Ceremonial Extras

Unity Candle Ceremony

The lighting of the unity candle is a widely celebrated ceremony which symbolizes the joining of the two individuals as one. Three candles are used to represent the ceremonial bonding. The two outer candles are initially lit, and they represent the different backgrounds and lives of the spouses. These two outer candles are used to light the center candle at the same time, to openly demonstrate the uniting of their lives, their friendships, their goals, dreams and aspirations. The two individual candles representing the backgrounds of the bride and groom, are blown out indicating that the two lives have been permanently merged into one, according to their wedding vows.

$40

Sand Ceremony

The Sand Ceremony is based on the concept of the unity candle. It expresses the blending together of the two families. It may incorporate the children of the spouses and separate families into one, or just the couple and the officiant. In the same way that the grains of sand can never be separated once blended together into one vial, this bonding ceremony represents the lifelong commitment of the couple in their union and the support of their loved ones. The classic Sand Ceremony may begin with the officiant pouring white sand at the bottom of the vase, representing the purity of the new foundation on which the couple stands after making their vow. Thereafter the bride and the groom pour their vials of colored sand on top, symbolizing the blending of their lives together from this day forward, according to their wedding vows.

$50

Hand Fasting Ribbon Ceremony

Handfasting is an early modern religious ceremony originally birthed in western Europe. Today the ceremony has been revived and is quickly gaining popularity in the 21stC, replacing the well-known candle lighting ceremony with its sacred significance. The ritual is often performed at any point during the ceremony. It symbolizes the binding together of the couple with cords that can never be broken. The ceremony openly demonstrates the anticipated connection and devotion of the newly wedded couple to each other according to the wedding vows. The couple will bind their hands together while the officiant drapes the ribbons around the hands of the bride and groom demonstrating that they are bound by each other’s love.

$40

Jump the Broom Ceremony

The jumping of the broom is a fun ceremony that is often seen as “breaking the ice” after the formal wedding vows and signing of the registry. While the act of jumping over a broom with your spouse is thrilling, the meaning behind the ceremony is utterly profound. It is formally an African American custom symbolizing the sweeping away of the old and bringing in the new. When the bride and groom jump over the broom, they physically and spiritually cross the threshold into the new world of matrimony. They leave all stumbling blocks behind and make way for new dreams and aspirations together as newlyweds. On the count of three, witnesses endorse the leap into marriage, and the bride and groom will begin their lives together with a clean sweep.

$30