Virginia Wedding Officiants

Sand Ceremony

The Sand Ceremony, a profound ritual, is a powerful symbol of a blended family. It signifies the merging of two distinct lives into one harmonious union.

Version 1

BRIDE’S NAME and GROOM’S NAME, today you unite your separate lives. These two bottles of sand symbolize your individuality, your families, and your unique friendships. They represent all that you are and all that you will be. They also symbolize your lives before this moment, filled with love and commitment.

As these two containers of sand are poured into the third container, the individual containers of sand will no longer exist but will be joined together as one. Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into individual containers, so will your marriage.

Version 2

GROOM’S NAME and BRIDE’S NAME, you have just sealed your relationship by the giving and receiving of rings, and this is a pledge between two people who agree that they will commit themselves to one another throughout their lives.

Today, this relationship is also symbolized through the pouring of these two individual containers of sand. One represents you, GROOM’S NAME, and One Represents you, BRIDE’S NAME, and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be.

As these two containers of sand are poured into the third container, the individual containers of sand will no longer exist but will be joined together as one.
Just as these grains of sand can never be separated, our prayer for you today is that your lives together would be blended like the seven seas, and may your love swirl around each other like the changing tides.

Version 3

Today, this relationship is symbolized through the pouring of these two individual containers of sand.

One represents your groom’s NAME and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be, and the other represents your BRIDE’S NAME and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be.

As these two containers of sand are poured into the third container, the individual containers of sand will no longer exist but will be joined together as one.

Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into individual containers, so will your marriage.

Version 4

Three colors of sand are layered in a vase to symbolize the importance of the individuals within the marriage and the joining of the two lives into one entity.

The sculpture begins with a layer of neutral sand to symbolize the marriage is grounded.

The following layers are the individual colors representing the BRIDE’S NAME and groom’s NAME, which symbolize that the foundation of the marriage is based on the strength of the individuals.

The final layer is the BRIDE’S NAME and groom’s NAME’s colors combined to symbolize the joining of their lives as one in marriage.

Version 5

BRIDE’S NAME and GROOM’S NAME, today you are making a life-long commitment to share the rest of your lives with each other and honor your children as well.

Your family relationship is symbolized through the pouring of these individual containers of sand; one representing you, BRIDE’S NAME and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be, one representing you, GROOM’S NAME, and all that you were and all that you are, and all that you will ever be and another container for each child.

Some children will share in this marriage.

The gathering of this new family will have a profound influence on them.
We realize that for the home to be a happy one, it is essential that there be love and understanding between the children and the adults being married.

As you each hold your sand, the separate containers represent your individual and unique lives to this moment.

As you combine your sand, your lives also become one family.

You may blend the sand together, symbolizing the uniting of the children and BRIDE’S NAME and GROOM’S NAME into one.

Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into individual containers, so will your marriage and family.

Version 6

Four colors of sand are layered in a vase to symbolize the importance of the individuals within the marriage and the joining of the two lives into one entity.
The sculpture begins with a layer from each mother, symbolizing that the marriage is grounded by each family.

The following layers are the individual colors representing BRIDE’S NAME and GROOM’S NAME, which symbolizes that the foundation of the marriage is based on the strength of each other as individuals.

The final layer is the colors of the BRIDE’S NAME and groom’s NAME combined to symbolize the joining of their lives as one in marriage.

Version 7

Each of you in attendance this evening was asked to be here because you hold a special place in GROOM’S NAME’s and BRIDE’S NAME’s life.

You came to honor and witness their love and commitment. GROOM’S NAME and BRIDE’S NAME wanted to make each of you a tangible part of this ceremony. Therefore, as each of you arrived this evening and entered this sacred space, you were asked to spoon a small amount of white sand into a container.

They chose white sand because of the purity of your love and support for them and their family.
GROOM’S NAME and BRIDE’S NAME have chosen varying shades of blue sand for themselves and their Children’s names.

Each shade of blue represents each one of them.

These blues represent the peace and calm they feel when together. They represent the ocean waters, which are deep, mysterious, and beautiful.
Water that sustains all of life…
Water is a great conductor of energy…
Water is a simple element that can change and adapt to any form or environment.

I ask you, GROOM’S NAME and BRIDE’S NAME, to pour some of your sand into the container because your marriage is the foundation of your family.

Now, I ask that (CHILDREN’S NAMES) join you in pouring their sand with yours to create a beautiful flow of love and energy.

Lastly, I will fill the container with more white sand.

