Wendy and Paul came to see me last November about officiating their intimate family wedding on May 4, 2012 at the Ruth's Chris Steakhouse in Cary. It is a lovely facility and upstairs there is a private room where we held the ceremony and a private dining area outside the room for the delicious dinner reception.
We got their candles and the sand ceremony set up and then began the ceremony.
Wendy processed in followed by Paul. I welcomed the guests and opened with a prayer. Then we passed "blessing stones" around for the guests to infuse with their blessings for Paul and Wendy during the ceremony.
I am lighting the Source candle from which the flame will be passed to the other candles which represent all family members who have departed the earth but will be forever in the hearts and memories of their loved ones.
After Paul and Wendy lit a candle, each guest was asked to come forth and light a candle. The transfer candle they are using is one that Wendy and Paul got in a little church in Italy for this occasion.
Paul had written sweet words he read to Wendy's daughters, Melissa and Danielle.
Wendy tells Paul's son, Brian, and his daugther, Chandi, how important they are in the family created today.
We also recognized Wendy's parents and the couple's siblings who were present and thanked them for their loving presence in their lives.
They each had written special vows to each other which they read from my book and sealed them with their rings.
Then it was time for the family unity sand ceremony. Paul and Wendy pour in 1/2 of their sand making two individual layers.
Danielle poured in all her sand.
Melissa was next to pour in her sand.
Paul's daughter, Chandi, put in her sand.
Brian added his sand and the vase was getting nearly full.
Paul and Wendy then blended the remainder of their sand together for the final layer but did not get it all in.
The idea was to put the stones that the guests had infused blessings into on top of the sand, but there was no room so they put the stones in another container. Wendy and Paul can scoop out some of the sand when they get home and add the stones.
"It is my pleasure and my honor to now pronounce you husband and wife!"
"I invite you all to come forth and offer your congratulations to the newlywed couple!"
Wendy and Paul, it is my great honor to join you together in marriage. May God bless you with abundance and prosperity!
