As an American, I am a proud supporter of our U.S. Military. My favorite branch of the military is probably the Marine Corps, so please don't hold that against me if you are from another branch! No matter where or how you serve, you are special. You are vital and equally important to me and to our great country! I thank you for your service!

Back to the video...This military wedding is a Marine wedding. I love the dress uniform of the Marine Corps, and with their swords, they look pretty sharp. One fun moment during the wedding day is called the "Arch of Sabers", or the "Arch of Swords", depending on what branch of the military you are in. This custom came from the British Army and is now present in all American military branches. It is called the Arch of Sabers for the Army and Air Force or the Arch of Swords for the Navy and Marine Corps.

Originally, the tradition stemmed from a pledge of fidelity from the military to the new couple, since the military service members literally shelter the newly married couple beneath the arch as they exit the church. A special detail of six or eight members marches in a double line then stands and faces each other. In most branches, only officers can bear a sword of saber. When the order is given to draw swords (or sabers), each person simultaneously draws a ceremonial sword and holds it with the blade pointed up. The raised swords form an arch. The couple passes under the arch as they exit the church or enter the wedding reception.

Officers and enlisted personnel in the bridal party wear formal dress uniforms in accordance with seasonal regulations of the services. A female may wear a traditional bridal gown, or she may be married in uniform. White gloves are required for all saber or sword bearers, who are normally officers or NCOs. Military guests usually have the option to attend the wedding in uniform or appropriate civilian attire, but none may carry a saber or sword unless attired in a formal dress uniform.

This is a Marine Corps tradition that has been adopted by some of the other branches. It’s a Marine’s way of welcoming the new bride into military life.

The bride and groom proceed into the arch, and as the couple passes through, the last two saber bearers usually lower the sabers in front of the couple, detaining them momentarily. Before releasing the couple, the saber bearer to the couple's left gives the bride a gentle swat on her backside with his saber, announcing "Welcome to the (insert branch) Ma'am!" If the bride is in the military, this step is omitted. In some ceremonies, every pair of saber bearers may lower their sabers, stopping the couple from proceeding each time. One of the pair may say something along the lines of, "Kiss required to pass," and the bearers will not raise their sabers until the bride and groom share a kiss. After the couple leaves the arch, the saber team recovers on command and dissolves formation.

Only the bride and groom pass under the arch. It is also traditional at the wedding reception for the wedding cake to be cut with a saber or sword.

This video was recorded while filming for ValCinema. The location of this wedding took place at Hotel John Marshall in Richmond, Virginia.

If you or someone you know is looking for a wedding videographer to help capture your AMAZING wedding day on video.....(especially if you plan to have a Military wedding) please visit my website to learn more, or simply contact me.

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