Oct. 27, 2007, 7 p.m.
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church,
Fayetteville
A Common Love
Sarah and Carlos had a traditional Catholic ceremony with a “few progressive touches,” Sarah says. One traditional aspect came from Carlos’ mother, who brought a lasso from her home in California to symbolize the union of the couple as a special gift to them. The couple also took part in lighting a unity candle, which is not a common ceremonial practice for the Catholic tradition but was incorporated into the ceremony to create a unique combination of two different traditions. Sarah and Carlos came from very different backgrounds, yet even “coming from different backgrounds and cultures” the couple “found one thing in common—love,” Sarah says. This common ground brought two families from opposite ends of the country to Fayetteville, where Sarah and her family introduced the Ronceses to the fall beauty of the state. Sarah’s wedding incorporated fall color and splendor to reflect the bride’s favorite season and provide nature’s perfect palette for a magnificent wedding celebration.
Welcome to Arkansas
The couple discovered their ceremony was scheduled the same weekend as the SEC Arkansas Razorback Homecoming, so they planned a special tailgate party for family and friends on the day of the wedding. “Many in the group had never attended a Southeastern Conference college football game, so the event was a highlight,” Sarah says. The groomsmen’s gifts were chosen for this special event. Each received a package of Razorback fan gear to wear to the game and tailgate party. Bridesmaids were given a more traditional gift: a pearl choker necklace and bracelet set. The pre-wedding activities created a sense of fun and set up the wedding party and family for one truly special celebration.
The Little Things
Sarah wanted her cake to be a symbol of the pure relationship she shares with Carlos; the groom’s cake symbolized their personalities and the fun side of their relationship. The topper on the groom’s cake was the mascot of the San Diego Chargers, the couple’s favorite team. The fun side of their relationship was evident in other aspects of the wedding day celebrations — the couple and their guests were photographed wearing big sunglasses or silly hats inside an old-fashioned photo booth at the reception. Guests also were asked to sign a group of three pictures for the bride and groom as a keepsake from the big day.
A Shower of the Season
As Sarah and Carlos left the church after the ceremony, they were showered with real leaves by their guests. The foliage was packaged in brown cones tied with an orange ribbon. The use of leaves was an autumn twist on the simple tradition of throwing rice or birdseed.
Photographs by Stoneridge Photographers, Mark and Dana Gieringer
Cakes: Linda Carnes
Wedding Dress: Brides by Demetrios, San Diego
Bridesmaid Dresses: Jim Hjelm, Here Comes the Bride, San Diego
Tuxedo: Briar Patch Formal Wear, Fayetteville
Caterer/Wedding Coordinator: Amy Bates, Bates Marketing and Events
DJ/Band: The Biguns
Videographer: Cherished Traditions, Tulsa, Okla.
Limosine Service: Jim Hatfield, Hatfield Motors
