Happy Ever After

Interfaith Ceremony, Non-religious Ceremony

Christian (no denomination)

No

Finding an Officiant:Hire your wedding officiant early in the wedding planning process. This will allow him/her to be more prepared to officiate your wedding. It will also give you a better opportunity to secure a high-quality officiant before someone else books him/her for your wedding date. And an experienced, high-quality officiant can often help you secure other high-quality vendors for your wedding. If you don't already have a relationship with this person—consider whether you like his/her style and whether you would enjoy working with this person. Remember—your officiant performs the most important service at the wedding. He or she is the one who will officially pronounce you man and wife, which is the sole reason for the big event in the first place (don't lose sight of this!). You should feel comfortable inviting this person to share such an intimate moment in your life. A few Traditions:Unity Candle CeremonyThe Unity Candle Ceremony consists of the lighting of one candle from two separate candles held by the bride and groom. This ceremony symbolizes the union of two lives into one. Creative variations can be added to the ceremony, such as the mothers of the bride and groom, or any designated member of the wedding party, lighting the candles after they walk down the isle or during the ceremony. The couple may keep the candle (some re-light the candle each year on their anniversary).Breaking of the GlassThe breaking of the glass at the end of a wedding ceremony usually is reserved for Jewish ceremonies. However, it is a beautiful ending to any wedding. “Breaking the glass serves to remind us of two very important aspects of a marriage. The bride and groom - and everyone - should consider these marriage vows as an IRREVOCABLE ACT - just as permanent and final as the breaking of this glass is unchangeable. But the breaking of the glass also is a warning of the FRAILTY of a marriage. That sometimes a single thoughtless act, breech of trust, or infidelity can damage a marriage in ways that are very difficult to undo - just as it would be so difficult to undo the breaking of this glass. Knowing that this marriage is permanent, the bride and groom should strive to show each other the love and respect befitting their spouse and love of their life."Children Services Many couples are remarrying and want to include their children in the ceremony. There are numerous ways this may be done. Ask us about the Family Medallion Ceremony.Flower Ceremony This is a family/friends ceremony. Each designated person comes up and places a different flower in a vase to create a garden of love.Hands CeremonyA recent favorite of many couples. A three to five minute ceremony in which the officiant uses the phrasing, "These are the hands that...." in order to create a preliminary set of vows (although this is often used in place of traditional vows).Honoring the MothersA brief reading is done and then the bride and/or groom present their mother(s) with a small gift (flowers usually).Silent Blessing and Moment of RemembranceBoth are small blessings/readings honoring the deceased. They may include specific names or a general statement.Ribbon Ceremony/HandfastingThe ancient Celts tied the hands of the bride and groom. The officiant loosely binds the hands together. They remain that way for the rest of the ceremony.Rose CeremonyA symbolic ceremony using roses, the symbol of love. The couples who have chosen this have described it as an extremely beautiful and moving ceremony.Support from Families ServiceParents become part of the introduction to the vows. The officiant asks who brings this couple to be wed.Wine or Water Ceremony The couple share a cup of wine or water while the officiant says a blessing and a reading.Jumping The BroomThere are many different versions of this ritual which involves the couple jumping over the broom. Essentially, the jumping of the broom is a symbol of sweeping away of the old and welcoming the new, or a symbol of a new beginning.Anything You Want!Do you have your own wedding ideas? We will incorporate anything you want into the ceremony so that it is the most magical event of your life. From This Day Forward From this day forward, let us laugh together, and plan together, let us find our favorite places, and go together... Let us enjoy the sunshine, and the rain, being alone together, and in crowds together... From this day forward, together, Let us love!A Tender Blessing,Rev. Ida-May Hansonwww.happyeverafterlife.cominfo@happyeverafterlife.com317-341-1121317-575-6267