A Candlelit Ceremony

So by now, I think you all have realized that I'm not a truly traditional person. While I respect (and love) some antiquated traditions, I HATE doing things because they are "the standard" as much as I HATE doing things because I'm told to.

Which is why I'm not a fan of Catholic weddings. Or churches. Or music stipulations. Or Archdiocesan rules. But alas, that's all fodder for many, many more posts to come. :)

I'd really like to personalize the ceremony, which is no small task, considering who I'm up against. But, a post I came across from a fellow Chicago Catholic bride has given me hope. And inspiration. And I'd like to rip off her idea. Because I love it. So many thanks to The Everyday Bride!

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This is a bride's recounting of "an extended unity candle ceremony":

"We lit our unity candles and then the officiant said a few words about how everyone in the room helped us as a couple become who we are and helped us to the point we were at that day and we wanted to honor that in sharing the flame of our unity candle. Brett and I then lit a long fireplace match from the candle and together lit each person on the end in the front row's candles. They then shared it backwards from there. To conserve time, the ushers also lit up the aisle. They only had them lit through our vows and then we did rings and kissed and blew them out after the recessional... "

And this is the ceremony for a group blessing:

"Each of you are here today because you bring something special to the lives of M. and D. Some of you have known one or both of them for years - and some of you are meeting one of them for the very first time today. But whether you’re an old friend or a newly acquired relation, you have a special place in their hearts. Likewise, you have a special purpose. As beloved family and friends, it is you to whom they’ll turn in the coming years, whether in joy or in sorrow. It is you with whom they’ll share their happiness, and you to whom they’ll bring their pain. You will watch their marriage mature; you will watch their children grow.And when hard times come, and the loving support of friends and family is needed, M. and D. hope to be able to turn to you, just as they will turn to each other."
"And so they ask that you commit to them, as they are committing to one another. That just as they pledge to support and protect the other, you pledge to support and protect their relationship, today and always."

"When prompted, please answer “We do”."

"They ask: Do you offer this man and woman your blessing as husband and wife?"

"Please say, we do.
(We do.)"

"And do you offer their marriage your support, as loving friends and family?"

"Please say, we do.
(We do.)"

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I LOVE it! Now if only I can get our church to agree to it...

A Style Post

Okay, I think you've all seen enough of the crazy inner-workings of my mind.

What can I say, I'm a creative type. We bounce. We fluctuate. We obsess. We lose interest quickly. Meh.

Anywhoodle, below are some stylish-type details that I just love. :) I think that these small details really help set the mood of an event. Plus, if done correctly, they don't have to cost a lot of money (despite what the bridal industry leads you to believe!).

Wreaths for the ceremony doors:



Completely superfluous? Yes. Delicious? Absolutely!! These has sort of been an obsession of mine since we got engaged, and I don't really know why. Michaels, aka my second home, had a huge sale on floral stems (50% off!). So, I indulged and purchased enough to make two wreaths. Last year, I was able to pick up these amazing thin silver letters, covered in pearls. They're pretty hard to picture, so I'll just leave you to your imagination. I bought one set of our monogram, figuring I would use them somewhere. Then, a month ago, they had them again! I knew it was a sign, and picked up a second set. The best part? They're $1 a piece!

As soon as I get to Tom's and charge my camera, I'll embark upon the wreath journey, taking pictures so I can share with all of you :)

Okay, now tables.

I like this:



And I LOVE these:



Well, maybe not the tall candles, but I love the silver bases :)

And this:



It's just so simple and pretty :)

And of course, this, which I've showed you before:



I'm picturing candles. TONS of candles on the tables. Especially if we use the rectangular tables. For what, $10 a table, we'll have tons of candlelight? Can't beat that!