through the front door. If she tripped or stumbled while entering it was considered to be very bad luck. Hence, the tradition of the groom carrying the bride over the threshold.
THE BRIDAL KISS
The kiss dates back to the earliest days of civilization in the Middle East. A kiss was used as the formal seal to agreements, contracts, etc. In Ancient Rome a kiss was still being used as the legal bold to seal contracts. Hence the obvious use of the custom at the end of the wedding ceremony to "seal" the marriage vows.
