Unity Candle Alternatives, Minneapolis Wedding Photographer

Courtney + Travis at Aria. [/caption] While the unity candle is a great way to represent two people uniting as one, some couples want to mix it up and do something different to show their union, especially if they’re having a windy outdoor wedding. Here are a few ideas from real Minnesota weddings to inspire a unique unity candle alternative for your wedding ceremony! Sand Ceremony  This is probably the most common alternative to a unity candle. For parents getting married, this is a great way to include the kids. Each kid can have their own color of sand, along with the couple. Instead of using a vase, you can pour the sand into a frame and use it as decor for your house. [caption id="attachment_7718" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Naomi and Nate at Black Bear Golf Course.[/caption]   Anniversary Box Many couples have been choosing to do an anniversary box where they write letters to each other to read on their first anniversary. During the ceremony, the couple places a bottle of wine and the letters in the box and nail it shut. A popular spin on this idea is a “first fight box” where couples open the box when they experience their first big fight. They read the letters over a bottle of wine. [caption id="attachment_7723" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Nikki and Nate at Little Log House Pioneer Village. [/caption] Hand Fasting This is an ancient Celtic tradition where the loved ones of the couple fasten the couple’s hands together with colorful cords (or other material). This custom represents the couple binding their hands together in unity. [caption id="attachment_7717" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Crystal and Jake at Carlson Center.[/caption] Feet Washing To show their service to each other and equality in their relationship, the couple washes each other’s feet. If you choose to do this one, remember you’ll need chairs! Also, the water might splash around so this option might be better for an outdoor wedding! [caption id="attachment_7716" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Bethany and Phillip at Gardens of Castle Rock. [/caption] Tree Planting This is becoming a popular option. The couple uses two different soils (usually soil from the bride’s childhood home and the groom’s childhood home) and mix them together in a center pot where they can plant a tree to later transfer into their own backyard! [caption id="attachment_7720" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Amanda and Jason at Brackett’s Crossing Country Club.[/caption]   Chocolate This was a fun one we saw a couple do last fall! It’s great for any chocolate lovers! The couple had two different types of chocolate and they fed each other the chocolates as their unity ceremony. [caption id="attachment_7713" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Tara and Andy at Hope Glen Farm.[/caption] Floral Arrangement  This is similar to the tree planting but a little less messy. The couple has three vases. One vase holds one color of flowers and another vase holds a different color of flowers. The couple arranges a bouquet together in the center vase. Plus, couples that want to include giving their moms a rose (which is a popular tradition today) can each take a flower from the bouquet to give to mom! [caption id="attachment_7722" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Ginna and Sam at Villa Bellezza.[/caption]   Three Cords [caption id="attachment_8826" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Katherine and Mark at BWB Ranch.[/caption] While you and your partner are tying the knot on your wedding day, your unity ceremony can consist of tying God’s knot. This new idea is great for Christian ceremonies, especially if your reading will be Ecclesiastes 4:12, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” The couple simply braids together three cords for this unity ceremony. Cross Unity  The cross unity involves simply sliding two pieces of the cross together. This option is great for religious-centered couples. [caption id="attachment_7730" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Jennifer and John at St. Phillip’s Church in Bemidji.[/caption]   Breaking Bread  Many Christian couples have chosen to break bread and drink wine in communion together to display that their relationship will serve Christ. [caption id="attachment_7721" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Serena and Josh at Three Rivers Park: Baker Park Near Wilderness Settlement.[/caption] Wine  Speaking of wine, some couples (especially those getting married at a vineyard) are choosing to mix two wines together in one cup and then they both drink from the cup. For those who prefer something harder than wine, we’ve also seen this done with mixing two liquors together and having a “unity shot.” [caption id="attachment_7715" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Jenny and Chris at Cannon River Winery.[/caption] We hope these help give you a few ideas to the many options that couples have besides the traditional unity candle! Are you engaged and looking for an engagement photographer and wedding photographer in Minnesota? If so, contact Jeannine Marie Photography here. Jeannine Marie is serving wedding photography in Minneapolis and St. Paul. She is considered one of the best wedding photographers in Minnesota, featured in multiple publications and listed as one of Minnesota Bride’s “10 Fabulous Local Wedding Photographers.”  She is an award-winning wedding photographer and has recently won 2017 Borrowed and Blue Best Wedding Photographer and Most Valuable Vendor, 2016 Minnesota ISES Star Award: Best Photography, 2015 Mpls/Stp Magazine Diamond Award: People’s Choice Outstanding Wedding Photography and Wedding of the Year, 2015 The Knot Best of Photography, 2015 WeddingWire Couple’s Choice Award, and 2014 Minneapolis Happenings: Best Photography. Book your engagement session or wedding photography today!]]>