By Staff
Tracy B. Cieniewicz, Hartselle Enquirer
Hartselle High School seniors Tiffahne Orr and Johnathon O'Hare said "I do" in front of classmates and guests Monday in the school library.
Well, sort of.
The nuptials weren't legally binding, but the ceremony was a real life experience that taught students how to act and what to expect at an actual wedding.
The mock wedding was part of the final exam for students in Cynthia Weaver's life connections class. Weaver, who served as wedding director, said students began their study of the family this semester with friendship and dating and concluded with marriage.
"They have kept wedding journals all semester," Weaver explained. "Each student had to prepare financially for being married, plan their weddings, and present their journals for a final exam grade. The mock wedding is for participation points."
Even though Weaver was grading the event, students found ways to add youthful fun to the mock wedding.
The bride wore an actual wedding gown and veil. Her maid of honor, junior Mallory Martin, and all five bridesmaids wore formal gowns of various colors, most of which were donated by The Something Blue Shoppe in downtown Hartselle.
One shoeless bridesmaid had multi-colored toed socks peeking out about her peach taffeta gown.
"We got our tuxes from the band room," the best man, senior Skylar Evans, said of his and the groom's attire. They each wore tennis shoes with their tuxedos.
Jake Watkins, a junior on the wrestling team, officiated the ceremony while sporting a black eye and wearing a wrinkled black choir robe.
"I was at a wrestling tourney this weekend and kind of got into it with my opponent," Watkins explained before the ceremony. "I think it's hilarious I'm marrying these guys with a black eye. I don't think that would happen in a real wedding."
The candle lighters lit three candles at the altar, music was played, and a flower girl led the wedding party down the aisle to a lit arch wrapped in greenery. After the bride was given in marriage by her "parents," guests were seated and the ceremony began.
There were no longing glances exchanged between the bride and groom. Giggles filled the air as the groom fidgeted when vows were exchanged. There was no kiss to seal the deal.
"You may hug the bride," Watkins instructed the bride and groom at the conclusion of the ceremony.
The wedding party adjourned to the reception, which featured a small wedding cake, punch and candy. The mock wedding ended with the cutting of the cake and a toast.
This is the sixth year Weaver's class has held the event.
"Hopefully they have learned something while horsing around, too," Weaver said.
The students will continue their study of life connections with parenting classes next semester.