his being one of the most memorable days of your life you may choose to enhance the beauty and composure of your ceremony by having Capt. Gordon perform one of the delightful and symbolic wedding traditions.

The lovely “Unity Candle” is probably the most common ritual done at weddings (aside from the exchanging of rings).  It's done with at least two thin tapered candles and one larger center candle, also called a 'unity' candle. It is aptly named because it symbolizes the unity of the couple-the merging of their two lives.   This can be done a few different ways.  The simplest way is to have the minister light the two tapered candles before the ceremony.  When the ceremony calls for it, the minister moves aside, the couple steps up and each takes a tapered candle, lighting the center one together.

The delightful “Sand Blending” Ceremony is a typical alternative to doing the popular Unity Candle Ceremony especially if the wedding is to be held near the seaside or on the outer decks of a yacht. Pouring two bottles of different colored sand into a larger bottle or vase performs the Sand Blending Ceremony, creating a dramatic affect, symbolizing the merging together of two lives.

Red roses are a symbol of love, the giving of a single red rose is a clear and unmistakable way of saying the words "I love you." For this reason it is fitting that the first gift a couple should exchange, as husband and wife be the gift of a single red rose. This wonderful ceremony is inserted just before being pronounced husband and wife.

When a couple marries, it isn’t just the joining of two lives together; it is the coming together of families, as well. “Honoring Children” is perfect for the couples that have a young child or children that will be part of their union. It includes a few words from the parents and the giving of a special gift such as a necklace or other symbolic token of their love.

The Wine Ceremony or the “Cup of Life” includes the sharing of a glass of wine at the end of the ring exchange. It contains within it a wine with certain properties that are sweet and symbolic of life’s journey and its trials and tribulations.

The very traditional breaking of the glass at the end of a wedding ceremony serves to remind of two very important aspects of a marriage. It is an IRREVOCABLE ACT - just as permanent and final, as the breaking of the glass is unchangeable. It also is a warning of the FRAILTY of a marriage. This wonderful symbolic act is performed just before the marriage is sealed with a kiss.

You may wish to have a friend or relative step up to say a few words, either by reading a poem, scripture or other inspiring words of your choice. Explore the links to view some sample readings. Or give me a call to view my "Seaside Ceremony" and other ceremony samples. Congatulations on your up coming wedding day and happy planning!   Capt. Gordon W Arnold

Traditional Wedding Options Note: The below optional wedding traditions are generaly inserted just after the the ring ceremony Unity Candle Sand Blending Rose Exchange Honoring Children Wine Ceremony Breaking of the Glass            Poems  Readings

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