Hand-Tying Ribbon - A Wedding!

My good friends got married last weekend, and I was given a great responsibility.
I was asked to do a reading at their ceremony, which was very nerve-wracking, but even more so, I was asked to create the ribbon tie that they would use in their hand-tying ceremony.

As I'd never done, nor heard of, this ceremony, I spent much time pulling out my hair, followed by much time researching on the computer in which I found there are many cultures that use this in their ceremonies, both in past and present. This is mainly the visual of  the phrase "to tie the knot". In earlier Scottish tradition, if the bride and groom could not afford a church wedding, they would have a ceremony in the village square in which their hands were tied together.

The bride and groom share many cultures within their families and in their travels. It was a daunting task to find a way to bring it all together. I tried to take what I learned about each culture's traditions, the personalities of the intendeds and a big heap 'o randomness and came up with the below:

I used 6 separate ribbons of varying colors. The number 6 was meant to signify 2 intendeds + 2 sets of parents, showing that the families were united as well as the couple. The ribbons chosen were their favorite colors, mixed with their wedding colors.

Lastly, I attached a series of silver charms, that signified a certain event, step, or sentiment in their journey forward. The ribbons start with 2 charms, with one initial on each. Two separate ribbons. The ribbon ends with 1 charm with both of their initials intertwined. I used a simple engraving pencil to carve out their letters.

In the middle of the rope is a Celtic symbol which I meant to show their lives becoming united. The separate ribbons passing through this never-ending symbol, shows that the couple have united as one.

I then typed up a, rather long, explanation of my sentiments that I wished for them on their special day and presented it to them at their rehearsal the night before. I'm not going to say I didn't share a tear in reading it.

I hope to kidnap it for a few moments in the coming days to get a better photo. (I hadn't finished it until late the night before, so perfect lighting was not available.)   :)