This photo was taken at a modern Mayan wedding in the state at Quintana Roo at the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico.
Candles are an imported part of the open air ceremony. Different colored candles are lighted symbolizing love, respect, honesty…things important in life and marriage. The ceremony itself is a strange mix of Christianity and Mayan symbolism. On the end of the ceremony a white candle is lighted symbolizing God and Faith. This candle is used to lighten a smaller candle given to the bright, groom and each guest, symbolizing family, friends and community. These candles are placed in a sand filled container with the candles of bright and groom in the middle symbolizing the protection and support family, friends and community will give to the now married couple. The candles will burn out by themselves. To put the candles out is considered a bad omen.