Page 31 - The Essential Rainbow Wedding Ceremony Idea Book

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The Sailor’s True Lover’s Knot
The sailor’s true lover’s knot is an ancient maritime ritual. The knot, like

the wedding ring, symbolizes perfect love with no beginning and no end.

According to legend, a sailor works on the knot while at sea and upon
return gives it to his true love. When it is received the beloved could take

two actions: a) untie it, meaning they are not interested in the proposal;
or b) tighten the knot, meaning they accept the proposal of marriage. It is

a simple gift with a sweet intention of everlasting love and fidelity. To

continue, <Name> will present their true love with a Sailor’s Knot, and
<Name> will indicate their decision by taking one of two actions – untie

it or tighten it.

Officiant: <Name>, to declare your intent and proposal to wed <Name>
will you tie the knot to signify your intentions?

The knot is tied and is handed to their beloved.
Officiant: <Name>, what will your reply be? Will you tighten the knot to

Photo: Peary Photography Austin TX represent how you will hold your beloved’s heart tight to yours from this

day and forevermore? <Name> tightens knot and hands rope to Officiant, who holds the knot up for all to see.
Officiant: I see by this knot before me that you both declare your intentions to be wed to each other this day!

So, let us continue with your Marriage Vows!

Releasing Live Butterflies (only for early Spring weddings)

To symbolize the new beginning that the commitment of
marriage represents, releasing live butterflies is a nice touch to

end a Spring wedding ceremony. The butterflies may be
ordered online and shipped in a dormant state. They must be

warmed to room temperature 12-24 hours before the
ceremony. This is only appropriate for early Spring weddings

so that the live butterflies will have sufficient food in Spring

and Summer flowers to feed on after their release.
As Butterflies are released, the following is read:

Credit: Elegant Express Photography Austin TX

Like a butterfly emerges and unfolds its graceful wings, a marriage grows and develops with the love each partner
brings. May the wings of these butterflies kiss the sun and find your shoulders to alight upon, to bring you love,

happiness and contentment today, tomorrow and beyond.