Friday, June 14, was a day filled with love, memories, and tradition as Brianna and Joaquin celebrated their wedding where Brianna’s grandmother and great-aunt tied the knot more than 50 years earlier.
Brianna’s great-aunt Norma and great-uncle Frank exchanged vows in the YWCA reception room in 1972, and her grandparents, Mary and Merle, followed a few months later, on June 29, 1973.
This connection to her family’s past made the choice of venue particularly special for Brianna.
“When we were trying to find places to have the wedding, we weren’t sure where to start because I don’t belong to a church, and all the venues around here were larger than we needed and so expensive,” Brianna shared. “Then my grandma Mary mentioned the YWCA since she and her sister had gotten married there, so we checked it out and thought it was a great idea.”
BACK IN THE DAY
In the early 1970s before ending domestic violence became a big part of the YWCA mission, the building was a safe, affordable place where young women could rent rooms while they attended college or were starting their careers. The reception room, like today, was used for YWCA programs as well as a variety of other community events.
“My great-aunt Norma’s wedding was in December, and my grandma’s was in June like ours, but at 8 pm.”
Since the building wasn’t yet air conditioned, an evening wedding may have an attempt to beat the heat. “My grandma told me her wedding day was so hot that the cake started to slide,” Brianna recalled with a smile.
Carrying on her family’s tradition was deeply meaningful to Brianna.
“I’m very close to my grandma on my mom’s side of the family,” Brianna said, “so I’m happy I get to share this with her.”
Although some beloved family members were missing, including her great-aunt Norma and grandfather Merle, who both passed away in 2022, their presence was felt.
Brianna’s great-uncle Frank attended the wedding, and her uncle Michael walked her down the aisle.
ENDURING LOVE
The Bahm Torrez wedding at the YWCA wasn’t just a celebration of love between two people but a beautiful testament to enduring family bonds and traditions that span generations.
It felt very cool to continue my family’s YWCA wedding tradition,” Brianna said. “It will always be something interesting I can tell people about our wedding day.”
Need a room for a meeting or party?
Whether you’re planning a simple meeting with snacks or a family reunion with far-flung participants joining by Zoom, the YWCA kitchen and reception room may have what you need.
Learn more about rates and what’s available by calling 509-525-2570 or emailing the office manager, Karla, at kcastillo@ywcaww.org.