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This evening I attended a networking mixer for AFWPI (Association for Wedding Professionals International) at the Old Sugar Mill in Clarksburg. While I'm not really fond of "networking" per se, I do enjoy "visiting" with my colleagues, and I was glad to have the opportunity to connect with friends tonight.
One highlight was my delightful chat with Shannon Cosgrove-Rivas, of Flourish, and her hubby, Jim. As she posted on Facebook today, she recently came across the personal vows she wrote for their wedding back in 1994.
Naturally, I was interested in hearing more, since Vows are such an important part of what I do.
Shannon and Jim said that they sat down together and talked about what they wanted to say to each other in their vows. Then they wrote the beginning and the end of their vows together; they each personalized the "middle" part of the vows, which they didn't share until their wedding day. What a beautiful idea!
And they kept a copy, so when they renew their vows in five years (on their 20th anniversary), they'll be able to use their original vows. (I'm sure they'll add a bit; imagine how much their love and commitment has grown in the past 15-years-plus-two-kids.)
One thing I really loved about Shannon and Jim's story is that, back in 1994, they did exactly what I encourage couples to do today: Sit down with each other and talk about what is important to each of you to say (and hear) in your vows.
Of course, many (if not most) couples choose to "repeat after me" rather than write their own original vows. Which is still beautiful, especially if they've thoughtfully chosen to repeat vows that are meaningful to them.
(Post-wedding, I always send a copy of their vows to the newlyweds, with the encouragement that they "renew" their vows annually by saying them aloud to each other on each anniversary. )
Thank you, Shannon and Jim, for sharing your story. I'm eager to see your vows ... and, as promised, I won't post them!
PS: I don't have any recent photos of Shannon's floral art. Check out her website for some stunning stuff!!
Hugs,
Rev. Jeri