This white sand stands for Universal Love…
A love that is eternal and never-ending.
(FAMILY NAMES) please hold hands.
I ask all in attendance to join me in a prayer of blessing upon this beautiful family.

Version 8
BRIDE’S NAME and GROOM’S NAME, today you are making a life-long commitment to share the rest of your lives with each other.

Your relationship is symbolized through the pouring of these individual containers of sand; one representing you, BRIDE’S NAME and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be, and the other representing you, GROOM’S NAME, and all that you were and all that you are, and all that you will ever be.

As you each hold your sand, the separate containers represent your lives to this moment, individual and unique. As you now combine your sand, your lives also join together as one family.

At this time, I would invite the parents of BRIDE’S NAME and GROOM’S NAME to come forward. These four vials of sand represent the BRIDE’S NAME and groom’s NAME and each family.

You may now blend the sand together, symbolizing the uniting of the two families into one.
Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into individual containers, so will your marriage and family.

Version 9

Parents, today you are making a life-long commitment to share the rest of your lives with each other and honor your children as well.

Your family relationship is symbolized through the pouring of these individual containers of sand, one representing each one of you, all that you are, and all that you will ever be.

Some children will share in this marriage. The gathering of this new family will profoundly influence them.

We realize that for the home to be a happy one, it is essential that there be love and understanding between the children and the adults being married.

As you each hold your sand, the separate containers represent your individual and unique lives to this moment.

As you combine your sand, your lives also join together as one family.

You may now blend the sand together, symbolizing the uniting of the children and GROOM’S NAME/BRIDE’S NAME into one.

Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into individual containers, so will your marriage and family. With this marriage, these two families are joined.

(To the kids:)
Each of you is now a resource into which, as family members, you may come throughout your lifetimes for direction, meaning, and love.

Your Parents strive to provide the basic needs and a nurturing and loving environment in which each of you can reach the highest goals of your hearts, minds, and spirits.

This is part of their vision of your family. Do you each accept the responsibility of playing an essential part in building this family and forever contributing your best efforts to maintain its closeness and strength?

If so, say, “We do.”

Sand Ceremony

The Sand Ceremony, a profound ritual, is a powerful symbol of a blended family. It signifies the merging of two distinct lives into one harmonious union.

Version 1

BRIDE’S NAME and GROOM’S NAME, today you unite your separate lives. These two bottles of sand symbolize your individuality, your families, and your unique friendships. They represent all that you are and all that you will be. They also symbolize your lives before this moment, filled with love and commitment.

As these two containers of sand are poured into the third container, the individual containers of sand will no longer exist but will be joined together as one. Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into individual containers, so will your marriage.

Version 2

GROOM’S NAME and BRIDE’S NAME, you have just sealed your relationship by the giving and receiving of rings, and this is a pledge between two people who agree that they will commit themselves to one another throughout their lives.

Today, this relationship is also symbolized through the pouring of these two individual containers of sand. One represents you, GROOM’S NAME, and One Represents you, BRIDE’S NAME, and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be.

As these two containers of sand are poured into the third container, the individual containers of sand will no longer exist but will be joined together as one.
Just as these grains of sand can never be separated, our prayer for you today is that your lives together would be blended like the seven seas, and may your love swirl around each other like the changing tides.

Version 3

Today, this relationship is symbolized through the pouring of these two individual containers of sand.

One represents your groom’s NAME and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be, and the other represents your BRIDE’S NAME and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be.

As these two containers of sand are poured into the third container, the individual containers of sand will no longer exist but will be joined together as one.

Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into individual containers, so will your marriage.

Version 4

Three colors of sand are layered in a vase to symbolize the importance of the individuals within the marriage and the joining of the two lives into one entity.

The sculpture begins with a layer of neutral sand to symbolize the marriage is grounded.

The following layers are the individual colors representing the BRIDE’S NAME and groom’s NAME, which symbolize that the foundation of the marriage is based on the strength of the individuals.

The final layer is the BRIDE’S NAME and groom’s NAME’s colors combined to symbolize the joining of their lives as one in marriage.

Version 5

BRIDE’S NAME and GROOM’S NAME, today you are making a life-long commitment to share the rest of your lives with each other and honor your children as well.

Your family relationship is symbolized through the pouring of these individual containers of sand; one representing you, BRIDE’S NAME and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be, one representing you, GROOM’S NAME, and all that you were and all that you are, and all that you will ever be and another container for each child.

Some children will share in this marriage.

The gathering of this new family will have a profound influence on them.
We realize that for the home to be a happy one, it is essential that there be love and understanding between the children and the adults being married.

As you each hold your sand, the separate containers represent your individual and unique lives to this moment.

