Our Ceremony
Sun Kissed Weddings believes that your wedding ceremony should be everything that you want it to be: fun, romantic, and memorable. Below is an overview of our ceremony, and ways to customize it so that it fits your needs. If you have any questions, or would like to discuss your ceremony further, please feel free to contact us. We will gladly help you plan the perfect ceremony.
Wedding Vows
Upon booking your wedding, Sun Kissed Weddings will send you a packet of wedding and ring vows to choose from. The Bride and Groom are welcome to add or take away words in order to customize their ceremony. Also, the Bride and Groom do not have to use the same vows. Often, they will surprise each other on the day of the ceremony with the individual vows they have chosen.
You do not have to use the vows that we provide. Often, our couples will send us vows that they have found elsewhere. We are more than glad to use them in your ceremony.
Your vows are either repeated after the Officiate or can be "Message in a Bottle" vows.
Message in a Bottle Vows
When a couple writes their own vows, or do not wish to repeat them after an officiant, they use "Message in a Bottle Vows." We place your vows on parchment paper, roll them into a scroll, and place them in wicker bottles by your feet. When it is time to recite your vows, we will have you take them from the bottle and speak them to one another. There is a small fee for Message in a Bottle Vows; this fee includes the original copy that is used on your wedding day and a keepsake version that we present to you after the ceremony.
Unity Heart of Glass
After the ring vows are read the couple is given a "Unity Heart of Glass." As a symbol of "Unity" the couple is asked to take a hand of sand from beneath them, and pour it into the "Unity Heart of Glass." The wedding officiant will read a passage regarding the special meaning of the heart.
Blessing Stones
Just prior to being pronounced husband and wife, the Bride and Groom take a stone from a basket and repeat a verse together. These are known as "Blessing Stones." The wedding party and guests are also then given "blessing stones" too. The wedding officiant reads a passage that explains the symbolism of the stones. After the ceremony ends, the guests follow the Bride and Groom down to the water's edge and make a wish or a blessing upon their stones. The couple then counts to three and everyone casts their stones into water at the same time. The ripples that are made represent everyone's path's crossing, and bring love and good wishes not only for the couple but for everyone around them.
Dove Release
The release of ceremonial doves at a wedding has been used for centuries. Doves are symbolic of peace, prosperity, new beginnings, and most importantly love. The couple are presented with the birds in the middle of the ceremony. The wedding officiant then reads a passage about the meaning of these beautiful birds. The couple then opens their hands and the birds fly away. The wings of the doves then carry your love high into the sky; where is it caught by the wind and taken around the world. (Please see our "Packages" page for Dove Release Pricing.)
Conch Horn
If the couple chooses they can incorporate the blowing of a conch horn into their ceremony.
Prior to the ceremony, the Best Man (or your most long-winded guest) is given a conch shell horn to blow. We will then give them a brief lesson on how to do this. When the couple is pronounced Husband and Wife the horn is blown. The couple then kisses for as long as the horn is blown. (Please see our "Packages" page for Conch Horn Pricing.)
Children
If you have children, your wedding day is an important day to them as well! Often couples will ask us if they can incorporate their children into the ceremony. There are several ways to do so.
One way is to ask them to be in the bridal party. In our beach weddings, we have "seashell girls" instead of flower girls. They toss seashells or rose petals from their baskets as they walk down the sand. You can also ask them to be a ring bearer. Our ring bearers carry a Treasure Chest with the wedding rings inside.
"Family Promise" vows are also another way to include the children in the ceremony. "Family Promise" vows are used when you have children from a previous relationship. The verses represent the creation of a new family. These vows will be sent to you upon request at booking. Parents will have the option to present the children with a small gift to remember this special day. These gifts can be a ring, bracelet, necklace, pocket watch, etc. Children can also be involved in other parts of the ceremony, such as having them fill the "Unity Heart of Glass" or participating in a dove release. After all, we want them to have a great time at the wedding too!
Family and Friend Involvement
Your family and friends can be a part of your wedding ceremony too! We have had people do readings, lead in prayer, play music, and sing. We've even had an Elvis impersonator do a song and dance. It is your wedding day, and you are welcome to have others involved. Just let us know so that we can work them into the ceremony.
Wedding Vow Renewals
Sun Kissed Weddings is honored to perform wedding vow renewals. It touches our hearts to see two people recommit themselves to one another. Any of our packages can be used for a vow renewal. Vow renewals can be intimate occasions that include the couple and perhaps a few guests; all the way up to large ceremonies that include all of the couple's family and friends. Upon booking, we will send you a packet of "renewal wedding vows" to choose from. We also have a beautifully crafted "vow renewal ceremony" that we will use on your special day.
We are looking forward to giving you the "Sun Kissed" wedding of your dreams!
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! Sun Kissed Weddings is a full service beach and outdoor wedding company. We offer wedding decorations, officiating, ceremony supplies, photography, and floral design. Our service area includes: Orlando, Kissimmee, St. Cloud, Cocoa Beach, Melbourne Beach, Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Tampa, Clearwater Beach, St. Pete Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, Treasure Island, and many more.
We would love to speak to you more about your wedding and answer any questions that you may have! Please feel free to contact us. Best Wishes!
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