Handfasting

Congrats to Frankie and Freddie on their upcoming handfasting. This ancient rite has many differences depending on the religion. I may have taken a liberty in assuming it's the old british Pagan ceremony that is to take place, please forgive me. Paganism is, like so many religions, steeped in lore and symbology. It's on this symbology that I have based my card with tag. Frankie from Tag It On requested a theme inkeeping with where the vows are to be exchanged.....the garden. I'm not surprised - it's a gorgous garden.
Using a BP from Crafters' Companion as the main garden, matted onto gold for the male energy. I have added a few little extras.
Decoupaged Magnolia to symbolise "Love of Nature" backed onto silver which signifies the female energy. The magnolia is pieced so it links with the gold - Frankie and Freddie together.
The tag slips into a little pocket at the top. I used a tulip "Fred she said" digi stamp coloured red with PM's to symbolise "Declaration of Love". On the back I added an image from Tanda Stamp's fantasy and dragon range. This of course is Frankie. I plaited some red, green and black ribbons for the tie. There are a few meanings for the colours and I thought these colours were apt.
Black signifies: strength, empowerment, wisdom, vision, success, pure love, negation without reflecting, unlocking when stuck, banishing evil or negativity.
Red signifies: will, passion, strength, fertility, courage, health, vigor, lust, danger,
Green signifies: finances, fertility, luck, success energy, charity, growth, rejuvenation, prosperity, nurturing, beauty, health, ambition, counteract greed and jealousy, plants kingdom including herbal healing.

Nearly done....

The white and red roses on the base of the card signify togetherness and unity. This was a donated stamp from a friend and the origin is no longer visible. I inked the roses in red and the tendrils in black. Tendrils themselves signify ties, added a splash of colour with PM's.
The base is circular with a semicircle cut out for the stand. The circle itself being highly symbolic in many religions. One of the meanings is unity.
There you have it, complete with my ramblings. At least the reasoning behind my choices should be a little clearer though.











I am also entering this into this weeks Tellen's Place challenge "Going to the Chapel"