As you combine your sand, your lives also become one family.

You may blend the sand together, symbolizing the uniting of the children and BRIDE’S NAME and GROOM’S NAME into one.

Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into individual containers, so will your marriage and family.

Version 6

Four colors of sand are layered in a vase to symbolize the importance of the individuals within the marriage and the joining of the two lives into one entity.
The sculpture begins with a layer from each mother, symbolizing that the marriage is grounded by each family.

The following layers are the individual colors representing BRIDE’S NAME and GROOM’S NAME, which symbolizes that the foundation of the marriage is based on the strength of each other as individuals.

The final layer is the colors of the BRIDE’S NAME and groom’s NAME combined to symbolize the joining of their lives as one in marriage.

Version 7

Each of you in attendance this evening was asked to be here because you hold a special place in GROOM’S NAME’s and BRIDE’S NAME’s life.

You came to honor and witness their love and commitment. GROOM’S NAME and BRIDE’S NAME wanted to make each of you a tangible part of this ceremony. Therefore, as each of you arrived this evening and entered this sacred space, you were asked to spoon a small amount of white sand into a container.

They chose white sand because of the purity of your love and support for them and their family.
GROOM’S NAME and BRIDE’S NAME have chosen varying shades of blue sand for themselves and their Children’s names.

Each shade of blue represents each one of them.

These blues represent the peace and calm they feel when together. They represent the ocean waters, which are deep, mysterious, and beautiful.
Water that sustains all of life…
Water is a great conductor of energy…
Water is a simple element that can change and adapt to any form or environment.

I ask you, GROOM’S NAME and BRIDE’S NAME, to pour some of your sand into the container because your marriage is the foundation of your family.

Now, I ask that (CHILDREN’S NAMES) join you in pouring their sand with yours to create a beautiful flow of love and energy.

Lastly, I will fill the container with more white sand.

This white sand stands for Universal Love…
A love that is eternal and never-ending.
(FAMILY NAMES) please hold hands.
I ask all in attendance to join me in a prayer of blessing upon this beautiful family.

Version 8
BRIDE’S NAME and GROOM’S NAME, today you are making a life-long commitment to share the rest of your lives with each other.

Your relationship is symbolized through the pouring of these individual containers of sand; one representing you, BRIDE’S NAME and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be, and the other representing you, GROOM’S NAME, and all that you were and all that you are, and all that you will ever be.

As you each hold your sand, the separate containers represent your lives to this moment, individual and unique. As you now combine your sand, your lives also join together as one family.

At this time, I would invite the parents of BRIDE’S NAME and GROOM’S NAME to come forward. These four vials of sand represent the BRIDE’S NAME and groom’s NAME and each family.

You may now blend the sand together, symbolizing the uniting of the two families into one.
Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into individual containers, so will your marriage and family.

Version 9

Parents, today you are making a life-long commitment to share the rest of your lives with each other and honor your children as well.

Your family relationship is symbolized through the pouring of these individual containers of sand, one representing each one of you, all that you are, and all that you will ever be.

Some children will share in this marriage. The gathering of this new family will profoundly influence them.

We realize that for the home to be a happy one, it is essential that there be love and understanding between the children and the adults being married.

As you each hold your sand, the separate containers represent your individual and unique lives to this moment.

As you combine your sand, your lives also join together as one family.

You may now blend the sand together, symbolizing the uniting of the children and GROOM’S NAME/BRIDE’S NAME into one.

Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into individual containers, so will your marriage and family. With this marriage, these two families are joined.

(To the kids:)
Each of you is now a resource into which, as family members, you may come throughout your lifetimes for direction, meaning, and love.

Your Parents strive to provide the basic needs and a nurturing and loving environment in which each of you can reach the highest goals of your hearts, minds, and spirits.

This is part of their vision of your family. Do you each accept the responsibility of playing an essential part in building this family and forever contributing your best efforts to maintain its closeness and strength?

If so, say, “We do.”

Step One ... Agree on what matters
Step Two ... determine options
Step Three ... Trust

👉Trust in your communication skills.
👉 Trust that effort in creating a give-and-take can help you and your spouse come to a joint decision.
👉 Trust that is this a process that takes practice.
👉 Trust that you may need a coach to help you in this process.

Step One was deciding what matters
Step Two - outline available options by:
👉 dividing what you need to do to come to a decision: e.g. "I look up the cost of a new freezer while you look into the cost of repair." or I'll check out the cost of camping, you check out the cost of going to the beach for vacation.
👉 share your findings.
Yes, communication skills are necessary again.

