Wedding at The Maola at Riverside in New Bern, NC Military style

The Maola at Riverside in New Bern, North Carolina, offers a picturesque setting for couples looking to exchange their vows in a serene, beautiful location. This elegant venue, with its stunning riverfront views, rustic charm, and timeless atmosphere, is the perfect backdrop for a memorable wedding day, and it becomes even more meaningful when combined with the honor and tradition of a military groom. The Marine Corps Tunnel of Swords is a unique and honorable tradition often performed at military weddings, especially for Marine Corps couples. It is a symbolic ritual that represents respect, honor, and the transition from single life to married life. Here’s how the tradition typically unfolds and what it represents.

1. At the end of the wedding ceremony, Marine Corps service members, usually two or more, form a tunnel by standing in two rows, each holding a sword above their heads, creating an arch-like formation.
2. The newly married couple then walks through the tunnel of swords, symbolizing the protection, strength, and respect the Marines will offer the couple as they enter married life. The swords are raised in honor of the bride and groom.
3. The swords used in the Tunnel of Swords represent the sharpness, discipline, and commitment of the Marine Corps. It is also a display of the strength that the couple will need to face any challenges in their future together.
4. As the couple reaches the end of the tunnel, the Marines may lower their swords, signaling the couple’s safe passage into their new life together. Sometimes, the groom will be playfully tapped on the rear by one of the swords as a final, lighthearted gesture.

For one couple, The Maola at Riverside provided the ideal place to celebrate their love, as well as the groom’s service in the military. From the moment the bride walked down the aisle toward her uniformed groom, the ceremony was filled with emotion and patriotism. The peaceful river setting created a calm and intimate atmosphere, while the groom’s military uniform added a sense of dignity and pride to the day.

The venue’s large, open event space allowed the couple to host their family and friends comfortably, while still maintaining the warm, cozy feel of a smaller celebration. As guests enjoyed cocktails on the riverside patio and stunning views of the water, the couple shared their first moments as husband and wife surrounded by loved ones.

The Maola at Riverside’s beautiful outdoor space was also the perfect setting for post-ceremony portraits, where the bride and groom were able to capture timeless moments along the river. The charm of the venue, paired with the meaningful presence of the groom’s military service, made for a wedding day that was both beautiful and unforgettable.

For couples looking for a wedding venue that combines natural beauty, historic charm, and heartfelt moments, The Maola at Riverside in New Bern is an ideal choice.