The View from my Window

MARRIAGE CEREMONY

The marriage ceremony was crafted by Shannon & Sunir together ( and helped/ supported by both sets of parents  - as resource for background and details of the traditions) - keeping in mind two cultures and religious tradiitons for the wedding ceremony.

Further the internet and also their own grooming when growing up (in matters of religious and cultural traditions) helped to put together the mechanics of their Marriage Ceremony .

Here is the Marriage Ceremony details - as was provided to all guests (as a pamphlet) who attended to witness the Sunir/Shannon wedding at the Toronto Cricket Skating and Curling Club in North York, Toronto.

Marriage Ceremony  

The Marriage Ceremony of Shannon Knights and Sunir Shah
 
Groom’s Processional
Sunir is escorted down the aisle by his groomsmen and immediate family. His mother, Jashoda Shah, carries the wedding garlands. Shannon’s mother, Kathy Magladry, welcomes Sunir into the family.
 
Bride’s Processional - “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” by J.S. Bach
The bridal party walks down the aisle. Shannon is escorted by her father, Doug Knights.
 
Navakar Mantra - Jain Prayer
Recited by Pravin & Jashoda Shah, Sunir’s parents
I bow to the prophets.
I bow to the liberated souls.
I bow to the spiritual leaders.
I bow to the teachers.
I bow to all the saints.
This fivefold bow destroys all sins and obstacles and of all auspicious mantras, is the first and foremost one.
 
Passing of the Peace
Guests are invited to greet each other, saying “Peace be with you”.
 
Welcoming Words - by Officiant Sarah Bunnett-Gibson
Jaimala
Sunir and Shannon exchange floral garlands as a special greeting to each other.
 
Solo - “Higher Ground” by G. Green, K. Agee and S. Dorff
 
Unity Candle
Sunir and Shannon light the unity candle to represent the joining of their lives in marriage. This candle will become the sacred flame for the Mangal Phera.
Granthi Bandhan
Sunir and Shannon’s scarves are tied together, symbolizing their union. This tradition is the origin of the term “tying the knot”.
 
Mangal Phera
Sunir and Shannon walk around the sacred flame four times. Each time, they stop to touch a stone in their path that signifies life’s obstacles they will overcome together. The four rounds represent dharma (moral conduct), artha (wealth and prosperity), kama (love and passion) and moksha (enlightenment).
 
Saptapadi
Sunir and Shannon take seven steps together, while making the following seven promises to each other.
To provide for their new household.
To maintain physical, mental and spiritual health.
To earn and build wealth by honourable means.
To attain wisdom, happiness and harmony through their mutual love.
To raise healthy, strong and noble children.
To stay together through bounty and drought.
To remain true companions for all their lives.
 
Exchange of Vows
 
Exchange of Rings
 
Signing of Register - “Irish Blessing” arr. E. Daley
Reading - “The Art of Marriage” by W. Peterson
Read by Lauren Wilkie, Shannon’s friend
 
Blessing
 
Pronouncement

  Recessional - “Wedding March” by F. Mendelssohn