by Shira G. Tarantino
Since the ancient rite of handfasting has its roots in Celtic antiquity, Handfastings Magazine feels it appropriate to highlight some inspirational products from, or inspired by, the land of the green. We stumbled upon these products at the NY NOW show in New York City, and all we can say is that we feel very lucky to have found them.
Fragrances have long been used by brides to complete their bridal ensemble. The order goes: fragrance, corset, dress, jewelry, shoes. On your wedding night, you'll strip down to your birthday suit, but you'll still be in your bridal best if you have on a fragrance.
If your wedding colors include any shade of blue, if you are looking for something to symbolize love and/or fertility, or if you need "something blue" for good luck, Handfastings Magazine suggests using Inis as your signature scent on your special day.
This spirited fragrance will transport you to the beaches of the isle of Eire. Take in the energy of the sea with Inis, the nautical-inspired fragrance from Ireland. Energizing citrus and marine top notes are softened with lily of the valley and balanced with warm base notes of sandalwood, nutmeg and clove.
The Inis company helps save whales and dolphins by being a core sponsor of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, an all-Ireland group dedicated to the conservation and better understanding of whales, dolphins and porpoise in Irish waters. This makes the fragrance extra special, and if the bride's wedding day theme is ocean-based, it makes it even more so.
Water is a symbol of love and fertility, which makes it the perfect wedding day fragrance. We love the fact that Inis can be worn by both men and women, so this fragrance could even be used by both the bride and groom on their special day.
If your wedding colors include any shade of blue, if you are looking for something to symbolize love and/or fertility, or if you need "something blue" for good luck, Handfastings Magazine suggests using Inis as your signature scent on your special day.
This spirited fragrance will transport you to the beaches of the isle of Eire. Take in the energy of the sea with Inis, the nautical-inspired fragrance from Ireland. Energizing citrus and marine top notes are softened with lily of the valley and balanced with warm base notes of sandalwood, nutmeg and clove.
The Inis company helps save whales and dolphins by being a core sponsor of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, an all-Ireland group dedicated to the conservation and better understanding of whales, dolphins and porpoise in Irish waters. This makes the fragrance extra special, and if the bride's wedding day theme is ocean-based, it makes it even more so.
Water is a symbol of love and fertility, which makes it the perfect wedding day fragrance. We love the fact that Inis can be worn by both men and women, so this fragrance could even be used by both the bride and groom on their special day.
Put Memorable Keepsakes in Beautiful Places
We imbue things we use on our wedding day with sacred, loving energy, such as a hand-braided handfasting cord or those wedding cufflinks that were handed down to you by your grandfather. Put your items in an equally special place, such as an enchanted box by The Enchanted World of Boxes.
Handfastings Magazine stumbled upon these colorful, and sometimes kitschy wooden boxes. Handmade by artisans in Poland, they have something for everyone such as boxes with ankhs, spirals, or with moons and stars. But the most memorable ones for us were the Gaelic-inspired designs with Celtic knots or the Claddagh ring, a traditional Irish ring given which represents love, loyalty, and friendship.
The Enchanted World of Boxes has more traditional, elegant styles available as well, but we were drawn to the kitschy ones the most. The boxes are felt-lined and some even had secret closures, which was most impressive.
Don't put your special wedding keepsakes in plastic baggies or Tupperware containers. Honor them by putting them in something worthy of their loving energy.
www.enchantedboxes.com
We imbue things we use on our wedding day with sacred, loving energy, such as a hand-braided handfasting cord or those wedding cufflinks that were handed down to you by your grandfather. Put your items in an equally special place, such as an enchanted box by The Enchanted World of Boxes.
Handfastings Magazine stumbled upon these colorful, and sometimes kitschy wooden boxes. Handmade by artisans in Poland, they have something for everyone such as boxes with ankhs, spirals, or with moons and stars. But the most memorable ones for us were the Gaelic-inspired designs with Celtic knots or the Claddagh ring, a traditional Irish ring given which represents love, loyalty, and friendship.
The Enchanted World of Boxes has more traditional, elegant styles available as well, but we were drawn to the kitschy ones the most. The boxes are felt-lined and some even had secret closures, which was most impressive.
Don't put your special wedding keepsakes in plastic baggies or Tupperware containers. Honor them by putting them in something worthy of their loving energy.
www.enchantedboxes.com
"Love Bowl" by Inspired Generations Tying the Knot - In Your Dinnerware?
It used to be traditional in Ireland to give newlyweds a crystal bowl, symbolizing wealth, health and happiness. Legend has it that as long as the bowl is safe and secure, the couple will be blessed with the laughter of children, the health of a lion, and coins in their purse.
Modern couples don't always abide by tradition, but this one we like because of the symbolism of bowls - the womb of the Goddess, the full cup of love or as an instrument to hold sacred waters.
However, a wedding bowl need not be crystal. Handfastings Magazine found these whimsical bowls by Inspired Generations the perfect bridal gift or altar accessory for your handfasting ritual.
It used to be traditional in Ireland to give newlyweds a crystal bowl, symbolizing wealth, health and happiness. Legend has it that as long as the bowl is safe and secure, the couple will be blessed with the laughter of children, the health of a lion, and coins in their purse.
Modern couples don't always abide by tradition, but this one we like because of the symbolism of bowls - the womb of the Goddess, the full cup of love or as an instrument to hold sacred waters.
However, a wedding bowl need not be crystal. Handfastings Magazine found these whimsical bowls by Inspired Generations the perfect bridal gift or altar accessory for your handfasting ritual.
"Knotty Bowl w/Knotty Spoon" Inspired Generations' artist Robin Cohen was on hand at NY NOW to show us a few great designs, such as her silver-tone heart-shaped bowls (one which is 5" across - great for the altar!) and her extra large Love Bowl (as seen above) with heart-shaped handles.
But our favorites were her "knotty" designs: An infinity bowl, perfect for lovers using the knot as a symbol of their binding union, are actually two bowls attached by a single knot in the middle. Inspired Generations even has a knotty napkin holder with matching knotty weight so your napkins don't go flying all over - elegant enough for an outdoor wedding reception, yet fun enough for a family barbeque. Robin has other elegant items with knotty handles and designs, all of which would make excellent bridal gifts, especially if the bride and groom are having a handfasting as a part of their ceremony.
Visit Inspired Generations at www.inspiredgenerations.com.
But our favorites were her "knotty" designs: An infinity bowl, perfect for lovers using the knot as a symbol of their binding union, are actually two bowls attached by a single knot in the middle. Inspired Generations even has a knotty napkin holder with matching knotty weight so your napkins don't go flying all over - elegant enough for an outdoor wedding reception, yet fun enough for a family barbeque. Robin has other elegant items with knotty handles and designs, all of which would make excellent bridal gifts, especially if the bride and groom are having a handfasting as a part of their ceremony.
Visit Inspired Generations at www.inspiredgenerations.com.
"Knotty napkin plate and Knotty weight"
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