Call Discovery Counseling if you need help building strong communication skills.

Lots of factors go into our decisions: preferences, values, finances, time, roles, responsibilities, and the list goes on.
Step One in making resentment-free decisions is:
👉 first, decide what matters to you personally and what matters to your spouse.
👉 together, share your thoughts and list.
👉 use reflective listening to talk about your lists.
Utilizing good communication skills is essential.

Dennis Gowin is a certified prepare and enrich facilitator who can help you improve your communication skills.

Did you know that the average adult makes 35,000 choices per day? Assuming you are awake for 17 hours, that's roughly 2,000 decisions per hour or one decision every two seconds.

That's a lot!
How do you make decisions? How about your partner? Are you both on the same page?

Check back for 3 tips on how to make resentment-free decisions together as a couple.

Some thoughts

Lydia Mountain was a great place for a wedding. Remarkable views and wonderful accommodations!

Having Fun ?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dV2BfjkP6fU

Bride Can't Stop Laughing During Wedding Vows http://www.BestWeddingDances.com Groom accidentally pronounces 'lawfully' as 'wawfully,' and the Bride cracks up so much that they had to take a break in the...

May the raindrops fall lightly on your brow
May the soft winds freshen your spirit
May the sunshine brighten your heart
May the burdens of the day rest lightly upon you
And may God enfold you in the mantle of His love.
May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
and the rain fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again my friend
May God hold you in the palm of his hand
May God be with you and bless you
May you see your children’s children
May you be poor in misfortunes and rich in Blessings
May you know nothing but happiness from this day forward
May green be the grass you walk on
May blue be the skies above you,
And from this day forward.
May the joys of today
Be those of tomorrow.

A Reading for Your Wedding

These are the hands of your partner, young and strong and full of love, holding your hands as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever. These are the hands that will work alongside yours as together you build your future. These are the hands that will hold you and comfort you in grief and uncertainty. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes, tears of sorrow and joy. These are the hands that will hold your family as one. These are the hands that will give you strength. And these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.

German Wedding Cup: Centuries ago, in old Nuermberg, Kunigunde fell in love with a goldsmith. Kunigunde’s wealthy father did not approve of this pair. Her father became so enraged that he had the young goldsmith thrown into the darkest dungeon. It did not end their love, and the father created what he thought to be an impossible task: “If your goldsmith can make a chalice from which two people can drink at the same time without spilling one single drop, I will free him and you shall become his bride.” The young goldsmith created a girl whose skirt was hollowed to serve as a cup and her raised arms held a ‘much smaller cup’ that swivels so that it could be filled and then swung towards a second drinker. The ”Bridal” or “Wedding Cup” remains a symbol; love, faithfulness and good luck await the couple who drink from this cup.

*** I _________, do promise this day to love, honor and cherish you as my wife/husband, companion, and partner. I place this ring upon your hand
as a sign of my love and fidelity.

*** I, _________, take you, ___________, to be my (wife/husband). To share all that I am and all that I have, for all time to come. And I promise to do all in my power to keep my love as deep and as strong as it is today.

*** I, __________ take you, ________ to be my (wife/husband): Your love is my anchor, Your trust is my strength, I will give you all my love from now until eternity ends, You make my life complete.

*** I will share my joy with you, that it be multiplied. I will share your pain, that it be divided. I will walk by your side as we travel together through life's changes. I will sleep in your arms and that love will be my home.

Things don't always go as planned. Funny moments may get you on the Today Show http://www.today.com/style/runaway-flower-girl-steals-show-hearts-wedding-t101256

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AiAn5INrQw

Funny Wedding Flower Girl Burgess Video (Wedding Videos, Melbourne) www.burgessvideo.com.au Celebrant: Mike Larkin Venue: Carousel (Weddings of Desire)

The Mothers’ Rose Presentation, is a sweet and touching when it’s a surprise for the Moms! You can use any flower, however the Rose is a universal symbol of love and can be easily pressed for a keepsake. (Moms love to do this!)

Usually the Mothers’ Rose Presentation comes just after the officiant’s welcome. The Officiant then tells the mothers how important they have been in the lives of their children.
The Bride and groom each present a rose to their mother-then return in front of officiant.
The flower is wrapped with a bow. You may also write notes of love and gratitude, rolled up like scrolls, and attached to the roses with a ribbon. In these letters you can tell your mothers how much they mean to you, tell them how much they have contributed to your lives, and thank them.

