Amy R. Anguish – Real Life Romance – Part 1 of 1

Shannon here: Amy R. Anguish shares some wedding traditions and research into Irish weddings for her latest Contemporary Romance, Window of the Heart. Comment or answer the question in this post to enter the drawing for a print copy (U.S. only) Deadline: Aug 12th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Amy:

Wedding Traditions

Of all the occasions out there, a wedding seems to have more traditions than just about any other. Or maybe it’s a Southern thing?

We caution the brides to break a bow on at least a few presents during her showers because that’s how many kids she’ll have.

We save all those bows so she can use them for her “bow-quet” at the wedding rehearsal.

At the rehearsal itself, the bride and groom aren’t supposed to take their own spots—bad luck. At least, that’s what I was told at my rehearsal. I rebelled. I had waited that long to stand across from my sweetheart and I wasn’t letting anyone else do it for me. Ha. My characters in my newest book, Window of the Heart, were a bit nicer to their wedding coordinator.

Of course, there’s the bachelor/bachelorette night. And dinners. And cake, flowers, dresses, etc.

And don’t you dare let the groom see his bride before the wedding!

So many things wrapped up in “luck” and superstition. And yet, a lot of them we do for fun too.

In my newest book, my family is Irish. So, out of curiosity, I researched some fun Irish wedding traditions. And found a handfasting ceremony. Have you ever heard of it?

Basically, the bride and groom have someone tie a cord around their clasped hands, having them repeat an oath that they’ll be loyal to each other for the rest of their lives. It was originally a pagan ceremony, but as I read the words, I thought, “Huh. There’s a lot of Christian themes in this too.” So, I added it in. Why not? Right?

Well, even though I didn’t break any bows at my wedding showers, God blessed us with two children. And even though my fiancé and I stood in our own places during the rehearsal, our wedding went smoothly (unless that’s why the air conditioning died that day … hmm). And we’ve been married for nineteen years now.

Sure. It’s fun to think about the traditions and all that goes on during the wedding. But more important is the marriage that comes afterward. And it lasts a lot longer than a wedding ceremony.

I try to write my fictional characters in such a way that you can believe they have a shot at their “happily ever after” even once the wedding is over. Just like I have.

Question for Readers: What kinds of crazy wedding traditions have you heard of? Were there any you refused to participate in? Do you love a good wedding scene in a Christian romance?

About Amy: Amy R Anguish grew up a preacher’s kid, and in spite of having lived in seven different states that are all south of the Mason Dixon line, she is not a football fan. Currently, she resides in Tennessee with her husband, daughter, and son, and usually a bossy cat or two. Amy has an English degree from Freed-Hardeman University that she intends to use to glorify God, and she wants her stories to show that while Christians face real struggles, it can still work out for good. Learn more & connect:

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About the book – Window of the Heart: Lennox Malone may not believe in love, but she’s determined to do the best job she can as her friend Sara Beth’s maid of honor. Problem is, the man in charge of fixing up the chapel doesn’t match her determination. Fighting against preconceived notions, a past that catches up to her, and an attraction she wants nothing to do with, this wedding is turning into more than she can handle.

Ty Dunne might be laid back and easy-going, but he’s determined to make sure the chapel is ready for his cousin’s wedding. Not only is it his duty as best man, but he wants to preserve the family’s history in the building. If only he could live up to his family’s other expectations—or those of Lennox Malone, the fiery redhead he can’t stop thinking about. Before he can go any further with her, though, he has to convince her that love is real and worth the risk.

Lennox has built her walls high and sturdy, but Ty is determined to find a way in—even if it’s a window. Maybe the history of the chapel itself along with the romance of a wedding will help.

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Window of the Heart            Amy’s Books

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