Weddings are a special celebration with your friends and family. What about our four legged fur babies? Our pets are just as important part of our families as anyone else. Here is some ideas on how some incorporated their furry friends, and I’m not just talking dogs.
Just as we are all unique and come in all shapes and sizes, so does our loving pets!
Many of us when we mention the wedding ceremony, it’s an “I do” and they kiss. This is true but what is all that other stuff they are saying and doing up there? This is referred to as the unity ceremony. This is a demonstration and dedication, joining the bride and groom. There are thousand of ways to join one another. Some are very religious and traditional while others are new age. Here are some ideas that I have gathered.
Unity Candle/Water/Sand ceremonies
The Unity Candle, Sand and Water ceremonies are usually a representation of 2 coming together as one. It is impossible to separate the two once they are mixed.
Yours By John Photography
The following is a beautiful symbol including the whole family, each member pouring separate colored sand into a jar. They are united together.
Tying of the knot
The fisherman knot represent the 2 cords coming together, the knot represents marriage, symbolizing strength. As stress is applied the knot becomes even stronger.
Photo by Brooks Scribner
Planting of a tree
There are many variations are out there of this. Some couples will take dirt from childhood homes. Some will also ask their parents to water it as a symbol for they way they have influenced and encouraged love. The tree can be transplanted later at the newlywed’s home, symbolizing putting down roots and strength within the marriage.
Red string
Originating in East Asia red string is wrapped and tied around the little fingers. The two people connected by the red thread are destined lovers, regardless of time, place, or circumstances. This magical cord may stretch or tangle, but never break.
Hand joining
Hand joining is very similar to the finger cord.
Chocolate
By sharing chocolate with one other, you promise to always be present for each other, in darkness and light, in sweet and bitter, in dismal and delicious.
Tasting of the 4 elements
The tasting of the 4 elements represent the sour, the bitter, the hot, and the sweet times of marriage.
Foot washing Ceremony
While this seems to be a very odd ceremony, it is deep with tradition and spirituality. Christian based, many people have different views on the symbolization here.
Wine lock box
During this ceremony couples will nail a bottle of wine from their wedding day into a wooden box. Many times they will also place love letters to one another inside the box. This box is then opened at their one-year anniversary, 5 year, 10 year. Sometimes it is to be opened during rough patches within the relationship to remind one another of the love they share.
Photo by Jacquelynn Brynn
Below are some very creative, fun new ways to unit one another!
Unity cocktail
Unity Sandwich anyone?
Umm Log cutting?
The options available are endless. Try not to limit yourself. Whichever way you choose to go, traditional, religious, or something totally unique.
Dove Release
Crozier Photography
Weddings happened to bring out a range of emotions from happiness, excitement, love, and anticipation but on that same note; weddings can bring out pain and sadness of a loved one not being present at your wedding. It can be hard to try to fathom them not being there. I find it important to make them a part of your special day. A part of your day that you can smile at and remember how blessed you are to have had them in life.
One way is leaving an open seat for them, placing a flower, pictures, a hat or flag.
This beautiful bride wrote a message to her loved ones in heaven and released the balloon into the sky for them
These special couples chose to release butterflies.
Some other ways to remember and honor our loved ones is simply incorporating things they loved, besides you of course.
Share a drink with the departed in the form of a single drink or a toast.
Many individuals may not want to focus too much in their memory, it could be just too soon or sensitive. There are still so many ways to add little touches.
Many couples might be afraid to incorporate a loved in fear of bringing down the mood or afraid of turning their wedding into a funeral atmosphere. With a little bit of creativity you can incorporate your loved one with smiles and celebration. These are only a few ideas that are out there, don’t limit yourself, ideas can come in many forms. Our Elegant Affairs team is standing by if you need help in making your ideas come to life.
