SAUDI GAZETTE

WHEN it comes to weddings many unique traditions are there, but a Saudi couple recently broke all social norms by moving between the guests on roller skates.

Pictures showing the bride and the groom in roller skates went viral on social media to the consternation of many.

Although most young people thought it was the couple's right to do whatever they wanted on their dream day and considered it a brave move, many elderly Saudis were not so generous and criticized the couple for their break with the tradition.

According to local newspapers, the groom is a professional skater who is ranked third in Asia.

The groom and his bride wore the skates, rolled up their way to the reception hall and took some photos to document this special incident, which was considered the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia.

Omaima Alshareef, Saudi wedding photographer, said, "In the Kingdom rarely you hear about weird actions during weddings."

She explains that for most families having a wedding following the rules and traditions is very important since they respect the guests' opinions.

Alshareef said, “This is the first time I saw an incident like this at Saudi weddings. People here prefer to be on the safe side. They do not do crazy and unusual stuff. I think they really care about what people will think and say, especially the elderly people. In my two years of working in the wedding photography field I have never seen anyone breaking the wedding traditions.”

Zainab, a Saudi mother in her 40s, explained that breaking the traditions of society at weddings is not acceptable behavior for her. “Following wedding protocols is very important because the bride and the groom will reflect their families' images.”

Halah Hanafiyyah, a Saudi dentist in her 30s, said, “I think every person has the right and freedom to do whatever he or she wants. This is a wedding that will happen once in their life so they should make it a special day as much as possible with proper planning.”