Honoring those who aren't able to make it to the ceremony.

My FH and I will be doing a Unit Cross (Cord of 3 strands) for a unity ceremony. I would like to include both of our mother's in something during our wedding ceremony. I thought about having both of them light a candle at the beginning ceremony followed by a reading of the significance of each candle.

1. Would honor close family members who are in heaven
And2. Would honor family members who are not able to travel and be at the wedding. (My Father and Grandmother whom are across the states in nursing homes)The candles would then be taken to the reception site to sit on a mantle with meaning of each candle and pictures.
Any thoughts on this? Im unsure what im writing to explain the significance of the 2nd candle yet, but want to make sure it doesn't seem as if they are dead.