Weddings in Silesian Texan communities have historically been major celebrations.  Friends and family witnessed the Sacrament of Matrimony at the Nuptial Mass traditionally followed by a joyous reception, dinner, and dance.  Many in attendance at Panna Maria’s parish hall through the years recall being serenaded by a roving mini-choir led by the charismatic Felix Snoga who had a rich voice.  The troubadours walked in rhythm from table to table singing in Polish, “Dajcie, Dajcie” imploring the wedding guests to “Give! Give!” as a donation for the bride’s crown or wreath that she wore with her veil.  One of the singers usually made a cacophonous noise with a cooking pot and lid which added to the merriment.

In virtual celebration of countless Silesian Texan weddings, we have dedicated this section of our website to present vintage photographs of brides and grooms.  In the early years in Texas, their formal wedding photographs may have been the only images captured of many second and third generation Silesian Texans in Bandera, Cestohowa, Kosciusko, Panna Maria, St. Hedwig, Yorktown, and other communities.  The style of wedding dresses and veils with wreaths or crowns is a study in vintage ceremonial attire.  Some of the photographs below feature bridal wreaths, a symbol of maidenhood, made of herbs and flowers.

The wedding photographs presented on this page are at least 75 years old.
If you would like to submit any photographs of brides and grooms to this website, they should be no later than 1930 to qualify. The name of the groom, maiden name of the bride, date of marriage, and place are required with each photo. Please check the list of Silesian SURNAMES on this website to make sure that either the groom’s surname or the bride’s maiden name is listed. Submit information to: committee@silesiantexans.com. Thank you.

A list of donors who have already shared their families’ treasured wedding photos appears beneath the photo gallery.

Wedding Certificates

[Primary sources have been researched to confirm the dates and places; however, the original records reflect various spellings of names.]
Click on images to enlarge

Wedding Portrait Donors
We are very grateful to the following for sharing their family wedding photos shown above: John and Kathy Korus Beard, Robbie Bronder, Linda Bruce, Ron Burda, Rose Sekula Calloway, Janet Dawson Ebrom, Elenora Dugosh Goodley, Lynn Highley, Louise Jurgajtis, Sue Kinderknecht, Janice Kiolbassa, Betty and George Kowalik, Genny Kraus, Debbie Lyro, George Moczygemba, Dorothy Gawlik Moy, Eric Opiela, Dorothy Pollok Pawelek, Melissa Poth, Janice Shadrock, Richard Allan Sowa, Elaine Mazurek Stephens, Mary Ann Moczygemba Watson, and Bishop Emeritus John W. Yanta.