I said I wouldn't be posting anything about weddings for awhile, but my mother sent me this video yesterday and I couldn't resist. This takes clapping in church to a whole new level!

Our market editor, Amanda Smith, is getting married today. (I'm pretty sure no bouquet tossing or garter throwing will be involved). We wish many happy years together for Amanda and Les!

photo courtesy of Wildflower Designs

Yesterday, Amber posted a few photographs from beautiful weddings we've featured in past issues of Southern Accents. Who doesn't love a summer wedding? Alas, I'm currently of that "in-between" age, where most of my friends are married and few have children old enough to get married. So the number of wedding invitations my husband and I receive has definitely dwindled as of late.

photo by Loomis Dean, courtesy of Life.com

We have, however, attended a couple of weddings recently and I've noticed an emerging trend–one I certainly don't remember from our own ceremony or the many that I have participated in as a bridesmaid (I'm not quite up to Katherine Heigl's 27 Dresses speed, though there was a period there where I felt I was giving her a run for her money). The trend I'm speaking of is clapping for the new Mr. and Mrs. when they are presented to the congregation by the minister or priest. Perhaps I'm a bit old-fashioned, but I always thought that one never applauded in church–and I grew up attending a church that had a steady stream of musical performances that ranked right up there with professional Broadway productions. Am I just being a sanctuary Scrooge? Of course we are happy for the newlyweds–we've bought the china pattern and given up a Saturday, haven't we? I guess I prefer to sit reverently in the pews and exhibit my overwhelming enthusiasm by dancing and downing a cocktail or glass of punch or two at the reception.

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photo by Nina Leen, courtesy of Life.com

On another note (and this I must confess is a ritual I participated in on my own day), can we just dispense with the throwing of the garter? Oh with age comes wisdom . . . and crankiness!

It's that time of year again, with bridal showers and weddings almost every weekend, and I'm heading to the beach this week for my brother-in-law's wedding. My own anniversary was last week, and I enjoy reminiscing about my own wedding. While it seems a little too hot to have an outdoor wedding here in Birmingham, I came across some lovely outdoor weddings, one in Atlanta and one in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, in past issues.