Showing posts with label sand ceremony. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sand ceremony. Show all posts

Monday, May 6, 2013

Sand Ceremony

photo by Jim Creed Photography
While certainly no longer a novelty, the sand ceremony is relatively new to wedding "traditions," and may very well deserve to become a long standing one.  In many senses, the sand ceremony resembles the unity candle custom, where the simultaneous lighting of a central candle by the couple each using a separate candle, symbolizes the joining of two separate individuals and their families.  With the sand ceremony, the beauty of the mixing of two separate vessels of sand is that once the sand has been mixed, it is inextricably mixed forever and can never be separated, just as the couple's two lives and families will be.

photo by Kris Labang Photography

photo by Kris Labang Photography
The sand ceremony works exceptionally well in lieu of the unity candles when it comes to outdoor wedding ceremonies.  Particularly here in Hawaii, where our balmy weather entices many couples to celebrate their union in the open-air, the unity candle can be tricky to execute, where even a subtle gust of wind could blow out the candle (and what would the symbolism be behind that?!).  For couples wishing to incorporate the unity candle into their outdoor wedding ceremonies, I usually suggest the sand ceremony instead, which is impervious to the elements.


Photo by Chrissy Lambert Photography




The mixed sand also makes a beautiful keepsake following the ceremony.  Some couples will even get the vessel engraved with their names and wedding date.  A slew of beautiful sand ceremony kits are available on-line and even picture frames that can be filled with sand serve as a beautiful alternative to a glass container.
 
photo by L'amour Photo
photo by L'amour Photo
photo by L'amour Photo
If planning your own wedding, consider how you'd like to personalize your ceremony.  The sand ceremony might be a wonderful way to do so, but be sure to consult with your officiant first.  Happy planning!

Mona

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Featured Wedding #16: Tiare and Gary

Photos by Kai-Photo

They say love conquers all… but was it strong enough to bridge the differences between Gary, a die-hard Verizon Android fan, and Tiare, who can’t live without her Apple iPhone? Judging by their fun-filled wedding day at the Halekulani on July 10, 2011, our answer is a resounding yes!

This tech-savvy couple built the entire theme around their informal “rivalry.” First up were humorous shots of the ladies devouring fuzzy Droid dolls, and the groomsmen vigorously biting into green apples!

All was forgiven, however, during their romantic wedding day photo shoot on the Halekulani grounds…


or maybe not...

No matter their tech preference, no one could deny how lovely Tiare was in her form-fitting strapless gown. Crystal detailing on her neckline added subtle sparkle, while her cathedral-length veil was pure glamour. On her father's arm, she smiled all the way down the grassy aisle.

When it came time to exchange vows, the junior bridesmaid presented the couple with their phones on a silver platter so they could read the heartfelt sentiments they had stored.


Every detail of the décor was perfectly planned. Passion Roots created a lush bridal bouquet which included orchids and calla lilies in gorgeous shades of violet, while the bridesmaids’ cool green arrangements kept the look fresh.

Delicate mokara and dendrobrium orchids in impressive white box frames flanked the sand ceremony table and provided a backdrop for the vows.

The guests showed their approval as they entered the reception at the Halekulani Ballroom.

An artfully draped backdrop from REA Events, accented by delicate crystals and plum-colored mood lighting, set a stunning stage for the couple's first dance.

Dramatic, tall white trees placed on the center of the tables added dimension to the space. Strands of crystals adorned the outstretched branches and caught the candlelight. Purple satin linen made a regal statement, while the kiwi green napkins added a playful splash of color.

Extra touches enhanced the technology theme. The table numbers were displayed on Apples and Droids, and the seating assignments were printed to resemble an iPod screen. Copper wire, fashioned to look like a computer USB cord, wound through the centerpieces.

A violet-hued mokara orchid was placed at each setting, a thoughtful gesture that added a fresh spirit to the room and also welcomed guests to their seats.



After an acrobatic lion dance that got everyone’s heart pounding, guests dined on the delicious dinner buffet. For dessert, a custom-designed vegan cake appealed to the health-conscious bride.

The couple filled their program with entertainment. Trivia games kept the competitive spirit alive, Gary hammed it up as he wrapped Tiare’s garter around a Nerf football for the toss, and the hilarious Shoelywed Game had everyone laughing.

Throughout the evening, guests snapped away with their cell phone cameras and instantaneously uploaded their photos to the couple’s Facebook page, which was displayed on a large screen at the end of the Ballroom.

Not wishing to send their guests home empty-handed, Tiare and Gary provided each attendee with a vegan strawberry guava cupcake, topped with the rival OS logos.

After an evening of dancing and mingling, the bride happily embraced her new husband, sharing a sweet kiss during the last song. And most importantly, members of both the Android and Apple teams had agreed to a truce… or at least temporarily.

Congratulations, Tiare and Gary!