The Cord of Three Strands symbolizes the joining of one man and one woman by God into a marriage relationship. Marriage takes three; you, your soon to be spouse, and God. It was God who taught us to love. By keeping Him at the center of your marriage, His love will continue to bind you together as one throughout your marriage.
It can also serve as a substitute for the unity candle. This is useful for situations where candles may not be used, or may be difficult. The Cord of Three Strands works well as a substitute in outside weddings.

Is your Wedding Venue a Vineyard, think about adding a Wine Ceremony?

Through the centuries and across many cultures, wine has been a part of the wedding tradition. The first of Jesus’ miracles was the changing of water into wine during a wedding celebration. A wine ritual can be included in wedding ceremonies to accomplish several purposes. At the beginning of a ceremony, it can involve parents and signify the uniting of two families. Placed later in the ceremony, like Sand or Unity Candle ceremonies, a wine ceremony may symbolize the blending of two lives into one. By blending sweet and dry wines together, it can be used to symbolize the marriage bond that persists in times and joy and in sorrow. Regardless of how a couple chooses to use wine, it can add a touch of elegance to the moment.

A Tree Planting in your ceremony symbolizes the need for both people to nurture the marriage and make it grow. You, as a couple, plant the tree as the symbolism behind the ritual, is shared by either the officiant, a family member or member of the wedding party.

Unity Candle Lighting Two flames representing the individuals are joined to light a center candle. Each person lights a single taper candle. The couple then brings the flames together to light a larger middle candle. The tapers remain lit and are replaced in their holders to represent two coming together while maintaining individuality. This part of the ceremony can include just the couple or other family members

*** As this ring has no end, neither shall my love for you.

*** I, __________, give to you __________, this ring, as a symbol of my commitment to love, honor, and respect you.

*** _________, I offer this ring to you as a symbol of my love and of the vows I have just spoken.

*** __________: I choose you, _____________ above all others, to be my wife / husband. I offer this ring as a token of our love, and with it I join my life to yours.

* With this ring I thee wed ..... or
* You are the love of my life, and you are my very best friend
* I give you this ring to wear, as a symbol of my abiding love, My eternal faith, and my undying devotion. It is an outward reminder of our inner unity.
* I give you this ring to wear as a symbol of my abiding love, my eternal faith, and my undying devotion. It is an outward reminder of our inner unity.
* With this ring, I marry you and bind my life to yours. It is a symbol of my eternal love, my everlasting friendship, and the promise of all my tomorrows.
* This ring I give you Is a symbol of my love. I pledge to share with you my heart, My home, and all of my worldly goods.
* With this ring, I marry you: With my loving heart. With my willing body. And with my eternal soul.
* I offer my vow to you in the form of this ring, so that my word and my love, will always be with you, close to your heart.
* As a sign of my love for you, of choosing to share my whole life’s journey with you, and of my knowing that in marrying you I shall become much more than I am, I give you this ring, with the pledge
that with you, I shall become my highest expression of God, sharing the gifts that I have and I am with you and the world.
* I promise you love, honor and respect, to be faithful to you
and forsaking all others, until death do us part.
* I give you this ring that you may wear it as a reminder of my love for you.

The Unity Sand Ceremony is the pouring of two different colored sands together is used to symbolize the joining of the bride and groom or the joining of their families. Sand from the desert, a favorite beach or vacation spot also works.
Here is a great You Tube on the ceremony'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZidF3kgPPtg

How to Perform a Sand Ceremony : Wedding Planning Subscribe Now: http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=Ehow Watch More: http://www.youtube.com/Ehow A sand ceremony is a very popular type of uni...

http://southsidemessenger.com/topics-to-share-before-walking-down-the-aisle/

Topics to Share Before Walking Down the Aisle | Southside Messenger Cheryl Gowin and Dennis Gowin. Call us at our counseling practice with your feedback, comments, issues, or questions at 434-808-2637.

The Quaich Cup is unique to Scotland.. Sharing a cup was seen as a sign of trust between the people drinking from it - because it is offered and taken with both hands, the drinker could not hold a weapon at the same time and the sharing of the drink was also a guarantee that it hadn't been poisoned!

King James VI of Scotland presented a quaich to Anne of Denmark on the occasion of their marriage in 1589 and since then quaichs have often been used in wedding ceremonies. Drinking from the same cup is a lovely symbol of the love and trust between the couple. Because it is traditionally 'the cup of welcome', drinking from it can also be seen as a way of welcoming the bride and groom into each others' family too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjNoM6LQ2hs

Aberdeenshire Registrars: Quaich Ceremony One of our most popular ceremonies, this involves the couple marking their union by sharing a drink from a quaich.