embracing union - traditional Irish handfasting cords
Handfasting is...
A Celtic Marriage Custom
A handfasting is a marriage custom in which the hands of the marrying couple are symbolically and literally tied together. It is the origin of the phrase ‘tying the knot.’ Handfasting, because it has never been claimed or standardized by any religion, is very flexible and can be adapted to suit the needs and beliefs of those who choose to use it. Handfasting is a great way to add a touch of Irish heritage to a wedding ceremony. It's a wonderful moment of unity, weaving together the destinies of the couple for all to see. More often than not, 'tying the knot' in this way results in a spontaneous round of applause from the enthralled wedding guests, and of course it's a super photo opportunity as well. Handfasting dates back at least to Celtic Christianity in the Early Middle Ages and perhaps long before that as a folkloric custom of the Celts.
Nothing is written in stone, it all depends upon the intention of the couple. It can be as simple as tying the hands with a cord or as complicated as a lengthy exchange of vows with different coloured cords, each with varying symbolism. The couple may face the celebrant and have two hands tied or face each other and have both of their hands tied.Words or vows may be exchanged or not.
The intention of the couple is all important - they are announcing and proclaiming in the presence of their community their joining together as husband and wife, and handfasting is a wonderful physical symbol of this, for all to see and enjoy. In the past in Scotland the couple were seen to be married in the eyes of the law after their handfasting, without the need for signatures, witnesses or documentation!
Tying the knot - in Style
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Molly and Aaron used an Irish Crios handfasting cord
Flowers that inspired the handfasting cord.
Handfasting ceremony using irish handfasting cord
Bride getting her ring
Handfasting cord used in a stone cirlcle ceremony
Couple after their handfasting ceremony
Destination wedding with a castle backdrop in Ireland in which the celebrant ties the couples hands with a handfasting cord.
Handfasting cord used in wild outdoor wedding in Ireland
close up of handfasting cord
Close up of a handfasting using a handfasting cord.
Couple walk with handfasting cord joining their hands together
The joy of the handfasting ceremony
Couple prepare for handfasting ceremony
Ceremony of handfasting.
Agreement stone after handfasting ceremony
Ceremony of handfasting using handfasting cord
Tying the handfasting cord
after the handfasting cord is tied
A word of thanks
Gratitude to all of my clients who have generously shared the images of the magic moment of their handfasting using one of my handfasting cord creations. Also credit to the photographers for their wonderful creativity and skill, and thanks for giving me permission to use their images.
Maddin & Vallis Wedding Photography
Love Like Crazy Wedding Photography
