The yearly tradition will begin with a mass at Boardwalk Hall, followed by a procession to the water’s edge. There, Camden Diocese Bishop Dennis Sullivan will have lifeguards take him into the ocean by lifeboat where he will toss the traditional wreath into the water.

The Wedding of the Seatradition began in Venice, Italy, where the town would celebrate its marriage to the waters. Italian immigrants brought the tradition with them to Atlantic City, where it came to be part of the Catholic observance of the Feast of the Assumption. The feast day honors the belief that the Virgin Mary ascended to heaven. This year’s festivities will start on Sunday August 14th with a 4:30 PM mass at St. Michaels Church (Mississippi Ave and Artic Ave), followed by a dinner at Quaremba Hall located next door to the Church. For updates and additional information, go to Wedding of the Sea on Facebook.