WRITING YOUR WEDDING VOWS - There is no "right way" to do this....it's all from the heart...

John & Maggie Lahey, Summer of 2007

Beau Lodge, Bow, Washington

Photo: www.fireflyphotos.net - The wonderful Greta!

If you are writing your own wedding vows, I'll make this short and sweet.

Write from the heart.

Wedding vows are less about what you "promise" or what you "will do."

Wedding vows are all about how you will show up in your marriage. What you love, respect, admire and cherish about your Sweetheart. How your relationship supports your growth and healing. How you are blessed to be with your Sweetheart for life.

Consider this simple counsel when "writing your wedding vows." And yes, humor is very good, too!

Creating a "Spiritual Wedding Ceremony" - Often A Challenge For Couples...

Congratulations to Thom & Susie Cosgrove, 2007
DAR House, Seattle, Washington

Photo: www.claremariephotography.com - the Fabulous Clare!

When a couple comes to me, we often work to create a meaningful and poignant wedding ceremony which incorporates different religious/spiritual/secular traditions and beliefs. In this work that I do, my task is to craft and deliver a ceremony which reflects a couple's love story, relationship and gratitude to family/friends - and so much more.

Often, couples who work with me want a "spiritual wedding ceremony" and at times have trouble putting their thoughts into words. Rev. Judith Johnson does this well and I'd like to share the following that she wrote:

"When a couple chooses to be married outside the doctrinal definitions of a particular religion or spiritual path, they have the opportunity to put their signature on the wedding ceremony so that it reflects their individual and combined beliefs and values. Every word, every gesture, can be imbued with a deep significance for the couple."

Judith and I are on the the same page - "a wedding ceremony is a wonderful opportunity for self-expression and a declaration of the power of love!"

Jeff & Lynley Shaw - And The Blue Angels Wedding Fly-Over!!

The Fabulous Jeff & Lynley Shaw

August 4, 2007, DeLille Cellars, Woodinville, WA

"And The Surprise Roar & Fly-Over Of The Blue Angels!

You can't help but absolutely love Jeff and Lynley Shaw. Not only is this couple lovely in every way (and thank you for the honor of being with both of you on your wedding day!) but with Jeff and Lynley, you never know how things are going to go.

Literally!

And in the middle of Jeff and Lynley's wedding ceremony on August 4th, the Blue Angels did a low fly-over their ceremony location - in Woodinville! Yes, Woodinville! The roar and surprise was an absolute delight and such an amazing moment for all of us.

So, yes, it's true. When it comes to an actual wedding ceremony, you never know what - or who - is actually going to show up!

Photo Credit: The Fabulous Carmen Chan of Carmen Chan Photography: www.carmenchanphotography.com