Should a married couple “become one” or should they remain two individuals? Some of the objects used in both secular and religious wedding ceremonies show people’s efforts to think through what it means to be bound to another person.

Many also used their weddings to affirm their closeness to friends or family by involving them in the ceremony. Where and how a couple chooses to marry can reveal connections to much larger groups of people, e.g. marrying in a place of religious significance, or choosing to honour their favourite sports team or educational institution.

For more information and a closer look, please just click on the images in this gallery.