Military Spit and Polish in a Classic Wedding by Stephen DeVries

A dashing father of the bride, tables marked for branches of the armed services, a bagpiper, and more than a little break-dancing are all part of this celebration of a spring wedding in Birmingham, Alabama, in images from Stephen DeVries. The groom looks terrific in traditional gray cutaway and snowy-white tie, while his men sport dignified gray striped ascots. In keeping with this classic color theme, the maids wear simple strapless gowns with white bodices, black sashes, and gray skirts. The bride pauses just a moment for a nuzzle with a four-footed friend before slipping into a strapless gown with lace edging and embroidery; dignity gets tossed aside as the maids pose with parasols and get “shoe shots” featuring the bride’s bright blue heels!

Leading the procession into a beautifully carved sanctuary is a bagpiper in full regalia (no doubt playing “Amazing Grace”!); the bride and her father pose at the aisle with smiles for all. Then, vows said, the newlyweds dash through flower petals into a vintage car with a “Just Married” sign on the back and proceed to a reception with gold-trimmed stemware and glowing chandeliers. The six-layer wedding cake is the first order of business, but jars full of candy kisses are another thank-you from bride and groom to their guests. Singing with the band, the crowd cheers on some younger members who show off their break-dancing skills; then, all gather birdseed in cones to toss for good wishes as the happy couple departs, radiant, into their future together.