Meeting with your pastor beforehand for counseling is recommended for the start of a solid marriage. If possible, a six week course or a workbook to complete together before the wedding would be great. Also the pastor needs to get to know both of you so that the service will have all the ingredients you wish to have (scriptures, etc). Blending the two colored sands in one container & taking communion together after the vows for the first time was a beautiful part of the ceremony while a song was sung w/instrumental music.