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Momentum is a blog that captures and reflects the moment we find ourselves in, one where rampant anti-Black racism is leading to violence, trauma, protest, reflection, sorrow, and more. Momentum doesn’t look away when the news cycle shifts.

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I Got Married at a Plantation Home and My Apology Is Not Enough

8 min readAug 19, 2020

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Photos courtesy of the author

From the moment I set foot on the grounds of the Houmas House and Gardens, I became enchanted by its elegance and Southern charm. The low-hanging tree branches, whimsical gardens, and grand structure seemed like the perfect backdrop for our special day. The website describes it as “one of the top plantations in Louisiana.”

Even more captivating was the way that the grounds transformed by nighttime. Carefully placed spotlights illuminated every fountain and sculpture on the 38-acre estate. It took my breath away. Our wedding guests would feel as though they were walking through a fairytale wonderland when they arrived. The beauty of this centuries-old mansion was blinding, and I couldn’t wait to get married beneath the live oak trees and Spanish moss. It would make for picture-perfect memories.

December 31, 2016, was the best day of my life. I sauntered through my wedding day as though I were in a dream — it far surpassed my wildest expectations. A string quartet played “A Thousand Years” as I walked down the aisle. My husband and I exchanged our handwritten vows with the soft glow of our unity candle between us. The night overflowed with joyful tears…

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Momentum
Momentum

Published in Momentum

Momentum is a blog that captures and reflects the moment we find ourselves in, one where rampant anti-Black racism is leading to violence, trauma, protest, reflection, sorrow, and more. Momentum doesn’t look away when the news cycle shifts.

Lauren Salles
Lauren Salles

Written by Lauren Salles

Living, learning, and writing about it. Mental health, motherhood, mindfulness, spirituality, and feminism. Subscribe: https://livelearnlauren.substack.com/

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