Ep 1. Virgin Gypsy Brides

My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding season 1 episode 1, titled "Virgin Gypsy Brides," follows the journey of two young women from the Roma community as they prepare for their upcoming wedding ceremonies. The episode begins with a brief introduction to the history and traditions of the Roma people, and the importance of marriage within their culture.

The first bride-to-be is 18-year-old Priscilla, who comes from a tight-knit family in Atlanta, Georgia. Priscilla is eager to marry her longtime boyfriend, Angelo, but before she can walk down the aisle, she must undergo a series of rituals and preparations that are traditional in the Roma community. These include a "flower bath" to cleanse her spirit, a "breakaway" ceremony to symbolize her transition from girlhood to womanhood, and the selection of a wedding dress that must meet strict guidelines as to length and coverage.

Throughout the episode, we see Priscilla's family and friends rallying around her in support, and helping to make her wedding day as special as possible. From decorating her horse-drawn carriage to arranging a lavish reception with traditional Roma cuisine, they spare no expense in ensuring that Priscilla's wedding is a memorable one.

The second bride-to-be is 14-year-old Maria, who lives in a Roma community in Connecticut. Maria is engaged to 16-year-old Luti, a boy she has been dating for several months. Like Priscilla, Maria must observe a series of rituals and customs before she can get married, including a "grabbing ceremony" in which Luti must physically capture her in order to declare his intention to marry her.

As the wedding day approaches, Maria struggles with conflicting emotions - on the one hand, she is excited to be marrying the boy she loves, but on the other, she worries about the restrictions that will be placed on her as a married woman within the Roma community. These include a ban on attending school or having a job, and a requirement to obey her husband and his family in all matters.

Despite her reservations, Maria goes ahead with the wedding, which is a joyous occasion filled with music, dancing, and traditional Roma dress. Her family and friends gather around her to celebrate, and she looks radiant in her carefully chosen wedding gown.

Overall, "Virgin Gypsy Brides" offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of the Roma community and their traditional practices around love and marriage. While some viewers may find the strict gender roles and early age of marriage unsettling, the episode also highlights the deep bonds of family and community that are central to Roma culture, and the joy and excitement that surrounds weddings within the community. Whether you are a fan of reality TV or simply interested in learning more about different cultures and traditions, this episode is a must-watch.