Have I mentioned before how much I love love love a vow renewal ceremony? 😉
I guess I’ve mentioned it on occasion…
And by vow renewal I also include renewal and declaration of promises and commitment for couples (throuples) who never actually got married in the first place.
Take John and I for example, we’ve been together 32 years. Not married. Yet we’ve taken time out to “renew our vows” on a couple of occasions.
It’s taking time to say “I Still Do”
A vow renewal provides a dedicated moment in time to reassess your relationship. To look at the journey you’ve travelled, share gratitude to the partner you’ve travelled it with. You can marvel at the things you have overcome together, as well as your achievements. They are an opportunity to remind your partner why you chose them and give gratitude that they chose you in return. And they afford you a moment not only to reflect and give thanks, but also to look forward. They are just a testament to the longevity, sustainability, commitment and love of a couple. When after a period of time, and having navigated a number of trials and tribulations, a couple realise that even (or especially) in heartache, life is more purposeful, complete and bearable because of the other.
Don’t get me wrong, weddings are lovely. They’re about making a commitment to each other; declaring an intention to commit to loving and supporting each other through good times and bad. Yet they often have a more ‘rose tinted’ hue to them. A vow renewal is evidence of that commitment. Affirmation that reality isn’t all romantic dates and shared dreams, but also, survival, growth, compromise, reassessment, changing paths, climbing mountains and taking turns to give other a legs up over every hurdle. A vow renewal is about forgiveness and acceptance as much as it is about love and adoration.
When and how to say I Still Do?
Some couples choose a significant anniversary to renew their vows; 10, 20, 25 years say; or a major moment; recovery, loss, retirement. Other’s like John and I pick a spontaneous, random date out of the hat.
Some couples do it with as much plume and fuss as a fancy wedding, choosing to make a massive declaration in front of everyone they love. Others like John and I, take the tiniest budget, and find a quiet corner and do it privately and personally. Some go back to the original crime scene, I mean wedding venue. Others go to church. Some pick the location of they honeymoon. Or, like John and I, they find a remote place in nature and do it under the stars (it being declarations – where is your mind right now?!).
The other thing about a vow renewal is there is no legal paperwork required. It doesn’t change your tax status, you don’t need to amend your passport, driving licence, wills! You are doing it just because. Just because you want to affirm “I Still Do”
You are choosing, together, to look back, take stock and look forward, despite (or because) of everything you’ve faced together, you still choose each other. Always and forever. YOU STILL DO
If you’d like to find out more about how I can help you create a perfect, magical, authentic I Still Do ceremony, get in touch, no pressure, just joy, and unpressured conversation about your love story.
