The Villarreal family is a mixture of Spanish, Mexican and English origins.
The Zehr Family is a mixture of Swiss, German, French and English origins.

The Villarreal Family Mexican/Spanish Traditions:

The Thirteen Gold Coins

The madrina de arras holds the 13 coins the bridegroom presents to the bride. The coins, or arrhea, was a Roman custom of breaking gold or silver, one half to be kept by the woman and the other half by the man, as a pledge of marriage. Thirteen gold coins (arras) are given to the bride by the bridegroom, signifying he will support her. Often presented in ornate boxes or gift trays, this represents the brides dowry and holds good wishes for prosperity. These coins become a part of their family heirloom.

The number 13 represents Christ and his 12 apostles. The coins are presented to the minister by a friend or relative (usually the purchaser). The minister then blesses the coins. The coins are then placed on a tray and handed to an assistant to be held until later in the ceremony. Near the end of the ceremony the box and coins are given to the minister who places the coins in the box and hands them to the groom.

The groom gives the bride thirteen gold coins as a symbol of his unquestionable trust and confidence. The groom will then pour the coins into the bride's cupped hands and places the box on top. The symbolism, which may be explained by the officiant, is that the Groom recognizes his responsibility as a provider, and pledges his ability to support and care for her. Acceptance by the bride means taking that trust and confidence unconditionally with total dedication and prudence.

The Lasso is associated with a wedding prayer during the ceremony. As part of the ceremony to symbolize unity, a large loop of rosary beads is placed in a figure eight shape around the necks of the couple after they have exchanged their vows. The symbolism of the lasso is to show the union and protection of marriage.

Special additional members of the wedding party may be in charge of "lassoing" the Bride and Groom together after they kneel for the wedding prayer. They drape what is usually a white satin circle of cord around the shoulders of the kneeling Bride and Groom, groom's shoulder's first. The lasso may also be tied around their wrists. The couple wears the lasso throughout the remainder of the service. The loop is symbolic of their love which should bind the couple together everyday as they equally share the responsibility of marriage for the rest of their lives.

At the end of the ceremony, the lasso is removed by the couple which placed the lasso on the couple. The lasso is given to the Bride as a momento of her becoming the mistress of the groom's heart and home and shows their promise to always be together side-by-side.

Most weddings will use the Mariachi at the end of the ceremony as a part of the recessional. Mariachi music is 'mexican ranch music' which is why they dress as 'cowboys'. I found a nice Mariachi site where you can listen to this special music and even see the lyrics for these traditional songs such as Las Mañanitas or Bonito Tecalitlan. Salsa, merengue and the flamenco guitar music may add a Latin flare to the reception. Here's two flamenco samples, La Malaguena and the Seville song.

Traditional weddings prepare special wedding cookies that are small, round pastries made of almonds, flour and butter. They may also be basically sugar cookies dusted with sugar, a spice called anise, and cinnamon. Here's one version of a recipe for them if you'd like to make them at home. I can't wait to share them with you. A southern tradition is a groom's cake, a gift from the bride to the groom.

Thanks to Sister Norma for finding the prayers said during the presentation of the arras and lasso and for helping with the order of the service. Thanks go to Christy Claes and her family for locating some mexican wedding cookies for us while in Laredo, Texas. Thanks also to my Mom for finding some in San Antonio, Texas.