From its beginning in 2007, the Roots ’N Blues ’N BBQ Festival has provided a venue to celebrate the local music scene.
This year, the festival will celebrate something a little different in addition to musical entertainment: a wedding.
The blues-loving couple in question hails from Sioux City, Iowa, and has come to Roots ’N Blues every year since 2008.
A short [synopsis](http://www.rootsnbluesnbbq.com/festival-info/wedding/) of the couple from the Roots ‘N Blues website tells it all.
“This couple had seen their share of the blues until they met one sunny day in June of 2008,” the website states. “The date was 6/7/8, to be precise. A few months later they came to Columbia for their first festival and somewhere during the weekend as they were swaying to the blues, it happened.”
Elyse Peery, a marketing and event coordinator for Thumper Entertainment, sought out local sponsors to participate in the wedding.
“They love music, the blues and this festival,” Peery says. “So, we thought it would be a perfect fit.”
Buchroeder’s will sponsor the wedding by giving the happy couple its rings.
“My Secret Garden will be handling the flowers and decorations for the stage, and after the wedding all the flowers will be donated,” Peery says.
Other contributions include hair and makeup by KeLani and a custom veil by HeadFrock for the bride. L. Frisch Photography will capture all aspects of the event, from the planning to the wedding itself.
Jordan Thomas will provide the music with dueling harmonicas.
When asked if a wedding would be the newest addition to this annual blues celebration, Thumper Entertainment spokeswoman Andrea Horowitz said, “No, this is a very special case.”
Special is indeed what is expected of the wedding being called, “Love, Roots & Blues Style.”
The couple will exchange vows in front of festivalgoers at 7 p.m. Saturday on Flat Branch Park Stage.