August 13, 2021
I’m SO excited to share Alebra and Eli’s beautiful wedding day! Their day was perfectly captured by STP Associate, Amy. Alebra and Eli held their ceremony at Alebra’s family’s home, outside under the majestic trees. It was a warm, July day and the sun shined on this happy couple and all their family and friends. Not only did both Alebra and Eli have grandparents in attendance, but their children and grandchildren were there too. That’s five generations of family and love! With the help from her family, Alebra got ready right inside the house and had her first look with Eli on the patio.
For their ceremony, they incorporated both Oneida and Lakota tribe traditions. Both Eli’s parents are Oneida. Alebra’s father is Oneida and her mother is Lakota, specifically the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. Alebra says, “It was important to us that we included traditional pieces in our ceremony to honor our families and the culture and land we come from.”
Alebra shares more about their ceremony, “Bob Brown, one of the Chiefs of the Onayote’aka (People of the Standing Stone) or the Oneida, officiated our wedding. He shared everything in the Oneida language followed by a translation in English. Bob started the ceremony by giving thanks to all of creation for fulfilling their responsibilities. He then acknowledged the reason that we gathered for the day and began sharing the Oneida wedding speech. The wedding speech acknowledges that ‘this man and woman have decided to come together as one in the eyes of the Creator and the people.’
Roy Redhail, a friend to both Eli and I, is from the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe and Oneida Nation. Roy acknowledged all the directions and gave thanks to creation. He acknowledged that we were coming together as one. He asked Eli’s father and my mother to wrap our hands with red tobacco ties. The red tobacco ties signify good health and protection and by wrapping our hands it signified our unity as one. He shared that we united our love in front of all our relations, all our family.”
During the ceremony, Alebra and Eli also exchanged baskets. Inside the baskets where items that were important to them and their families and represented what they were contributing to the marriage. At the conclusion of the ceremony they had a Handshake Ceremony in which everyone in attendance came up and could congratulate the couple, offer words of advice, and give them a hug or handshake.
Following the ceremony, our beautiful bride and groom took a horse and carriage ride to Eli’s family house for more photos. The best part of the ride was that the driver/owner of the carriage was actually Eli’s father! After more photos at Eli’s family’s home, everyone headed to the reception at Olde 41. Wedding guests could enjoy lots of delicious food, sitting outside on the patio, and dancing the night away.
STP Associate Amy says, “What really stood out to me was the fact that Eli and Alebra could really communicate to each other through touch/affection that they were there for each other. It was so special to be able to witness that.”
Congratulations Alebra & Eli! Wishing you both lots of love and happiness in your future!
Thanks to all the amazing wedding vendors that helped make Alebra & Eli’s big day wonderful!
Ceremony: Cornelius Homestead // Reception: Olde 41 // Catering: The Marq // Officiant: Bob Brown // Hair: Alicia Tisch at Salon 325 // Makeup: Rachel Ferry at The Tour Brush // Wedding Dress Boutique: Elaine’s Wedding & Event Center // Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Elaine’s Wedding & Event Center // Men’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse // Rings: Diamonds & Gold // Florist: Flower Co. // Cake: Kristal Hill// Invitations & Programs: Lilac Suede // DJ & Photo Booth: Extreme Entertainment // Transportation: Kirby Metoxen // Chairs: Fox Cities Party Rental
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