It wont work,
The sensor bar , despite its name, doesnt sense but has Infra-red emitters on it which is how the remote senses the movement as well as using its accelerometers
The wiimote has the IR receiver
You can prove this by unplugging the sensor bar and getting any old tv/hifi remote and make it constantly emit IR by holding a button down on itand point it towards the wiimote, the wiimote will then work.
you could also prove that the sensor bar is the EMITTER by getting a camera phone or digi cam and point it at the sensor bar, you should see a light emitting from it then as the camera turns it into visible light
As for using candles,i guess its possible they could emit infra red, try it and see!