Instead of a sand or candle lighting we are doing a hand tying. There are many variations. With mine we are using a cord that is made of several ribbons tied together. As each line is spoken a cord is wrapped around. Here's what I wrote up:
Officiant: There is an ancient Celtic tradition of binding a couple in marriage by hand-fasting -- literally, tying their hands together with cord or ribbon as a symbol that they are bound together not just for a lifetime, but for eternity. This is also the origins of the term tying the knot.
Coleen and Michael have decided to include a hand-fasting in their wedding ceremony in homage to Coleens Irish and Scottish ancestry and to emphasize their eternal bond and reinforce the feeling that they never wish to be parted from one another.
[Coleen and Michael join hands, right to right, left to left. Officiant wraps cord around their joined hands.]
These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever.
These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other.
These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow, and tears of joy.
These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children. These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one.
These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it. And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.
Bless these hands that you see before you this day.
May they always reach out with love, gentleness, and respect.
May they build a loving relationship that lasts a lifetime.
May they always be held by one another.
If you follow these words and heed this sacred binding,
your hands will heal, protect, shelter, and guide.