Symbolic Ceremony Enactments; Add a Special Element to Your Ceremony. Include Family, Cultural Traditions or I can Create Something Just for You

Make the most of your day

T + S had their sand ceremony after their wedding vows to represent the blending of their lives, friends and family. | Photo Jade Whaley

Each couple is different and some couples like to have extra elements added to their ceremony. There are many ways we can make it extra special to remember your day.

​​We can include meaningful symbolic rites  or enactments that reflect your history, culture or beliefs or appeal to you, can be woven into your ceremony. 

I can include children, parents, special people or pets.
Symbolic enactments create beautiful  memories and a unique keepsake for your wedding day. 

Ideas to make your ceremony unique

Whenua merge and unity candle enactments at Arowhenua Marae as part of T + L wedding ceremony. | Photo: Jade Whaley celebrant

We had a gorgeous whenua merge at L + T's wedding  at Arowhenua Marae. Soil from each persons ancesteral land, (where they were born) was carefully brought to the marae and placed in containers.

This powerful ceremony symbolised the joining of their souls, physical bodies, families, and connections to their sacred lands.
We were priviledged to have Maori Elder Tewera King lead this element of the ceremony.

I wrote and officiated the wedding ceremony with a unity candle. There was a beautiful haka as they took their first steps as a married couple.

​Here are a few ideas I am experienced in. The ones highlighted in gold will take you to a description.

• ​Handfastings
• Wine | Whiskey | Memory Box
• Sand Ceremonies
• Tree Planting Ceremony
• Ring or Stone Warming
• Message Stones 
• Whanau Tree
• Frame or Heart Signing
• Whenua Merge
• Candle Wax Ceremony

• Well Wishing Vase
• Unity Candle
• Hand Print Picture
• Homing Pigeon or Dove Release
• Broom Jumping
• Shot of whiskey or other tipple
• Wedding Walk
• Oathing Stone
• Naming ceremony within wedding ceremony

Sand Ceremony

Sand Ceremony for Scott + Courtney | Photo: Focus Photography

The principle of sand pouring is simple: two (or more) people blend different colours or types of sand to create a unique sand sculpture. 

The sand sculpture serves as a memento of a day, promises and commitments made. 

It symbolises the joining together of individuals and of families. The sand flowing symbolises the continued strength and journey of the newly formed union, as sand can never truly be divided.

Often couples will use sand from the beach of the town or city where they where born or coloured sand or salt.
​
NOTE: NZ Customs doesn't allow sand to be brought in from other countries. 

​Read your ultimate  guide to sand ceremonies.
Check out ​👉  SAND CEREMONY ~ all you need to know 

Ryan + Sophie | Otaio | Photo: Jade

Freya's Baby Naming Colourful Sand | Waimate | Photo: Jade

Handfasting

Jesse + Hannah | Stonebridge | Photo: Ashlee Adam

The Handfasting Ceremony originates from expressions like "tying the knot" and "giving one's hand in marriage." This beautiful tradition dates back to old Celtic and pagan rituals. 

I have created a variety of personalised handfasting ceremonies for couples to celebrate their love.

The couple holds each other's hands while a ribbon, rope, or material cord binds their hands together. They then pull the ribbon to form a unity knot, or we can knot the cord and carefully pulling their hands out. We can put the cords into a ceremonial box, creating a beautiful keepsake.

I will  create  aunique ceremony which may be a mini handfasting ceremony, which may involve family, friends, or pets, or a full handfasting ceremony, incorporating pagan traditions.

There are no set rules—I will  make it unique to you 
Check out ​👉  HANDFASTING ~ all you need to know

Mhairi + Ben | Kingsdown Manor | Photo: Brad Reeve Photography

Shaun + Trudi | Caroline Bay | Photo: From couple

 Connect for an obligation free chat. Let's get you married!

Izzy + Iian had a gorgeous personalised wedding ceremony in Oamaru | Photo: From Jade

"​We can meet at my home in Queen Street, at a local cafe or bar, or we can zoom!

Let's chat and discuss what you want and need.
​
If you don't know what you want in a ceremony ​- ​not a problem,
​I am full of good ideas!"

Love, ​Jade x

Connect with Jade