William Edward' Harmon of Maringouin Mondav was married alone in New Orleans. No bride. No organ music. Just Harmon.
Actually, Harmon, a senior at the Louisiana State university school of medicine, Was married by proxy. The ceremony took place in Barranquilla, Colombia, and Harmon couldn't make it.
Standing in for the 25-year-old student was the man who is now his father-in-law. Tuesday, the blushing bride will arrive in New Orleans for another ceremony. The second wedding will be held, Harmon says, because proxy marriages are not recognized in Louisiana.
This inter - continental romance started just about a year; ago when Harmon visited his! roommate's parents for the! Christmas holidays. While in j the Colombian seaport town, he was introduced to his roommate's cousin, Miss Myriam Ariza.
One thing led to another and Monday they were married — even if they were 1785 miles; apart.
Less than half an hour before the ceremony began, Harmon was in class. At 5 p. m., he put his books away and walked three blocks to St. Joseph's church. At 5:30, just as his bride started down the aisle, he offered a silent pray-er.
Miss Ariza entered Iglesia de Naestra Senora de El Carmen, a Catholic church in her hometown, on the arm of her uncle, Victor Ferrans. Victor Ferrans Jr. is Harmon's roommate.
Waiting at the altar was her proxy husband, Senor Enrique Ariza R., her father. Following the wedding, the 22-year-old bride and her friends and relatives attended the customary re-iception. After that, she went to bed to rest for the 10-hour flight to New Orleans.
She will arrive at Moisant International Airport at 9:10 Tuesday. On hand to greet her will be Harmon and his roommate. A quick kiss. Then the drive to their new apartment at 2023 Jena for the Louisiana wedding. The Rev. Albert O'Reilly will conduct the ceremony. Harmon's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Floyd D. Harmon, will be on hand for the party to follow. PHOTO: Groom 1785 Miles from Bride at Wedding - KNEELING ALONE in the St. Joseph's Catholic church, William Edward Harmon was
married by proxy Monday afternoon to Miss Myriam Ariza (right). Miss Ariza, at the same moment, was in the church in her home town of Barranquilla, Colombia, 1785 miles to the south. She was married with full ceremony while her father s stood in place of Harmon. The bride will arrive in New Orleans Tuesday and a second wedding ceremony will be performed.
