Latvian Wedding, Brecksville, OH, 1999

Peter and Nora's best man and matron of honor accompany them to the altar, where they are led through the marriage vows. Joining hands with those of their two witnesses, all four put their right foot on a rock, whereby the couple is united by God. Peter and Nora are making a solemn promise that their union will be "as solid as a rock."

Katrina Thomas's notes: Despite long periods of foreign domination, these Baltic people have maintained a distinct national culture, characterized by dainas, their folk songs of which more than 60,000 have been collected. Most Latvians in the U.S. are Lutheran and, still speaking their language, preserve ancient customs. Wedding receptions that keep traditions are distinguished by the use of oak leaves and constant singing, particularly toward the end when the micosana, a pre-Christian rite, is performed. At this time, the bride's maiden wreath is removed and replaced by a matron's cap or wimple, and the bridegroom may receive a hat and pipe, testifying to his change of status. One wedding I photograph is a double celebration, occurring on the day Latvia declares its independence from the USSR.