Credits: saber arch wedding tradition

From Kara, the bride: "The saber arch is traditionally used in military weddings to salute the new bride and groom. Josh's sister, who married an Army officer, also had a saber arch in her wedding. Only the bride and groom walk through the arch itself, and are introduced at the end of the arch by one of the bearers. After the introduction, and a quick kiss, the bride gets a pat on the bum with a saber by another bearer, who says "welcome to the Army!" Our saber bearers were friends that were in the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets with Josh and commissioned into the military, and we also each had a friend from home that was able to participate. The lucky bearer who got to pat my bum is actually a friend of mine who I've known since kindergarten!"

Photography: Sara Petras / Event Planning & Design: Orpha Events

Did you include any meaningful traditions in your wedding? Send us a pic and a paragraph at [email protected].