Celebrating Life’s Journey ®
It’s your ceremony and there are minimal legal requirements in the wedding ceremony, if you are opting for a personalized rather than traditional ceremony there are many elements you might wish to consider-
The Possibilities are endless…
Here are just a few-
Unity Candle Ceremony
The Unity Candle Ceremony consists of the lighting of one candle from two
separate candles held by the bride and groom- This ceremony symbolizes the union
of two lives into one. Creative variations can be added to the ceremony, such as
the mothers of the bride and groom, or any designated member of the wedding
party, lighting the candles after they walk down the isle or during the
Ceremony- The couple may keep the candle (some re-light the candle each year
on their anniversary)-
The Blessing of the Rings
The wedding ring is the visible sign of an inward bond, which unites two loyal
hearts in endless love. It is a seal of the vows made to one another. It
symbolizes living together in unity, love and happiness for the rest of their Lives-
Sand Ceremony
The Sand ceremony is a ceremony that can be a beautiful and meaningful addition to the wedding ceremony. All that is needed to perform this simple and yet beautiful ceremony are a set of three containers, and two different colored sand. This ceremony is suited to including children as well-
Breaking of the Glass
The breaking of the glass at the end of a wedding ceremony usually is reserved
for Jewish ceremonies. However, it is a beautiful ending to any wedding-
“Breaking the glass serves to remind us of two very important aspects of a
marriage. The bride and groom - and everyone - should consider these marriage
vows as an IRREVOCABLE ACT - just as permanent and final as the breaking of this
glass is unchangeable. But the breaking of the glass also is a warning of the
FRAILTY of a marriage. That sometimes a single thoughtless act, breech of trust,
or infidelity can damage a marriage in ways that are very difficult to undo -
just as it would be so difficult to undo the breaking of this glass. Knowing
that this marriage is permanent, the bride and groom should strive to show each
other the love and respect befitting their spouse and love of their life-"
Including Children
Many couples are remarrying and want to include their children in the ceremony.
There are numerous ways this may be done,depending on the age of the children-
Flower Ceremony
This is a family/friends ceremony. Each designated person comes up and places a
different flower in a vase to create a garden of love-
Hands Ceremony
A recent favorite of many couples. A three to five minute ceremony in which the
officiant uses the phrasing, "These are the hands that...." in order to create a
preliminary set of vows-
Honoring the Mothers
A brief reading is done and then the bride and/or groom present their mother's)
with a small gift (flowers usually)-
Silent Blessing and Moment of Remembrance
Both are small blessings/readings honoring the deceased. They may include
specific names or a general statement-
Ribbon Ceremony/Handfasting
The ancient Celts tied the hands of the bride and groom. The officiant loosely
binds the hands together. They remain that way for the rest of the ceremony-
Rose Ceremony
A symbolic ceremony using roses, the symbol of love. The couples who have chosen
this have described it as an extremely beautiful and moving ceremony-
Support from Families Service
Parents become part of the introduction to the vows. The officiant asks who
brings this couple to be wed-
Support from all the Guests Attending
Rather than ask who has just cause why this couple should not be married, why
not ask who supports this marriage? The entire gathering of witnesses shout "I
do!" which includes everyone present-
Wine or Water Ceremony
The couple share a cup of wine or water while the officiant says a blessing and
a reading-
Blessing to the Four Directions
A long time ago, people believed the human soul shared characteristics with all
things celestial. This prayer service designates the four points on a compass
with elements representing human virtues-
Jumping The Broom
There are many different versions of this ritual which involves the couple
jumping over the broom. Essentially, the jumping of the broom is a symbol of
sweeping away of the old and welcoming the new, or a symbol of a new beginning-
Anything You Want!
Do you have your own wedding ideas? I will incorporate anything you want into
the ceremony so that it is the most magical event of your life-
