A Wedding to Remember Part 1

A wedding is one of the most anticipated ceremonies that two people, who love one another and wish to be united in marriage, greatly anticipate. It is an opportunity to declare and celebrate their union and share their happiness with family and friends. Traditionally, most wedding ceremonies is an exchange of vows, accompanied by symbolic presentations of a couple’s vow of their love for one another, and the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. Culturally, the objects that symbolize vary, but we will be focusing on items usually found in a traditional Christian or Catholic wedding in the Philippines.   

Unity Candles

Unity Candles with Wire Art by Stephanie Lopez

The tradition of lighting unity candles has been a fairly recent addition to church weddings. It symbolizes the rite of marriage, the joining together of two families, and the love that the bride and the groom, as they start a new life together as husband and wife.

Unity Candles with Wire Art by Stephanie Lopez

Unity Candles with Wire Art by Stephanie Lopez

In the lighting of the unity candle, both the bride and groom use two flames to light the unity candle as they bring together their love for one another, uniting as a new couple. This indicates that two lives have now been permanently merged. The candles used by the bride and the groom are generally left burning beside the unity candle, which is a sign that the newly-married partners have not lost their own sense of selves and their individual personalities.

Arhhae

Arhhae with Wire Art by Stephanie Lopez

Arhhae with Wire Art by Stephanie Lopez

The wedding arhhae, which are also called the Las arras matrimoniales, are widely used by countries that have a deep Catholic faith and Hispanic cultural influence.  Arras is Spanish for “earnest money”; and during the matrimonial ceremony, is presented as thirteen gold coins, to symbolize Jesus Christ and the Twelve Apostles. It also symbolizes the “earnest” foundation of their marriage, as they embark on a journey that binds two individuals into their new life. These coins show that the groom promises to provide for his bride and his new family.

Unity Cord 

Unity Cord Wire Art by Stephanie Lopez

The unity cord is a traditional wedding article that's also widely used in Hispanic-influenced countries, namely Spain, Mexico, and the Philippines. It symbolizes the lifetime unity of the bride and groom. During the wedding ceremony itself, the cord; a representation of the rosary, is placed to bind the couple together as they are kneeling to take their vows. After the wedding, it is a custom for the bride to keep the cord as a souvenir of this special day.  

As additional embellishment for the bride, Flow Jewelry and Crafts crafted a 5-piece jewelry set. This includes an ear cuff, a large hairpiece, and three smaller pieces to accentuate the bride’s hair. We will be writing more about these pieces on another blogpost. :) 

Photos by Stephanie Lopez, Flow Jewelry and Crafts

Keeping it real.- PJV