May the Fourth be ‘I do’: Ohio city has ‘Star Wars’ weddings

Category: Lifestyle/Entertainment

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. officiate / əˈfɪʃ iˌeɪt / (v.) – to lead a ceremony, especially a religious one
    Example:

    A priest officiated the couple’s wedding.


  2. tunic / ˈtu nɪk / (n.) – a loose piece of clothing that’s long and is sometimes worn with a belt
    Example:

    I will wear a Roman tunic for the play.


  3. resemble / rɪˈzɛm bəl / (v.) – to look or be like someone or something
    Example:

    Daniel closely resembles his father. They have the same looks and habits.


  4. pronounce / prəˈnaʊns / (v.) – to officially or formally state something
    Example:

    The World Health Organization pronounced that COVID-19 is no longer a global emergency.


  5. posthumously / ˈpɒs tʃə məs li / (adv.) – after someone’s death
    Example:

    The actor posthumously won his first award a year after his death.


Article

Read the text below.

When Julia and Robert Jones discovered that a judge from the Akron Municipal Court in Ohio would be officiating “Star Wars”-themed weddings on May the Fourth, the couple felt the Force calling them to commit to the ceremony.


“There was no other right decision, that was it,” Julia Jones said.


“Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope” played in the background as the Akron couple joined six other couples in 15-minute wedding ceremonies at the Highland Universal Gathering Spot in Akron to mark May the Fourth, essentially a holiday for “Star Wars” fans.


Most of the newlyweds dressed in traditional garments, such as white gowns or a shirt and tie. But the Joneses came dressed in long tunics for the theme — Julia resembling a member of the Sith, the franchise’s antagonists, and Robert looking like a Jedi.


They held lightsabers while they exchanged vows in front of Julia’s parents and Akron Municipal Court Judge Ron Cable, who declared that “by the joining of the lightsabers, and by the giving and receiving of rings,” he pronounced them husband and wife.


“I wish you all the happiness,” he told them. “May the Force be with you.”


“Star Wars” devotees worldwide celebrate May the Fourth with a variety of tributes, while retailers hold special sales on related merchandise. And this year, beloved “Star Wars” actor Carrie Fisher posthumously received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • What do you think about movie-themed weddings (ex. interesting, inappropriate)? Why? Discuss.
  • Why do you think many people nowadays want to have a movie-themed wedding (ex. to make the wedding more memorable, to make the celebration unique)? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • How do you think popular culture can impact people’s decisions and celebrations in real life? Discuss.
  • What are some potential benefits and disadvantages of incorporating popular culture themes into special events, such as weddings? Discuss.