I really haven’t given much thought to cultural traditions when it comes to our wedding. My family is a classic American mash-up that includes a lot of Irish, a lot of Polish, and a bit of Native American (I know, hard to believe). So, while I love the Polish Bread and Salt tradition, and some of the Native American blessings, I’m not sure that I feel a connection strong enough to make me want to include either in the wedding. And while Sparks is probably 85% Irish, I’m pretty sure the only connection he feels to the motherland occurs when his hand is wrapped around a glass of Smithwick’s.
However. One thing I am very strongly connected with is the long history of military service in my family; most recently with my dad (more on him later). He and my mom were married in a classic and beautiful military ceremony in Pensacola, Florida:
Mom had her bouquet modeled after Princess Diana’s. Maybe Kate Middleton and I will wear the same dress… ha!
In honor of my military upbringing (and my awesome family), Sparks and I will be stealing incorporating some Marine Corps traditions into our own wedding. We’re still tossing around a few ideas, but two elements that will definitely be added to our day are:
1. Swords!!!
Ok… “sword.” As in, just one for cutting the cake. And not just any sword, but my Dad’s saber that he and my Mom used on their wedding day.
That’s right… we get to cut our cake with a sword. Don’t be jealous.
Getting the saber to Chicago will be kind of tricky. It’s at my grandpa’s house in Baltimore right now, and I can’t exactly carry that thing on Southwest (can you imagine? “No Mr. TSA, you don’t understand, this sword is for my WEDDING.”). So, right now, Mom Sparkler and I are thinking of shipping it overnight so we can track it.
2. Style
My Mom’s style, to be exact. In the middle of her reception, my Mom changed into a red dress in honor of the Marine Corps. I love this idea and I would love, even more, for it to catch on as a new family tradition. After all, wearing red at my wedding might even be lucky. 
I can’t decide if I would change for the very end of our reception (on the way to the after-party, perhaps?), or wear one for the rehearsal dinner.
Dress, Tory Burch via Net-A-Porter /Pumps, Calvin Klein via PiperLime
How much does that Tory Burch dress look like my Mom’s?! I’m thisclose to ordering the entire outfit. Any military brides (or brats!) out there? What traditions are you keeping for your big day?
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