By Trinity Tunby, Stentorian Editor-in-Chief
Rose petals lay scattered, dusting the ground as individuals among a procession line themselves along either side of an elegant arched window. One may assume this scene to be the site of an ordained, traditional wedding ceremony—but on August 27, this was the offshoot of a pancake hall event between Third Bryan and Second Hill in the PFM. (The homey aroma of pancakes lingered in the air from afar, decadent notes of a promising reception.) Amid amused head shakes from adults watching the events transpire, former Community Coordinator Hope Gambill officiated, with an earnest sincerity, the “unification” of students Blaney Blizzard ‘26 and Haley Filzen ‘26.
This is not a standalone event: Prior to my spontaneous becoming father-of-the-bride that night, I had been invited to another hall wedding (of which I have been sworn to secrecy). Following the advent of this article, I presume more hall engagements will make an appearance before the student body. Although this event has since faded from many of our memories, there is more to be obtained from the experience. These satirical ceremonies of ours may prove to be a testament to characteristic qualities of our senior class: the ability to not take ourselves too seriously and challenge tradition.
The ceremony retained several key elements of holy matrimony: a bride and groom, a wedding party, a “giving away” ritual, prepared vows, a ring ceremony, speeches, and a bouquet toss. Blizzard, the designated groom, was even seen sporting thrifted tweed, becoming the point at which the wedding was set to model the 1930s. But the individuals composing the wedding party challenged these traditions with many plays on gender roles—something that so happens to not be a new invention.
Other satirical weddings have existed in this form, productions that have come to be known as “Bestiemonies.” These plays have sought to seal the sanctity of a loyal friendship—but they also tend to be hyperbolic, particularly magnifying potential absurdity within the predominant and heteronormative Western marriage ritual. Blizzard and Filzen sealed a loyal friendship that night—while perhaps unwittingly challenging the institution of marriage as we know it.
My role involved masquerading the solemnity of a father-of-the-bride, something proving strangely empowering in the moment. The portrayal of masculinity was not the potent force driving this empowerment, but rather, it was the caricature embedded within “giving away” a friend, a wholly laughable concept (and indeed, we did laugh).
The bouquet also happened to land in the hands of a male student, an unintentional yet brilliant ending to the ceremony.
As we await the appearance of more wedding rituals, it brings into question what more we will challenge as a student body. Among lookalike contests and a “Performative Male Contest,” we have continued to transform ideas within our humble community, something that quietly persists in distinguishing us as trailblazers.
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