A Holdeman Wedding (CGCM)

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  Also known as CGCM (Church of God in Christ, Mennonite) these folks are a little more simple and plain in their ceremonies. Recently there was 1 such wedding in southern Belize.
  Again, on weddings and funerals, spouses are permitted to sit together more out of a lack of seating than anything else I guess, since none of the Holdeman church buildings are big enough to accomodate more than 100 people inside. Tarps and tents are set up outside.
  Groom wears a black suit minus the tie, but the bride only wears a regular dress. The ceremony consists of a couple of congregational songs, some choir songs, an opening sermon, the main sermon(which can get quite long sometimes), the vows, then more choir singing. A total of 3 prayers are held.
  The reception is held either on the church yard or at the bride's house, the latter being more typical of Belizean culture. Also typical of Belize culture is the meal, which is a heavy meal of rice and beans, chicken, tortillas, several salads, as well as a variety of side dishes. Many cultures prefer to have guests seated before they are served, but the Holdemans have combined the Plautdietsch Mennonite style with the native style. Guests line up and serve themselves, then they scatter to sit wherever they want to. Decorations consist of a few balloons here and there.
  Weddings are held on Sunday mornings and preparation and food is taken care of by the whole congregation, which means the whole congregation of that church is expected to attend. Since their numbers are so low, all the churches from around the country end up attending the wedding too.
  There is no posing for photos because they believe photography is wrong except for government or other legal documents. Out of respect, the non-Holdeman guests also refrain from taking pictures (some have sneaked a few pictures and now and then someone will ask permission; it is up to the couple to say yes or no).
  My favorite part of weddings is always the meal.

 

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