| SPECIAL CEREMONIES Sand Ceremony Bride and Groom, you have just sealed your relationship by the giving and receiving of rings and this covenant is a relationship pledge between two people who agree that they will commit themselves to one another. You come here today from two different families and with separate friends. Now from these families and friends a new family is created. This relationship created today will be symbolized through the pouring of these containers of sand into one. Love is the eternal force of life. It is the force that allows us to face fear and uncertainty with courage. But although you will be sharing one life, never forget you are two separate people. Cherish and affirm your differences. Love each other and keep your commitment primary. To symbolize the importance of the individuals within the marriage and the joining of two lives, 3 colors of sand will be layered into a base. (Minister pours a little sand into the bottom). We begin with a layer of neutral sand which symbolizes that the marriage is grounded. Then we layer the individual colors, symbolizing that the marriage is based on the strength of the individuals. Bride pours a little of her sand, representing all she was, all that she is today, and all that she will ever be, and Groom pours a little of his sand, representing all that he was, all that he is today, and all that he will ever be. (The Minister then adds a little more of his sand.) And now we combine the colors, which symbolizes two lives joined as one. (Bride and Groom pour the rest of their sand at the same time, mingling the colors together. The Minister then pours the neutral sand on top and holds the jar up presenting to guests. He says:) This jar will forever symbolize the union of this man and woman. May their love last longer than it would take to separate each grain of sand into their own color. Unity Candle Ceremony (When Mothers of the Bride and Groom are escorted in, they each light individual candles for the couple before being seated.) The flame has always been regarded as a symbol of life, and in this case, the spirit of two people. (b) ________________ and (g) ________________, (joined by children if desired) will now light their Unity candle symbolizing their marriage. The candles from which they light it represent their lives before today as individuals. They do not lose their identity, yet create through their commitment the relationship of marriage. They light one candle from two smaller candles as they acknowledge their union as husband and wife, also accepting the individuality of each other as a means to fulfilling their oneness, and the joining together of two families and two sets of friends. As the one light of the Unity candle cannot be divided, neither shall their lives be divided. Hands of the Bride and Groom Usually two good friends or relatives of the bride and groom other than attendants take turns reciting this slowly. [Bride's name], please face [Groom's name], and hold his hands, palms up, so you may see the gift that they are to you. These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and vibrant with love, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as he promises to love you all the days of his life. These are the hands that will work along side yours, as together you build your future, as you laugh and cry, as you share your innermost secrets and dreams. These are the hands you will place with expectant joy against your stomach, until he too, feels his child stir within you. These are the hands that look so large and strong, yet will be so gentle as he holds your baby for the first time. These are the hands that will work long hours for you and your new family. These are that hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes: tears of sorrow and tears of joy. These are the hands that will comfort you in illness, and hold you when fear or grief wrack your mind. These are the hands that will tenderly lift your chin and brush your cheek as they raise your face to look into his eyes: eyes that are filled completely with his overwhelming love and desire for you. [Groom's name], please hold [Bride's name]’s hands, palms up, where you may see the gift that they are to you. These are the hands of your best friend, smooth, young and carefree, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as she pledges her love and commitment to you all the days of her life. These are the hands that will hold each child in tender love, soothing them through illness and hurt, supporting and encouraging them along the way, and knowing when it is time to let go. These are the hands that will massage tension from you neck and back in the evenings after you’ve both had a long hard day. These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times. These are the hands that will comfort you when you are sick, or console you when you are grieving. They are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness. These are the hands that will hold you in joy and excitement and hope, each time she tells you that you are to have another child, that together you have created a new life. These are the hands that will give you support as she encourages you to reach for your dreams. Together as a team, everything you wish for can be realized. Jumping the Broom Broom sizes will vary, but it doesn't matter which you choose. If you decide to use your own broom and decorate it yourself, be sure it either coordinates with your wedding colors, or if you plan to hold on to it as a keepsake, the colors you will decorate with in your home. Using your own broom can also be a great bonding activity for the bridesmaids, perhaps the night, or week before the wedding. Feel free to use bows, flowers (artificial or real), or other trinkets to make it unique. It should be decorative, but something pleasing enough to keep in your home. Minister calls attendants and family to form a semi-circle around the couple. He then moves the broom in a circle while he tells of the origin of the broom ceremony. Minister will wave the broom over the Bride and Groom's heads as an additional blessing and then place the broom on the floor, and says a few more words. Bride and groom hold crossed hands and every one is asked to count 1, 2, 3, Jump. |
| Best wishes... and remember what is most important. Enjoy your engagement and wedding! |
| LOUISIANA COVENANT MARRIAGE OPTION Should you decide on the Covenant Marriage option, you agree to waive your right to a no-fault divorce. Should serious problems arise, only adultery, abuse, abandonment, conviction of a felony with jail time or two-year legal separation, usually with mandatory marriage counseling, will allow divorce proceedings to be heard by the Court. Premarital counseling must be obtained from some one qualified to provide it and with the ability to explain all the conditions and ramifications of a covenant marriage. Additional legal papers are required attesting to the covenant marriage option and completion of premarital with covenant law counseling. Rev. Dan agrees that ideally marriage is a life long commitment. He is qualified for both Premarital and Premarital Covenant counseling either in sessions or as single workshop. However, he feels that the "ideal" and the "law" do not support each other as currently written and couples are warned to be extremely cautious when considering a Covenant CONTRACT. |
| Other Services Offered Locally by Rev. Dan
Guest Speaking & Workshops Events are negotiated independently, most without fee. Frequent topics are Love, Self-esteem, Programming, Relationships & Sexuality, Healing, Positive Thinking, and Philosophy. “Talk Amongst Friends” These popular evenings are usually in homes where Rev. Dan can speak privately and candidly to any small group on topics chosen by the host or hostess. Meditation Rev. Dan provides meditation sessions for groups or individuals aimed at debunking myths and allowing meditation to be an easy yet effective tool for personal growth. Usually there is no fee. Relationship & Marital Issues Relationship, Pre-Marital and Covenant Marriage counseling are offered. More information available on request. Private Counseling & Therapy Personal, family or group counseling is given on a donation basis. Counseling with Hypnotherapy The donation requested for sessions range from $60 to $85 per session depending on the nature of the therapy and number of sessions needed (if more than one). |
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| . . .Selected Readings Pages 4 & 5 |
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| Suggested Readings and a Rehearsal Guide follow on Pages 4 through 6. |
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