Vows ... still meaningful after all these years?

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

AFWPI and networking

Although I think of myself as a friendly person, my "shy" side emerges whenever I attend a networking function. Perhaps it's my middle-aged memory that trips me up, or the fact that I get a little tongue-tied when meeting new people in the wedding business. Whatever the reason, networking isn't my forte.

However, I do enjoy attending the AFWPI monthly mixers, where I get to connect with other wedding vendors and, often, put faces with the names of people with whom I swap emails!

This Tuesday's mixer was held at Le Rivage, a new wedding site on the river -- in the south part of Sacramento, off I-5. I had arranged to meet my new friend, Della (a new wedding officiant), at the mixer and introduce her to some of the AFWPI members. So many friendly people came over to say hello to us; I hope Della enjoyed meeting them. (And if she remembers ANY of their names, she gets extra memory points!)

The weather was perfect, the music was provided by a live jazz band, Caribbean Jazz Q-tet, with Emcee duties going to Music on the Move, another of my favorite DJ companies. (Doug, Doug and Dara are some of the most fun and professional DJs I've ever worked with! PLUS, they always provide me with a great sound system, so all the guests can hear my ceremonies. Thanks, Music on the Move!)

The mixer was also an opportunity for me to catch up on some business news ... Shannon has moved over to Le Rivage, as has Kellie; Amanda goes on maternity leave in about a month; videographer Eric Leas (of Acti-Video Productions) and his lovely wife expect their baby early in November. Lots of news to catch up on!

The food was provided by Scott's Seafood, which is affiliated with Le Rivage. (As a vegan, I didn't eat anything ... but saw many big smiles by those who were eating. Looked like an endorsement of the food!)

So ... this month's networking was a fun experience. I really, really enjoy so many of the members of AFWPI -- both as great people and as professionals. And as always, I am so glad I attended the mixer!

For anyone planning a wedding, be sure to look at AFWPI's website for a directory of great wedding professionals! (And don't forget to check out the "links" page on my website: www.RevJeriMurphy.com. If they're on my list, they're professionals who do great work!)