Sand is used to unite the bride and groom. Their separate lives are symbolized by two vials of sand taken from beneath the wedding couple's feet on the beach. After the exchange of rings, the officiant explains the unity of each vial and the couple then pours together, their sand into a third vial, thus uniting them as one. Their flowing together symbolizes the joining of the couple as they share their first experience of unity as husband and wife. The newly formed union is represented by the intertwined pattern of sand created by the couple. This symbol is then a keepsake of their wedding day.
This ceremony can be extended to include children. After the bride and groom have poured in their sand, the bride and groom can then collect sand from beneath the feet of each child which the children can then add, thus including them in the newly formed family.
