Symbols of unity

   One longstanding tradition during a wedding ceremony is the lighting of the unity candle. Typically, a parent of the bride and a parent of the groom light a small candle on each side of the large middle candle before the wedding. During the ceremony, the bride and groom pick up the small candles representing their individual lives, and together light the unity candle, signifying that their lives are now together, shared as one.

   There are many other ways to symbolically show that "two become one" on the wedding day. At a recent western themed wedding, the groom made a wooden bench that he and his bride branded during the ceremony. Their guests enjoyed watching the smoke rise up from the brand, as it was burned into the wood.
   Other unity symbols I saw in 2015 wedding ceremonies included: braiding a 3 strand cord (signifying God, the husband, and the wife), binding ring hands together with a ribbon, and wrapping the bride and groom together with a lightweight cord. All beautiful symbols, each reflecting the personalities and interests of the couples.
   Most recently, a couple used a Unity Water Ceremony to celebrate that special moment. Two vases of clear liquid waited beside a large empty vase. During the unity portion of the ceremony, the bride and groom each poured the contents of their vase into the center one, which instantly created water in the primary color of their wedding. It brought a collective "Oh, wow", from the guests, and surprised exclamations from the children-especially the ring bearer and flower girl. Those responses served to make the unity ceremony that much more unique and special.
   Whatever you choose to do, or not do, during your wedding ceremony, remember that it is YOUR day, YOUR wedding. Own it, enjoy it, treasure every moment.