Weddings by Tamara - Calgary Alberta Marriage Commissioner
Phone: 403.463.6918 / Email: weddingsbytamara@shaw.ca
©2010 Weddings by Tamara
CEREMONIES
CUSTOMIZED MARRIAGE CEREMONIES ~ PRIVATE ELOPEMENTS
LEGALIZE MARRIAGE FOR DESTINATION CEREMONIES
Blended Family Vow Ceremony
Blended families are extremely common and many wish to include the children in the ceremony. During this ceremony, vows are spoken from the partner entering the new family. These vows are spoken directly to the child(ren) and speak of guidance, role modeling and encouragement, support and love. You may wish to present the child(ren) with a small symbolic gift (it does not have to be expensive-just meaningful!) after the vows have been shared. Many couples also wish to incorporate the sand ceremony afterwards to include the children even further.
Breaking of the Glass
Breaking of the glass is a tradition in which the glass or light bulb wrapped in cloth is stepped on by the Groom at the end of the ceremony. Traditionally, this represents both the permanence and frailty of marriage. Mazel tov!
Hand Ceremony
The hand ceremony is a hand blessing symbolically bringing two hearts together. It focuses on love, friendship, encouragement and connection to one another’s heart.
Hand Binding Ceremony
Tying the knot is a term we have inherited to describe the marriage of a man to a woman, its ancient roots can be traced back to the tradition of "hand fasting" and today is often referred to as "hand binding". Around the 15th century the "Clans of Scotland" followed closely by English citizens used the tradition of hand fasting", to symbolize the joining of two as one.
Rose Ceremony
The Rose Ceremony is designed for the couple to offer a rose (or flower of choice) as first gift as married couple. This is a promise of commitment to providing this gift to one another on each wedding anniversary as a reminder of the love and joy felt on the wedding day.
Rose Ceremony to Mothers
The Rose Ceremony to Mothers of the couple is a beautiful way to pay tribute to the women who have helped to bring you to this moment. it is the perfect way to show your love, appreciation and respect for your mother.
Sand Ceremony
The Sand Ceremony comes from Native tradition. It is a beautiful and meaningful addition to vows. After the signing of the Alberta Marriage License, the couple each takes a vase of sand and pours the sand into larger container. Simply find three containers. You MAY wish to leave a small amount of sand in each of the two smaller vases to symbolize that although you are now symbolically joined as one, each remain individuals. You may also wish to have pebbles or rocks at the bottom of the larger container symbolizing a solid fountain of your marriage.
The Sand Ceremony is TERRIFIC for Blended Family Ceremonies. It allows the children to pour their own sand into the central vase and allows them to feel more involved in the ceremony.
Stone Ceremony
The Stone Ceremony usually involves using highly polished small stones. The stones are presented to guests, family and the wedding party on their arrival. This is yet another great way to involve everyone present.
The guests hold these stones and make a loving wish for the couple’s life together. Some couples provide felt tipped pens for the guests and family to write their names and to add their wish.
The stones are then collected and placed in a container as a memento.
Unity Candle Ceremony
The Unity Candle Ceremony recognizes the light of love that burns at the heart of every family. Using taper candles to light the "unity" candle, recognizes the joining together of lives, families, and loved ones through the marriage
The Unity Candle Ceremony honors the joining of couples and their families. As part of this service, the Bride and Groom may have one or more of their family members, such as their mothers, each light a candle. The couple then use these candles to light the Unity candle.
The Memorial Candle Ceremony honors deceased family members. In remembrance of departed loved ones, a single candle or votive is remains lit during the ceremony.
Wine Ceremony
The Wine Ceremony is a symbolic ceremony representing two persons becoming one in such that the couple drinks from the same cup. The wine of your choice is poured into a carafe and is placed on the signing table to breathe through the ceremony. After the Alberta Marriage License is signed, the ceremony takes place. Get creative if you wish! The cup may be a chalice, goblet or funky wine glass of your choosing.
