Celtic Wedding at the Bilmar Beach Resort, Florida

It was such a pleasure and honor to officiate the Celtic Wedding of Laurie and Frank this weekend!  It all began with beautiful celtic music being played to greet the guests. The vows that they spoke were the traditional celtic vows, and then followed up with their own personal words to each other. As they stated their vows, they each held an oathing stone. One of the stones was an actual piece of the Blarney Stone, and another round stone from the brides family farm in Ireland. Oathing stones are very sacred in the ritual, as the ancients took their vows on sacred stones where spiritual devotions and ancient rituals took place. Stones are part of the earth, and hold the memories of Irish ancestors. To make a binding oath on or near a sacred stone, is to make a powerful and lasting vow, as if your vows are "cast in stone".  Laurie and Frank exchanged wedding rings with the celtic knots circling them.

The handfasting ritual is a celtic ritual that began in the middle ages, demonstrating that the couple is now bound together and are tying the knot.  Laurie and Frank chose a fabric that is the Muirhead Plaid representing his Scottish heritage.

The Loving Cup, called a Quaich, was ordered special for this occasion.  By the 15th century it was common for the Celtic couple to toast each other with a ceremonial cup. This cup is called the Quaich and is a two handled bowl often with an inlaid celtic design.  As with this quaich, it is inlaid with Celtic knotwork that is unending represnting the permanence of the marriage. As a circl symbolises Eternity, so does the celtic knotwork. and the interlacing patterns flowing endlessly on as the sea, with no beginning, no end.  These intricate patterns reached their peak in the 11th century illuminated manuscripts of the Lindifarne Gospels and the Book of Kells. Laurie and Frank toasted to their love of the past, present and future and their happiness at finding their Anam Cara - soul friend.  The cup is then passed down from generation to generation, ensuring happiness and good fortune for all who drink from it.

Frank and Laurie also blended their families together with a sand ritual, using sand from Sand Key, their favorite beach.

After the wedding the wedding party was introducted in to an irish jig, which they all enjoyed.  Congratulations Laurie and Frank!  I was very honored to celebrate your heritage and mine as well!  Laurie and Frank.... Slante'