In general, the priest is the leader of the Mass. The congregation follows his words and actions for cues on what to say, when to say it, and how to move. However, other people support the Mass by reading and serving in different ways. You can expect that Mass will start with sitting or standing and listening to readings from the Bible. In the middle, the bride and groom will share their vows and rings with each other. Then the Mass continues with communion, or the Eucharist; this part involves more standing and kneeling and responding in prayer.
The wedding ceremony can take about an hour because there will be a full Catholic Mass.
If you practice a different faith, do not share this belief, or have not been spiritually prepared through catechesis to receive the Eucharist, you are invited to remain present in the Mass without receiving communion. As the congregation processes to the front of the church during communion, you can choose to receive a blessing--by walking forward with your arms crossed on your chest so each hand rests on the opposite shoulder--or to remain at your seat. Either way, this is a time for reflection, solitude, and recollection.
1. Lasso Ritual: In Mexican culture, the wedding lasso ritual involves draping a lasso, which is really more of a string or could even be made of rosary beads, around the to-be-weds as a symbol of their unity. Cardenas explains that this ritual represents "the couple becoming one unit." 2. Las arras matrinoniales are wedding coins. During the wedding coin ritual, gold coins, which are generally stored in an ornate box, are exchanged between the couple as a symbol of prosperity. 3. Presentation of the Bouquet: A key element in Catholic wedding ceremonies is the presentation of a bouquet to the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus. During the presentation of the bouquet, the couple will pray to the Virgin Mary and ask for her intercession in their union.
Reception parking is around the back of the venue in the bank parking lot.
The bar will be a cash bar.