Our Wedding vows, which I put together, and even still love to read and remember...

I Opening Words
Rich and Becky, this day you make a giant step of courage, of commitment to love, understand and grow. When a commitment this strong is made by two people, the force of that commitment, of that love, of that courage, reaches out and touches all of us around you, so that our lives are changed and we share a part of your love. Like a stone dropped in a still pond, the ripples of the love from this celebration extends and changes the world we live in.

In our long history we have never discovered a better way of life than sharing it together in love in a lasting and responsible way. This arrangement seems to meet our deepest human needs for love and companionship, for someone with whom we can share in an intimate and trusting way all the hopes and joy and dreams of life. But real love Rich and Becky, is something beyond the warmth and glow, the excitement and romance of being deeply in love. It is caring as much about the welfare and happiness of your marriage partner as about your own. Real love is not total absorption into each other, it is looking outward in the same direction together. Love makes burdens lighter because you divide them. It makes joys more intense because you share them. It makes you stronger, so you can be involved with life in ways you dare not risk alone.

Marriage is not only a commitment between lovers, it is also an agreement between two friends. Allow each other time to be an individual, respect each other's wishes as well as their dreams. This service is not magic. It will not create a relationship that does not already exit. It is time for tying a knot in the rope of days and saying, "We will not slip backwards from here, but will go forward together." It is a time for one thing of which Rich and Becky are certain, that their love for one another and their desire for that love will last forever.


II Agreeing
Rich/Becky do you take Becky/Rich as your life partner, will you be faithful to her/his love and feelings,
offering encouragement and companionship?

Please repeat your promises with me:

(repeating lines pausing at "/")
I, Rich (Becky) take you Becky (Rich) / for my wife (husband) from today forward/ to care for and respect/
as equal partner in my life/ to whom I give my deepest love and respect/ I humbly open my heart to you/ as sanctuary of warmth and peace/ where you may find a refuge of love and strength.


III Ring Exchange
Let these rings symbolize the devotion and commitment each holds for the other. These rings, given in love, are a testimony to all who bear witness that Rich and Becky are truly joined together.This ring is round, symbolizing that love is a circle, a circle that is meant to include those it encounters.

Please repeat with me:

(each saying)
With this ring I pledge to you/ my deepest love and devotion.

IV Closing Words

May your joys be sweet as spring flowers that grow, As bright as a fire when winter winds blow, As countless as leaves that float down in the fall, As serene as the Love that keeps watch over all.
(kiss the bride richard!)

***NOTE*** If you ever use vows like these, please talk to the person marrying you to not use the lines "by the power of God..etc" if you don't want that tacked on the ned of your ceremony. We didn't realize it.. and it was added to the end of ours, and I honestly really felt angry.. cuz I had go so far to make my vows *unreligious*, only to have that added to the end.

Also.. if you'd like to use these vows.. alter them or whatever.. feel free!! Everyone should have a beautiful ceremony. If you do tho.. could you let me know how it goes?? I'd love to hear about it.