Deidra Gray-Breijo

Unity Ceremonies

There are many traditional ceremonies than can be included within the Ceremony, some of the most popular are:

  • Candle Lighting Ceremony - This involves 3 candles that are placed on the altar table. A family member from each side of the Bride and Groom is invited to light the two outer candles at the beginning of the ceremony. Once the ceremony is near the end, and the Bride and Groom have been joined in matrimony, the couple each light the center candle which represents the unity of families.

  • Sand Ceremony - Similar in meaning to the Candle Lighting Ceremony, however, instead of 3 candles there are 3 glass cylinders. The outer two cylinders contain different colored sand. They are poured by the Bride and Groom into the one center cylinder, thus representing the blending of the families. This ceremony is a good alternative to the candle lighting ceremony, when the wedding is held outdoors and the weather is windy. It avoids the possibility of the candles blowing out.

  • Wine Ceremony - Two glasses of wine are blended together, usually one red and one white wine, to make a rosé. The blending of the wine, once again, represents the blending and unity of the families.

  • Ceremony of Gratitude - A gift, a rose or a bouquet of flowers is presented to the mothers of the Bride and Groom to honor them. This is a surprise for the moms and it is a lovely and emotional start to the ceremony.

  • Hand Fasting - This is where two friends or family members loosely tie the Bride and Groom's hands together with ribbon, and as they do this, a very beautiful reading of "These Hands" is recited.

  • Honey Ritual - Prior to the ceremony, the mother of the Bride places honey inside a small heirloom pot or a cherished pot of some kind. After the vows are exchanged, both mothers will each give the Bride and Groom a small taste of the honey - this is an old Persian tradition and is performed to give the couple their first taste of sweetness in their new life together.

  • Rose Petal Ceremony - A family member from each side of the Bride and Groom's family will combine rose petals, usually red and white in color ( the red petals symbolize love, and white petals symbolizes the purity of their love) and they sprinkle the petals over the Bride and Groom before they walk down the aisle for the recessional.

"Thank you so much for your part in making our wedding such a smashing success! I had several people comment on what a wonderful job you did officiating, and more importantly, Jacob and I were thrilled with your work. Your warmth set just the right tone and your professionalism allowed us both to relax, knowing we were in competent hands."
~ Jacob and Laurel - Private Home, Brentwood