Shoes that weigh 12 lbs. to hold groom steady.

Jonathan Stone for Art-Sheep

If I’ve come to realize something in this life it is definitely the fact that the 1950s was the coolest, most unpredictable and bizarre decade of the 20th century. Apart from all these crazy “innovations” of household items and the sexual liberation that started to become an issue in the American society, people kept discovering interesting ways to make their lives interesting and fun.

In 1954 a modern American couple decided to throw an unconventional wedding ceremony, placing it underwater. Bob Smith, a diving clown, and Mary Beth Sanger, an “Aquamaid” (presumably a synchronized swimmer),exchanged their vows in the place where they first met, into a pool.

Wearing weights in their shoes and on Sanger’s skirt, the couple managed to balance underwater and prevent unwanted glimpses of flesh. With the help of underwater breath control professionals, Smith and Sanger bubbled their vows and “I do’s” and exchanged their first kiss as husband and wife.

Photos via

 

The groom Bob Smith, getting metal weights in place to hold him in place underwater.

The bride Mary Beth Sanger, getting metal weights on knee to hold her under.

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During the underwater wedding, with Bob Smith and his soon to be wife Mary Beth Sanger.

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During the underwater wedding of Bob Smith and wife Mary Beth Sanger.

During the rehersal of an underwater wedding, with Bob Smith and his soon to be wife Mary Beth Sanger.

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