Every year there is a significant date that many couples want to have for their wedding day. This year that much sought after date was 10-10-10. I had many inquiries for that date, and it was my good fortune to have been hired quite early on by this charming, creative, and fully involved couple. They are a "10"!
Rebecca and Benjamin began planning their wedding day last year, and I could see that they were interested in making the day meaningful and putting a piece of themselves into every detail. They provided quite valuable input to the design and content of their ceremony. Because of they made a conscious choice to make their ceremony symbolic in many ways, it was a wonderful beginning for their entire celebration...and their married life together.
Being raised in different faiths, they incorporated rituals that had meaning to them from their background and from their mutuals interests. They selected two different rituals that involved circling. To begin the ceremony, they circled each other seven time...symbolizing that each is the center of the universe to the other. Then at the end of the ceremony they did another seven circles, this time together. Adapted from a Hindu wedding ritual, these seven steps around a "flame" (candle) symbolized the marriage pledges the bride and groom made to each other. Along with the vows and rings, the steps also sealed the marriage bond between Benjamin and Rebecca. You can see them taking the last step in this picture.
Just to make the ceremony all the more breathtaking was the backdrop of the working New York harbor and the Statue of Liberty outside the windows of Battery Gardens. Natural lighting in this venue is so dramatic. The ceremony was book-ended by bright sunshine at the outset and the colorful sky of sunset as they were declared husband and wife. (Just had to use the word "book" in this blog for this librarian bride!)
By the way, next year's date is Friday, 11-11-11. Be sure to book your wedding early.
Ceremony Tip: There are many wedding rituals that involve movement. Some of them involve the bride and groom moving. Others have the guests moving. As you select your favorite ritual, make sure the staging of your ceremony provides the space you need to do these movements. Don't forget to allow for the bride's dress. Rebecca and Benjamin worked this out ahead of time to make certain there was just the right amount of space to do the "circling."
Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!
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