Before
the wedding ceremony begins,
the Bride and the Groom will light the two single candles.
After
the bridal couple have been pronounced husband and wife
and celebrated such with a kiss, they shall proceed to the table or
alter and light a single candle from the two candles on either end
of the table or alter. They shall then return these candles still
lit, to their respective ends.
While
this occurs, the Minister shall say:
(Name
of Groom) and (Name of Bride)
have shared with you their vows, their joy and
their hope. And while they did so, two candles burned as symbols of
their own unique lives, lighting the world around them.
By vows they have made, they have decided to
share in this life together, so that they may cast more light
and love. As they light the center candle, it symbolizes the beginning
of their married life. The light of their love will now cast itself
further into life, and affect many others. However, the two candles
that represent their individual lives are not extinguished. For marriage
is not smothering of individuality, but a careful nurturing of it
so that the best of each life is cared for and shared with each other
and the world. May each of us as we see candlelight in the future,
be reminded of its symbolic meaning . . . of two becoming one, and
yet remaining two, in the mystery of love as its fullest.
