Boxed Wine

As we began discussing what our wedding ceremony might look like, we came across a wine box ritual. Most of them are some variation of this: During the ceremony the couple places a bottle of wine in a box with previously written letters to one another – not unlike a unity candle or unity sand ritual. The box is then sealed on the day of their wedding. The idea is that when the couple reaches a predetermined anniversary, or has their first big conflict (whichever comes first), they would crack open the box to share the wine, and read the letters to remind them why they made their vows in the first place.

We like the idea, but it seemed a bit short lived (or consumed under strained circumstances). So, we decided to switch it up so that we can celebrate again and again.

Step 1: Find a box

Micah searched long and hard for just the right box of the occasion. There were stained wood boxes, leather covered boxes, and custom wood-burned boxes. So naturally, we landed on a worn 1970’s metal Milwaukee toolbox. The seller's description noted it was “for storing dangerous items,” and added, “Varn kept all of his 1970's Playboys in the old Milwaukee toolbox. He read them in the tool shed late at night with a vintage glass of port.” We were instantly sold.

Step 2: Buy wine

Enter Cave Taureau and their carefully curated selection and intimate knowledge. We got an education of prime wines based on our tastes and preferences, and ended up happily walking away with two bottles of 2009 Domaine du Gour de Chaule Gigondas Cuvee Tradition. 

Step 3: Stock and save

On our wedding day, we'll enjoy one bottle, and put the other in our toolbox. We're also stashing away:

- Sealed written records of the fond or entertaining memories we each had of that day

- Well-wishes from friends and family in the form of returned postcards

- Instant images from our wedding day

Step 4: Wash, rinse, repeat

Each year on May 5^th we will pull out the toolbox from safe-keeping, and do the following:

- Share wine

- Read each other's written memories of our wedding day for the 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, etc… time.

- Look at photos from previous year(s)

- Take new photos to include in box

- Review returned postcards

- Note the year’s wine and leave dated cork

- Replenish wine with a new bottle

- Replace letters, photos, and postcards

- Tuck away until we do it again the next year

Pulling the cork on a nice bottle of wine, and reminiscing with old pictures each anniversary, just sounds so much better than biting into a tier of freezer-burnt cake. And over time it will be nice to reminisce about where it all began, remember the support we have from others, and see how we grow (and age) over the years. Hopefully like fine wines.