Mary Carey Seavey

NEW HAMPSHIRE JUSTICE OF THE PEACE

New Hampshire Wedding and Elopement Services
Cell: 978-314-3456   | Home: 603-447-2424  | Work: 603-356-9331
maryseavey-jp@msn.com

Examples of Additions You Can Add to Your Wedding Ceremony

The unity candle represents your new life as one inseparable couple. Lighting the unity candle together is symbolic of joining your lives, and symbolizes the very essence of the wedding ceremony. The taper candles are ignited, usually by the Mother of the Bride and the Mother of the Groom) and then together, the Bride and Groom use the two single candles to light the center candle.

Each of you begins with a taper candle that represents you as an individual, that has been lit by the Mothers. The unity candle (usually a large pillar candle) represents your new life together. Together you light the unity candle, symbolizing the joining of your lives. Just as it is impossible to split the flame, so your two lives are joined into one. Either both of you leave your own candles lit, signifying that you also remain individuals, or both of you blow out your individual candles symbolizing your total commitment to your marriage.
Note: The Officiate explains the meaning to your guests.
Like the unity candle, the sand is used in uniting of the couple. As the two vials of different colored sand are poured into one, they flow together symbolizing the joining of he couple as they share their first experience of unity together. The newly formed union is represented by the intertwined pattern of colored sand created by the couple.
Note: Different colored sea glass can also be used in place of sand. This is also a great ceremony when there are children, as each child also has a colored sand, and pours theirs to join the family together.
Although this ceremony is traditionally of Jewish origin, many couples choose to incorporate it into traditional and non-traditional ceremonies.

Of all the symbolic acts of a Jewish wedding, perhaps the most well-known and well-loved is breaking the glass. After a series of blessings, the wedding ceremony’s serious mood lifts when the groom stomps on a glass or, in some communities both bride and groom stomp together. Then boom, shouts of mazel tov, the ceremony is over, and it’s time to get this party started!

 
The cord ceremony comes from practices that were prevalent in Scotland and Ireland centuries ago. In olden times rings were not always exchanged during a marriage ceremony. My variation on this ceremony is to have three cords of different colors braided during ceremony.  The braided rope is then wrapped around the couples hands, and formed into a knot.  It is then to remain tied and be kept in the home to remind the couple of their vows to each other. This braided rope was used to bind the couple together into the bonds of marriage.
Note: This is also where the saying tying the knot comes from.
This wedding celebration is a joining of two unique families who stood separate until today. The giving of a single rose to the others family, representing the coming together of the two families and their visible commitment to each other.

Placed at the end of the wedding ceremony just after the couple’s “I Do’s”. Roses are considered a symbol of love and a single rose is honoring that love. The Groom and Bride take a single rose, and, together, present them to each mother (and/or step-mother), offering the mothers kisses if they wish. This may be done while a musical selection is played.

Ask Me About Other Ceremonies such as Wine Box, Tree Planting, all Customized any way you want!