When it came time to talk about our wedding ceremony we both immediately knew we wanted to do some things a little bit different.
We spent many a night trying to come up with something along the lines of a unity candle, or the mixing of the two kinds of sand for a unity type of ceremony, but nothing really felt like us.
Then J. Alabama dug back into his New Mexican roots, and remembered a beautiful Native American tradition of the double vase ceremony.
This vase was given to us from J. Alabama’s parents (which is tradition for the parents of the groom to gift the vase). It was handmade in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
The the double vase ceremony goes like this.
The couple first drink from one side….
….then the vase is turned and each sip from the other side.
Finally, they both drink from the vase at the same time. This ceremony unites them as one.
It is said if the couple can drink from the vase at the same time and not spill a single drop, good understanding and a cooperative spirit will always be a part of their marriage.
And friends, let it be known that we did not spill a single drop!
I think what was so special to me about this part of our ceremony is that we were able to incorporate both of our lives and backgrounds into it.
The vase being from New Mexico, where he grew up. And just the fact that both of us has Native American background was also special to me.
I had never even heard of this type of ceremony before, and when J. Alabama suggested it I was beyond excited. Now our vase will be with us always to remind us of the vows we took together on July 23rd, 2011.
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My biggest advice to anyone planning a wedding is to find something that is “YOU” and run with it. There is no right or wrong when it comes to your wedding. I was so happy we decided to incorporate this special tradition into our ceremony.
love it! so creative and unique and sooo u and j.A
What a unique and symbolic touch! I especially love that you have the vase as a constant reminder.
What a neat tradition! I agree with Marlene… it’s awesome that you have the vase to keep with you always.
That’s a neat tradition. I think I would have been inclined to “practice” before the wedding – hahahahaa. I also think I would have been apt to spilling, I’m a clutz!
Wow! That is really cool! I have never heard of that tradition before. I am such a klutz – I am worried I would spill!
I’m really into wedding stuff, but I’ve never heard of this! I love it! I really like that it is meaningful to the two of you!*
I never heard of that! But it’s very cool and I like the little personal touch
What a great and special idea!!
How cool! I’ve never heard of a unity vase before, but it’s a really neat tradition. We wouldn’t have been able to do it, though. I spill everything I drink down my front even when I’m not sharing.
So cute!! Very special and a keepsake
A very special way to celebrate your wedding. I had never heard of it too but I love the idea behind it.
I love that you guys did this- it is so unique and personalized! I’ve never heard of it but it’s really neat. I am impressed that you didn’t spill- I would have been so nervous!
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