The Unity Candle Ceremony consists of the lighting of one candle from two separate candles held by the couple. This ceremony symbolizes the union of two lives into one. Creative variations can be added to the ceremony, such as the mothers, or any designated guest, lighting the candles after they walk down the aisle or during the ceremony to represent the union of two families. The couple may keep the candle (some re-light the candle each year on their anniversary).

Handfasting is an old Pagan custom, dating back to the time of the ancient Celts. After the couple declares their intent to enter into the union, their hands are clasped and fastened together with a cord or cords just before, just after, or during their vows are made to one another. The wrapping of the cord forms an infinity symbol. The handfasting knot that is tied is a symbolic representation of oneness between the couple. In a show of unity, they become bound to each other. Many non-Pagan and non-Wiccan couples are adopting this old custom, much like when couples borrow from other traditions to craft their own ceremony to match their distinctive personalities.

A beautiful and often emotional ceremony as the couple present to each other their palms upward and open as a promise is read.

“These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow and forever . . .  And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch”

Of course, the couple can choose to personalize the promises spoken.

Great for beach-side weddings… together the couple ties a fisherman's knot. These two cords represent each of them as individuals. The completed knot represents their future. Although the fisherman’s knot is one of the simplest to tie, it is also one of the sturdiest. As stress is applied, the knot becomes ever stronger. The couple is asked to pull on the rope to see it strengthen under pressure while still allowing them to see the individual cords. This is especially symbolic on rainy weddings as a wet knot is harder to untie!

A Sand Ceremony or Blending of the Sand is a unique way to symbolize two lives becoming one in a wedding ceremony. Often, couples chose colored sand or sand from their childhood homes and keep the jar as a memento of their blended and inseparable love. This is also a great way to incorporate children or family into the wedding by adding additional colors of sand to blend into your new family.

This is a symbolic ceremony using roses, the symbol of love. Each has a rose that they exchange with one another following their vows that will symbolize their first gift to each other as a married couple. The roses can then be dried and preserved.

Roses can also be given to each of their parents as a gift and uniting the families together.

A ceremony deeply rooted in Christianity, The Cord of Three Strands is a God’s Knot. Marriage takes three; you, your soon-to-be spouse, and God. It was God who taught us to love. By keeping Him at the center of your marriage, His love will continue to bind you together as one throughout your marriage.

“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:12

A beautiful and eco-friendly ceremony where the couple brings dirt or soil from the home where they grew up and combines it together to nurture a new life for their new home together. A tree planting symbolizes putting down roots, longevity, and strength within the marriage. It’s also beautiful to include children or parents by having them water the tree to symbolize the way they have been influential in teaching and cultivating love.

The warming of the rings takes place during the ceremony and is a great way to make all your guests feel included. The couple’s wedding bands are passed around by guests during the ceremony, usually placed in a small decorative bag or box. Each person is asked to briefly hold the rings in their hands while also saying a short, silent prayer for the couple (if desired). The rings are returned to the couple with blessings and positive vibes for a long, happy marriage, where they then place them on each others hands.

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 the old and welcoming in the new, or a symbol of a new beginning.

Guests arriving at the ceremony are given a Wishing Stone, sometimes accompanied along with a permanent, fine-tipped marker to write their wish for the couple directly on the stone. These can then be kept in a vase or jar in the home or placed in a garden to be enjoyed for many years to come.

Many couples who have children want to include them in their ceremony in a special way. Often that may include the non-biological parent reciting vows for the child or children promising them to always love, care and protect them and giving them a symbol to represent that such as a piece of jewelry, watch or another memento.

Roses can also be given to each of their parents as a gift in uniting the families together.

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 couple – 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, breach of trust, or infidelity can damage a marriage in ways that are very difficult to undo – just as it would be difficult to undo the breaking of this glass. Knowing that this marriage is permanent, the couple should strive to show each other the love and respect befitting their spouse and love of their life."

A Love Letter and Wine Box ceremony will serve as a lasting reminder of the commitments made to one another. The couple each places a letter to the other into a box with a bottle of wine. They are advised to nail the box shut until a time at which there may be great stress in their marriage. At that time, they are told to open the box together, read the letters and drink the wine to help rekindle the memories from their wedding day. If no such time occurs, then it should be opened on an anniversary or date of the couple's choosing.

Whiskey, Scotch or Tequila can easily be switched out for the wine to add a more personal touch.

Wine blending is great for couples with culinary flair! Each has a bottle of red or white, sweet or dry wine that is poured together to create their own custom blend and then drank in symolism of their union.

From blessings to breaking bread, foot washing and exchanging leis, we are excited to incorporate any of your unique, cultural or religious rituals into your wedding ceremony.