On the Wings of A Dove

There is a beautiful old song, "On the Wings of  A  Dove",  and I have heard it sung by quite
 a few... Dolly Parton , Bette Midler, Crystal Gayle. I am always still amazed how these small white birds have such a rich meaning and bring with them a message each time we release them at the end of our wedding ceremony.  

It is no secret that I love our animals...

"On the wings of a snow-white dove
God sends His pure sweet love
A sign from above  
On the wings of a dove  

When troubles surround us, 
when evils come
The body grows weak  
The spirit grows numb 

When these things beset us, 
He doesn't forget us
He sends down His love 
On the wings of a dove  "

"Wings of a Dove' -  song written by Bob Ferguson in 1958
 

A white dove, as a sign of peace, and new beginnings...

"After forty days Noach opened the window of the ark which he had built; and he sent out a raven, which flew back and forth until the water had dried up from the earth. Then he sent out a dove, to see if the water had gone from the surface of the ground. But the dove found no place for her feet to rest, so she returned to him in the ark, because the water still covered the whole earth. He put out his hand, took her and brought her in to him in the ark. He waited another seven days and again sent the dove out from the ark. The dove came in to him in the evening, and there in her mouth was a freshly plucked olive leaf, so Noach knew that the water had cleared from the earth. He waited yet another seven days and sent out the dove, and she didn't return to him any more."
_ Genesis 8:6-12

 The first thing after being pronounced "husband and wife", the couple releases two white doves.  One of our team members release a dozen or so to soar overhead. The dove release brings forth a blessing to the couple, the ceremony and the marriage.

"From the past to the present, and into eternity, white doves have been and forever shall be a beautiful symbol of the Holy Spirit, love, hope, peace, and the soul."

 In all four of the Gospels  at the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist in the Jordan River, a dove was mentions.   After Jesus came up out of the water, the Holy Sprit of God came from heaven and descended on him “like a dove”

After circling overhead and enjoying a flight, the doves return to the aviary.  Depending on the weather and temperature they can come home when ever they wish...usually after a couple of hours.

Doves are mentioned in the Bible about 48 times...always a symbol of the Holy Spirit. We read this account in Luke 3:21-22 “When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; 
with you I am well pleased.”

Grace Starr Photography

Because doves choose one mate for life, and signify love, faithfulness, joy, and hope, including them in your wedding brings all of these elements to your ceremony in a stunning and unforgettably meaningful way that your family and guests will always remember.