Friday, April 22-Group Social at the Resort (free-location provided at check-in) 

Saturday, April 23-Golf Outing (use resort credit or pay-respond if interested)

Saturday, April 23 Pampering with the Bride (use resort credit or pay-respond if interested) 

We will honor an African-American tradition of Junping the Broom following our vow exchange. By practicing this custom, we give honor to the tradition and acknowledge the slaves who lived in this country. 

The tradition dates back before the Civil War, when slaves were not permitted to marry. (the tradition itself was practiced in Africa in the 18th-century). Couples would jump over the broom in front of witnesses, usually to the beat of drums, as their way of solidifying their relationship as a wedded couple.

The broom signified a "sweeping away" of past sins, a bride's commitment to keeping her house "clean," fertility, even an established order of command-whoever jumped higher was in charge. 

Additionally, it represents being swept off of one's feet! Mr. Guy Harrison Troupe has truly swept me off of my feet!

The sand ceremony represents the joining and blending of two lives into one. Filling one cylinder with white sand represents the couple's spiritual foundation and filling the other two cylinders each with a different colored sand represents the individuals.

During the ceremony each color is poured into the heart shaped sand bottle one by one (usually the celebrant adds the white sand first) and then all three are added together at the top to symbolize the union.

Our wedding ceremony will be followed by a beautiful fireworks display. Fireworks symbolize celebration, inspiration and moving beyond the old to welcome in the new!