Well, first of all, you don’t necessarily have to have a reason - if you feel it’s something that you just want to do then go for it!
One of the biggest reasons people renew their vows is when they are celebrating a milestone anniversary. Celebrating how far you have both come with your “marriage story” is an amazing way to reinforce your love, make some new promises to each other and celebrate the future.
Maybe you have recently overcome a big hurdle in your relationship and want to reaffirm your commitment, celebrate and cement that strength in your marriage.
Perhaps you have a blended family from previous relationships and it may take time before your family feels completely like one. A vow renewal can be a lovely opportunity to bring everyone even closer and celebrate how far you have all come and we can incorporate your family in family vows and simple symbolic rituals such as a group handfasting.
Did you have a quiet wedding with very limited guests, maybe overseas or during the Pandemic? If you now want to celebrate with more friends and family, you can recreate a little of the wedding with a “minimony” – a paired down ceremony, saying your vows to each other followed by your party.
There are all sorts of ways we can make your vow renewal special by personalising each element and including family and friends.
One of the most poignant parts will of course be your new promises to each other and whilst you may choose to write your own – these are some of my favourites taken from movies and literature.
“I didn't fall in love with you. I walked into love with you, with my eyes wide open, choosing to take every step along the way. I do believe in fate and destiny, but I also believe we are only fated to do the things that we'd choose anyway. And I'd choose you; in a hundred lifetimes, in a hundred worlds, in any version of reality, I'd find you, and I'd choose you.”
Excerpt from “The Chaos of Stars.”
“I love you. I am who I am because of you. You are every reason, every hope, and every dream I’ve ever had, and no matter what happens to us in the future, every day we are together is the greatest day of my life. I will always be yours.”
Excerpt from “The Notebook”
“I vow to fiercely love you in all your forms, now and forever. I promise to never forget that this is a once-in-a-lifetime love.”
Excerpt from “The Vow”
“What can I say that I haven’t already said? What can I provide you that I haven’t already given? My body, my mind, my soul and my heart. They’re all yours. Everything that I have and everything that I am belonged to you long before today, and I promise that it shall all be yours forever. I will be yours forever. I will follow you anywhere you go and anywhere lead me. Hand in hand. Heart in the heart. Let’s get on with this so that we can grow old together.”
Excerpt From “Eden” by Jamie McGuire
“In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours. In all the world, there is no love for you like mine”.
Maya Angelou
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