In preparation for the ceremony, I asked each of the primary participants to collect a small amount of water from somewhere they found solace or special communion so that we could use it during the wedding. At the same time, I created special bottles for each of the wedding party members as well as bottles for the siblings of the bride and groom and the living grandparents.

I asked Kellin and Amanda to share with me some special connections that they had to each of these people so that I could customize the bottles for them. I have to admit, some of them still have me giggling. These bottles were all present during the ceremony and represented the greater community beyond the small group attending. I also created a small, altered wedding box (not shown) for the couple which contained a bottle for their blended water and two antique handkerchiefs.

Above is the wedding table set up with the bottles, gathered things from the beach, the wedding bowl and water. Close-ups of the nearly finished bottles are below.