Beyond the wedding ceremony however, we envision a new tradition - a special candle-lighting ceremony at the reception, where each member of the new family, including the children, can be recognized and warmly acknowledged as a part of the new family.

We envision the candle lighting ceremony in at least two different formats at the reception:

Picture a special UNITY CANDLE displayed on a beautifully draped table. At one point during the reception, perhaps during a dinner course break, the lights are dimmed. The newly married couple lights the unity candle. Each child or family member to be honored is then called to the table one at a time and is handed a tapered candle from the couple, which he or she then lights from the unity candle. When all the honored family members have a lighted candle in their hand, "YOURS MINE AND OURS" can be played. This beautiful ceremony can include all the guests who are encouraged to form a circle of love around the family while the music plays.

Another variation is to use a CANDELABRA with an unlit candle in place for each member of the family to be honored. As the lights are dimmed, the bridal couple lights one tapered candle. Each family member is then called to the table, one at a time, and the couple hands them the lighted candle. After lighting his or her own special candle on the candelabra, the family member being honored then passes the 'master' candle to the next person called.

When all the candles are lit, the newly united family can gather around the blazing candelabra arm in arm as "YOURS MINE AND OURS" is played, and again, guests can participate by forming a circle of love around the family. It's also suitable for a dance which all the members of the family can start before guests are asked to join you all on the dance floor.