Blog Written by Jane Alexander Fuze Celebrant – Photo credit www.GardnerHamilton.com
A Love Story 20 Years in the Making
In March 2024, Lindsay and Michael Ward celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary in the most heartfelt and personal way possible—with a romantic vow renewal at Kirkandrew House, Longtown. Like many couples reflecting on life after COVID, they recognised how their relationships had evolved over the years. This milestone offered the perfect opportunity to reaffirm their love, this time surrounded by their closest family and friends, including their eight-year-old son.
As their humanist celebrant, I had the privilege of working with them to craft a deeply symbolic and uniquely personal ceremony—one that would not only honour their past but also celebrate their future. Given Lindsay’s passion for textiles and her work as a quilt maker, the inclusion of a Cherokee blanket ceremony felt like the perfect symbolic gesture for the occasion.
The Cherokee Blanket Ceremony: A Tradition of Love, Warmth, and Protection
The blanket ceremony is a common symbolic ritual in Native American wedding traditions, particularly within Cherokee culture. The blanket itself represents warmth, protection, and comfort—essential elements of a strong and enduring marriage. Traditionally, the ceremony begins with the couple wrapped in separate blue blankets, symbolising their past struggles and sorrows. As the ceremony progresses, these blankets are replaced with a shared white blanket, signifying their unity and the peace and joy of their marriage moving forward.
For Lindsay and Michael, we adapted this meaningful tradition to suit their vow renewal. Instead of transitioning from blue to white blankets, we focused on the theme of family unity, using one of Lindsay’s own handsewn blue blankets to symbolise their ongoing journey together.
A Blanket of Love: Involving Family in the Ceremony
A special part of the Cherokee tradition is the role of elders or spiritual leaders in draping the blanket over the couple. In this case, Lindsay’s sister and Michael’s brother took on this honour, representing the wisdom and guidance of their family, both past and present. They gently placed the blanket around the couple as they reaffirmed their vows to each other.
Then came a truly beautiful moment—Michael and Lindsay’s son was invited to step inside the blanket with them, wrapping them together as a family. This touching gesture symbolised their commitment not just as husband and wife but as parents, dedicated to facing life’s challenges and joys as a united team. It was an emotional and unforgettable highlight of the ceremony.
A Lasting Keepsake: Creating an Heirloom of Memories
One of the most beautiful elements of this blanket ceremony was the way Lindsay incorporated her love of textiles into the day. She invited each guest to bring a small piece of fabric to the ceremony—each swatch representing a unique connection to their family. Her plan? To stitch together these contributions into a special heirloom blanket for their son, filled with the love, memories, and blessings of those who celebrated with them.
Meanwhile, the blue ceremony blanket will take pride of place in their home as a cherished reminder of this incredible day—just as Cherokee tradition dictates.
Lindsay shared, “I am a textile artist, and we wanted something that would represent the coming together of all the people who shape our lives. The blanket ceremony allowed everyone to provide us with a textile, and I will make not only a blanket but a true piece of love.”
A Perfectly Personal Humanist Vow Renewal Ceremony
As a humanist celebrant, I believe ceremonies should be as unique as the people at the heart of them. Lindsay and Michael’s vow renewal was a perfect example of how symbolic gestures can add deep meaning and create lasting memories. The blanket ceremony was more than just a ritual—it was an expression of love, commitment, and the beautiful tapestry of relationships that surround us.
For couples looking to make their wedding or vow renewal uniquely personal, a symbolic gesture like this can be a wonderful addition. Whether it’s a handfasting, a ring-warming, or a blanket ceremony, these traditions can be adapted to reflect your values, your journey, and your love story.
Looking for a humanist celebrant to help craft your dream ceremony? At Fuze Ceremonies, we specialise in creating deeply personal and meaningful wedding and vow renewal ceremonies that truly reflect your love. Get in touch to find out how we can help bring your vision to life.
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