‘Here Comes the Bride’ to Cast Her Vote in Wedding Gown Prior to Her Wedlock?
Mangaluru: “Here comes the bride dressed all in light White, Radiant and lovely she shines in his sight, Gently she glides graceful as a dove, Anxiously waiting to cast her VOTE before Meeting her bridegroom waiting for her at Belthangady Church, with her eyes full of love. Love have they waited long have they planned. Life goes before them opening her hand- but before she could hold her life partner’s hand, she wanted to use her hand to cast her valuable VOTE First. And before she could ask for God’s blessing as they begin with a Life with new meaning, with life shared as one, Entering God’s union, bowed before His throne, Promise each other to have and to hold- this Young Bride to be performed yet another BIG duty, of VOTING- which is every one’s Right, including Brides?
Whether to skip voting and head straight to the Church for her wedding Ceremony, was big choice to be made- but this young bride to be, decided to do BOTH- Cast her valuable VOTE, and also get herself united in HOLY MATRIMONY after voting. Meet Viola Maria Fernandes, a bride to be, who showed up at St Lawrence English Medium School, Bondel-Mangaluru to exercise her franchise, before heading to the Church in Belthangady, where she is tying her knots to Sylvester Rodrigues at 10:30 am. Prior to leaving to Belthangady, Viola along with her family members made it to the polling booth early in the morning to cast their votes.
Time and again we have been reminded of the importance of casting our votes. However, many a time due to prior commitments and important work, many decide to ditch going to the booth and standing in long queues. So, in case you think your work was more important than casting your vote, let this young lass from the City be an inspiration. In a sign of enthusiasm among voters exercising their franchise, this young woman in full bridal finery arrived at the polling booth to cast her vote, surprising many standing in the queue. Often people do not cast their vote if they have something important to do on that day. However this bride, by exercising her franchise, has shown that it is really important that everyone should cast their vote. Good job, Viola-You Go Girl!
Speaking to Team Mangalorean over the phone, bride Viola said “I am about to get married today, but since this is a very important election, even a single vote could make a difference. As an Indian citizen, it was my duty and responsibility to vote. I am happy to be able to vote on my wedding day, which will surely make my wedding day more special. Since our wedding day was finalized even before the election date was announced, we didn’t want to change our plans, but we tried to adjust the timing so that we could vote and also celebrate our happy day. After confirming with my fiancee family members, it was all set to go. Surely this day would be one of the most memorable moments of my life, for two reasons- I have selected my life partner, as well as voted for my favourite candidate in my constituency, and I am confident that he will win, just like how I have won the heart of my fiancee”.
Bride seen with Stany Alvares, the President Rachana -Mangaluru, who is also Her neighbour
Also speaking to Team Mangalorean, Stany Alvares, the President Rachana -Mangaluru, and also the neighbour of the bride said, “We should all appreciate Viola and her family members for exercising their franchise even in spite of their important day, by not skipping their voting day. Viola is indeed the highlight of this polling day, and even though every minute was precious for her and her family due to her wedding day, and also they had to make it to Belthangady by 10:30 am for the wedding ceremony, they all did great by not losing their valuable votes. We all should commend Viola and her family because they are the real ambassadors of Karnataka elections. She should be an example for everyone, especially the youngsters, that voting is your right, and you should not ignore it by not voting. But when we show concern to our nation and state and our rights, we take polling with the seriousness it deserves, like in Viola’s case. I feel extremely sorry for the bride that I couldn’t make it to her wedding reception due to my active participation in the election day duties”.
Tit-for-Tat! It is also learnt that the Bridegroom had also exercised his franchise in Belthangady before heading to the Church- but sadly, He didn’t get much exposure in media like our Kudla’s young bride, Viola. Like they say “Early Bird gets the Worm”, Viola being the Early Bird to cast her vote got all the media coverage! Team Mangalorean wishes Viola and Sylvester a Happy Married Life- and in case, if both the candidates that this newly married couple had voted win, it was ONLY because of their valuable votes.
