If
you are planning a Church or and outdoor garden wedding
on Florida's West Coast, one of the most romantic and
visually inspiring of all traditions is the release of
white doves.
The
use of doves in weddings can be traced to ancient Greece
and Rome when doves were a bride's gift to the groom.
In biblical passages, the appearance of the white dove
symbolized the presence of an angel. Scriptural references
to the dove are abundant.
The
flight of white doves represents love and unity adding
surprise and elegance to wedding festivities. This part
of the ceremony always generates plenty of "oohs"
and "aahs."
Dove
releases usually consist of at least two doves or a flock.
The cost for releases varies depending upon the style
of presentation. You are paying for the services of a
Tampa area professional who will spend many hours training,
delivering and supervising the birds. Be sure to budget
for a professional who is experienced enough to counsel
you about the elements you desire for your wedding.
It's
important to realize that doves and pigeons are part of
the same family, but reputable dove release companies
use white racing homing pigeons-rock doves- that can safely
return home over long distances.
The
smaller doves associated with magicians are never
released
because
they are poor flyers, have no homing instincts and lack
defenses against predators.
Stay
away from untrained birds from unknown sources...
If you wonder if white doves really fly back home, the
answer is, "Yes, they really do."
Nobody
has figured out exactly how they know where "home"
is, but a well-trained white dove uses many senses to
navigate. They are expensive, trained racing birds that
take years to develop, but they are the birds you want
for your wedding.
"Many
times I will use only two doves at a wedding, and some
weddings I will use up to two dozen," said Don Cremeans,
owner of Florida Release Co. in Hudson, Florida. "I
give the bride and groom each one bird after they come
out of the church. They release the pair just before the
flock is released. This represents a bonding of the wedding
couple."
Cremeans
also displays cages containing pairs of doves in the Church.
These are not meant to fly, simply to add significance
to the ceremony.
As
the guests and wedding party exit the church, Cremeans
places himself in a central position for the dove release.
The guests surround the opening and, at the proper time,
he releases the flock. The spectacle is impressive, and
it also offers a fantastic opportunity for photographs.
"When
I open the door on the release crate the birds explode
out into the open," Cremeans said. "I also can
release the birds one at a time. The bride and groom choose
which effect they like."
Cremeans
frequently releases the doves up to 125 miles from their
home. They flock together as they begin their return flight.
He raises his own birds. He feeds them only the best,
nutrionally balanced bird food to keep them healthy and
strong.
Don's
Love Doves
12510 Robinhood Rd.
Hudson Fl 34669
( 727 ) 856 - 1571
