I like to think of myself as an aesthetic based collector of
images. But there is one
area which proves me wrong and that is my interest in “Just Married” photos--or
“JM” for the purpose of this small essay.
Why do I collect such photos?
I guess I was first drawn to the folk art aspect of them. The writing of words on one of the most
American of objects—the car—to commemorate the wedding ritual is a curious
phenomenon. And sometimes the
words are not written on the car, but instead are printed on pieces of paper
and applied to the car. Plus, as
these photos show, much more colorful and original comments are to be found on
the “get-away” vehicle than simply “JM”. Generally the photo is all about the car, not the
couple who recently married and who will have to suffer the embarrassment of
riding off on their honeymoon with a very public announcement of their recent
vows. I haven’t found any
foreign examples of this ritual which might point to the car’s place in society
not exerting the same power as it does in America or it is perhaps just the
sources I use to find material. I
am thinking this ritual is dying out as more people rent fancy cars to leave
the reception or don’t drive to their honeymoon destination but rather just
take a trip on an airplane. Also
having some sign or writing on the wedding car announcing the recent event was
the one public way of telling the world that the couple was JM. Now we share all via multiple images
and videos on Facebook, a special website, YouTube etc.
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