I mentioned in my early blogging days that Sparks and I weren’t planning to incorporate any real wedding traditions into our big day. We honestly didn’t have much time to think about it and didn’t feel like we connected with an idea strongly enough to make it part of the celebration.
Well. My aunts had other plans.
“Surprise! Time for some Polish tradition!”
While I’m a classic, American, cultural mashup with a hefty dose of Polish thrown in, my dad’s side of the family is the real deal. And at all of our Polish weddings, there’s a tradition called the oczepiny ceremony that takes place during the reception. Basically, this is the moment when the bride is welcomed as a married woman…and your family gets to embarrass you a little.
The ozepiny (“unveiling”) ceremony is pretty easy to do. First, a married family member removes the bride’s veil and pins a small lace cap in it’s place. Then, strings of tiny baby dolls tied with blue and pink ribbon are placed around the couple’s necks as a wish that they may have many (MANY) happy and healthy children. And finally, the groom gets a funny hat to represent the laughter and happiness of a great marriage. Oh, and everyone is clapping and singing at the top of their lungs while this is going on. Many people sing “Serdeczna Matko” during the ceremony and, if you’re like our family, you can end with a singing/screaming session of “Sto Lat,” a song with lyrics that translate to, “Good luck, good cheer, may you live a hundred years.” We sing this a lot in the Sparkler family. We love a good Polish song.
My aunt (and godmother) pinning the cap while Busia waits with the baby doll necklace…
Very enthusiastic clapping and singing…
Sparks looks worried about all of those babies…uh oh.
I am so, SO happy that my aunts thought to do this for Sparks and me. It was such a blast and I’m pretty sure everyone was jealous of my baby necklace
Any Polish girls out there who had an unveiling ceremony at their wedding?
Coming up: The party gets wild…
Get caught up!
All photos by Avery House
That’s so sweet that your aunts did that for you!
P.S. Love your taste in beer 
I’m so glad your family did this tradition, it looks like it was a ton of fun!
The photo of you and Sparks with your hats and baby necklaces — one of the best ever! Thanks for sharing this delightful Polish tradition.
i had never heard the term until i read your blog post, but then today i came across this photo on one of my favorite wedding photography sites, momentjunkie.
Mrs. Sparkler, Chicago Age and Occupation: 27, Writer Fiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Publisher Engagement Date: July 21, 2010 Wedding Date: September 2011 Venue: Chicago Illuminating Company About Me: I’m a Southern lady living in the big city of Chicago. Well, lady may be a stretch, but I’m working hard to keep some Virginia charm in our sleek, urban, wedding-palooza! I’m addicted to marathons, not-so-famous bands, Chicago restaurants, and Mark Twain. I cry during SPCA commercials, and I think LOST was the best show to ever hit television. Mr. S and I met at a classy college mixer and, 7 years later, he’s still by my side. He’s the only child, laid back, free spirit... I’m the oldest of five kids, type-A, organizer. It doesn’t work on paper, but we’ve never paid attention to that stuff anyway. Somehow it works. And like they say, sometimes when you know…you just know.
Latest Gallery Pics