Today It was my honor to
officiate at the splendid wedding of Karen and James on the gulf lawn area of the Sandpearl Resort. The wedding was full of rich Filipino Traditions. After the bride was escorted by her dad, and brought forward to the chairs facing frontward, the ceremony began. The couple was cloaked with the white veil, which symbolized Karen and James commitment to each other, to cloth each other in love and loyalty. It is a symbol of faithful love and continuous moral and spiritual support as they carry life's burden with joy. It represents James strength and protection to his bride, Karen, his wife, who he promises to take care of from this day forward.
The cord was then placed over their heads and on their shoulders in a figure 8 shape to bind their love, to unite their lives as one, to connect souls. It is placed in a figure 8 to represent eternity.
After their wedding vows and ring exchange vows, the couple shared in the coin exchange. In this tradition, the tinkling of the coins being passed from one pair of hands to the other, is a distinctive reminder of James promise to take care of Karen materially. Karen in turn, by giving back the coins into his hands, conveys that what they both earn become part of each others. The trickling sound also signifies abundance and success in the couples joint efforts.
Karen and James also shared a sand blending ritual to symbolize that two lives are joined as one forever. The ceremony was so beautiful, meaningful and respectful to both traditions.
It was truly and honor to work with Karen and James and their parents, in the creation of their ceremony reflecting their own style and wishes....
Blessings to you for a lifetime full of happiness!
Wedding Professionals who made this event magnificent:
Debbie Glancy from the Sandpearl Resort and her staff.
http://www.sandpearl.com/Hair and Makeup by Sara Shepard 727-644-5970
Flowers by In Bloom - Valerie 813-443-0551
Professional Photography by Valerie Ritter 727-365-0308
Five Star Audio for the Ceremony - Jeremy 727-710-1161
Cake by Nina - 813-251-4564
When we customized a wedding ceremony we provide every element needed to make the rituals special for the couple and their families. Cindy and Keith were married at the Davis Island Garden Club. It was a muti-cultural ceremony honoring the bride's Spanish heritage. The ceremony was spoken in English and Spanish and they honored their parents and grandparents with special readings. Enjoy the photos! 
After their wedding vows and ring exchange vows, the couple shared in the coin exchange. In this tradition, the tinkling of the coins being passed from one pair of hands to the other, is a distinctive reminder of James promise to take care of Karen materially. Karen in turn, by giving back the coins into his hands, conveys that what they both earn become part of each others. The trickling sound also signifies abundance and success in the couples joint efforts. 
The colors chosen for the flowers were a magnificent orange color, created by by Rose Garden Florists. I loved the gerbra daisy arrangements and their vibrant color was perfect! The orange gerbra daisy's on the reception tables, in the bride and bridesmaids bouquet was fabulous. The floral pieces for the front area were also beautiful lilies in the same orange color. It was nice to see something simple, yet elegant, unique and beautiful! 
Congratulations Kristy and Kris!! It was a honor to officiate your wedding. 
It was such a pleasure and honor to officiate the Celtic Wedding of Laurie and Frank this weekend! It all began with beautiful celtic music being played to greet the guests. The vows that they spoke were the traditional celtic vows, and then followed up with their own personal words to each other. As they stated their vows, they each held an oathing stone. One of the stones was an actual piece of the Blarney Stone, and another round stone from the brides family farm in Ireland. Oathing stones are very sacred in the ritual, as the ancients took their vows on sacred stones where spiritual devotions and ancient rituals took place. Stones are part of the earth, and hold the memories of Irish ancestors. To make a binding oath on or near a sacred stone, is to make a powerful and lasting vow, as if your vows are "cast in stone". Laurie and Frank exchanged wedding rings with the celtic knots circling them.
The handfasting ritual is a celtic ritual that began in the middle ages, demonstrating that the couple is now bound together and are tying the knot. Laurie and Frank chose a fabric that is the Muirhead Plaid representing his Scottish heritage.
The Loving Cup, called a Quaich, was ordered special for this occasion. By the 15th century it was common for the Celtic couple to toast each other with a ceremonial cup. This cup is called the Quaich and is a two handled bowl often with an inlaid celtic design. As with this quaich, it is inlaid with Celtic knotwork that is unending represnting the permanence of the marriage. Laurie and Frank toasted to their love of the past, present and future and their happiness at finding their Anam Cara - soul friend. The cup is then passed down from generation to generation, ensuring happiness and good fortune for all who drink from it. 
Congratulations and best wishes for a lifetime full of happiness!!
