[Blindtlk] Walking down the aisle

[Ringlein, Ellen]

Hello Arielle,

Congradulations on your upcoming wedding.  May your new life together bring you much happiness.

I don't like being without my cane, an so I am practically never without it. It represents my independence to me and is an integral part of who I am.  I, therefore, decided to use my cane during my Wedding as well.  I purchased a new one, so it would look nice.  I walked down the isle on my father's arm with my cane in the other hand.  I gave my cane and bouquet to my maid of honor to hold during the ceremony.  I used my cane to walk back up the isle on my husband's arm.  I can'd remember what I did with it during the receiving line, but I probably just had it in my hand or clamped under my arm.

Ellen Ringlein


-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Arielle Silverman
Sent: Tuesday, August 20, 2013 6:58 PM
To: blindtlk at nfbnet.org
Subject: [Blindtlk] Walking down the aisle

Hi all,

I don't normally post on this list, but have a question that I think this list would be the best place to ask.
I am getting married in two weeks and am just curious to talk to other blind brides about how you went down the aisle and whether you used a cane, sighted guide or both? (I don't have a guide dog so that's not an option).

Our wedding will be outside, so the "aisle" is actually just a set of steps leading down to a creek. I will be walking with my parents (as part of tradition) so I could handle the mobility aspect either with or without a cane.
I am totally blind and use my cane all the time in public places without a second thought, and pose for photos with my cane in the background. I'm just a little worried that during that big photo-op moment when I am coming out, my cane could end up dominating my appearance more than I would like. I feel positively identified as a blind person and don't object to being seen with my cane at all, but I just don't want it to dominate if that makes sense. Also, my current cane is quite beat-up so if I use it in the wedding, I will probably want to buy a new one for that purpose.

For those of you who did use a cane, how did you hold it and what did you do with it during the actual ceremony?

I probably will use my cane, but just want to figure out the most graceful-looking technique (and rebuff any pressure from family members not to use it).

Thanks and best,
Arielle

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