Your Wedding Vows - Make Them Your Own, Modify Vows You've Found or Go Traditional - It's Your Choice...

In my work as a Wedding Officiant, I work directly with couples to create sets of vows that are deeply personalized and meaningful.

And of course, just like anything else, I are drawn to some wedding vows more than others.

Here is a beautiful set of wedding vows authored by one of my most favorite people on the planet, Marianne Williamson. I offer this set of ring vows to you from Marianne who has a talent for crafting words into art:

________, With this ring,
I give you my promise that from this day forward,
you shall not walk alone.
May my heart be your shelter
And my arms by your home.
May God bless you always.
May we walk together through all things.
May you feel deeply loved, for indeed you are.
May you always see your innocence in my eyes.
With this ring,
I give you my heart.
I have no greater gift to give.
I feel so honored to call you my wife/husband.
I feel so blessed to call you mine.
May we feel this joy forever.
I thank you and I love you.

#1 Tip for Planning Your Wedding Rehearsal and Wedding Weekend

Steven and Patrice - May, 2006. What is the best thing a couple can do to insure an elegant and graceful wedding day? Particularly if the wedding is large and with "lots of details?"

If possible, considering scheduling your wedding rehearsal so that you have a day or two between the rehearsal and the wedding day. Why?

I often see a more relaxed couple if they have a day or so between their rehearal and wedding day.

Scheduling your rehearsal and wedding back-to-back - i.e., Friday and Saturday - is often very stressful and leaves little time for last-minute details and just enjoying family and friends. With a "buffer day," a couple may be able to find a little private time for a few hours or better entertain out-of-town guests.

Either way, as you plan your wedding weekend, consider this planning tip. I see many couples over the course of a year and this is one of my best pieces of advise to the couples I am so very honored to work with.

Creating A Unique and Memorable Wedding Ceremony When Children Are Involved...

So many times each year, I am delighted to work with couples to create a wedding ceremony that also incorporates their young children, teen-agers or adult children. The picture above was taken last year during Adam and Marcy Kispert's wedding ceremony with their daughter in Suquamish. I absolutely loved this couple and their very obvious commitment and devotion to this young child. During the ceremony, honoring words were shared with the young girl and a gift was presented - a memento of "their wedding day." If you are planning a wedding ceremony with children, here are a few important tips to consider:

1) A wedding ceremony is not only about the two of you. It's also about the "tribe" of people who love and appreciate you. Honoring words of gratitude and appreciation to family members and children are often a highlight of a wedding ceremony - and when written and delivered with eloquence and heart, they help create a bridge to the future.

2) Surprise gifts are often a wonderful element to a wedding ceremony. Get creative - one of my most artists for a reasonably priced gift is Caitlin Dundon here in Seattle and her website is: www.oneheartstudio.com

3) Consider rituals during your wedding ceremony which include your children - these can include: vows to your children; re-planting a tree seedling for your home; unity candle; sand ceremony and so much more. Each ritual is about strength and harmony and celebrating the formal creation of a new family. If you'd like specific information on one of these rituals, please let me know.