Back for More (vows, that is!)

It's funny that the day I finally get around to loading more pictures happens to be the one year anniversary of our renewal. We don't really see it as an anniversary, since we were really married on the 30th the year before, but I'm glad that I am taking a few minutes to relive and remember it today nonetheless...


June 28, 2008

Since it had been raining a bit earlier, and more rain was in the forecast, the ceremony was moved inside at Deerpark (boo).

The musicians, Don Pedi and Bruce Green, warming up.

Since the ceremony was supposed to be in the courtyard, we had planned on arriving very early and hiding behind screens in the back of the restaurant, so that no guests would see us until the time came to walk down the aisle. I am not really sure why I didn't change this plan after the ceremony got moved indoors, as it wouldn't have mattered then, but I guess I had other things on my mind. So we waited in the back with no AC, just a giant fan (I am standing to get the most airflow), until the guests and the men were safely in the lodge room.

The men, on the other hand, apparently had access to the bar and were having a grand old time.

Here I am opening the card that Mike sent to me before the ceremony. It was thoughtful...

And funny...

And sweet. What a great reminder of why I was marrying him (again).

My wonderful grandparents, waiting their turn to head down the aisle. I love this picture of them.

Crossing the courtyard to the Lodge Room.

My mom being escorted by one of the groomsmen. The heights worked out perfectly!


Some of my ladies on the move.


Why am I nervous?! You know what else I am thinking?

How amazing are my flowers, really?

Here my step-dad is asking me, "Are you sure you want to go through with this?" Which is the same thing he asked my older sister on her big day, but doesn't quite work here, as I have already been married for 363 days at this point.

My adorable niece was not quite sure she wanted to walk down the aisle.

Good thing her daddy was there to help her along.

Here we go! (I love this shot of the back of my dress, by the way.)

Our brother-in-law surprised us by announcing that he had gotten ordained online in preparation for the vow renewal! It was completely unnecessary, of course, but very, very touching. In case anyone out there is working on a program, here is the opening prayer:

God of Light, who gives us the longing for love and the capability of loving, we give thanks for Michael and Elizabeth, for their open hearts and willing spirits, and for the example of love that they embody here in our presence. We give thanks as well for the loving example set by those who have left us to join you, but remain in our hearts. Be with Michael and Elizabeth on this joyous occasion of rededicating their love and restating their vows. And be with us, their witnesses, that we may all be changed by what is given and received here today. Amen

Next, my little sister (who has an amazing voice) sang a slightly-doctored version of "The Water is Wide," an old English folk song. She sang it a cappella and it was magical. We lyrics are really beautiful and the idea boats has ties to my dad, so it was all the more meaningful. The only thing we changed is the last stanza, which is less than romantic (look it up), so we repeated the first stanza at the end instead. Here are the lyrics we used:

The water is wide I can not get o'er
And neither have I wings to fly
Give me a boat that will carry two
And both shall row my love and I

Where love is planted O there it grows
It grows and blossoms like a rose
It has a sweet and pleasant smell
No flower on Earth can it excel

A ship there is and she sails the sea
She's loaded deep as deep can be
But not so deep as the love I'm in
I know not if I sink or swim

The water is wide I can not get o'er
And neither have I wings to fly
Give me a boat that will carry two
And both shall row my love and I

The next picture is the wine and chocolate ritual we included in the ceremony. I got the idea here, from Mrs. Ladybug, and it was my favorite part of the vow renewal. Here's how it went:

Officiant: As the lyrics of the song implied, the waters of life are wide. Elizabeth and Michael have already experienced life’s bitterness, yet they have shown us that when they join together and support each other, their ship sails safely. Even through hardship, their love has grown. To represent this commitment to loving and supporting each other, they will now share a taste of life.

Michael and Elizabeth, there will come in your life days of great sweetness, and days of bitter sorrow. There will be celebrations, and there will be tears. There will be triumphs, and there will be tragedies. Life holds indescribable happiness in store for you both – and unavoidable pain, as well. And so to symbolize your acceptance of this reality, today you will share the bitter and the sweet, just as you will share them in the years to come.

Both of you, taste this bitter red wine.

Taste in it the dark days which will rock your marriage and test its strength. It represents disappointment, illness, grief. Know that these hard times will come, and with them, the opportunity to deepen your bond as husband and wife.

Now, taste this sweet chocolate.

Taste in it the sweetness and light that will fill your marriage with joy. Savor the richness of its flavor, just as you will savor every happiness that your beloved brings you. It represents shared laughter, your child’s first steps, your golden anniversary. Delight in it, as you will delight in your husband, your wife.

Next, a good friend read "Two Trees," by Janet Miles. This poem has tremendous meaning for me. I found it very early in the wedding planning process, and it has been at the bottom of the page on this blog since the very first day. It was so wonderful to finally hear it read with my wonderful husband standing next to me. Here are the words:

A portion of your soul has been
entwined with mine
A gentle kind of togetherness, while
separately we stand.
As two trees deeply rooted in
separate plots of ground,
While their topmost branches
come together,
Forming a miracle of lace
against the heavens.

We renewed our vows and re-exchanged our rings.

Since it was a renewal, our pronouncement went like this:

Officiant: Because you have renewed your pledge of love and commitment to each other before this company, I now declare that you are recommitted to each other in the covenant of marriage, and pronounce you husband and wife.

Then we kissed!

Finally, an Apache blessing:

May the sun bring you new energy by day.
May the moon softly restore you by night.
May the rain wash away your worries.
And may you live the days of your lives in
peace, love, and happiness.

And we recessed back down the aisle to "You are My Sunshine."

Whew! Done! Here are some post-ceremony moments...

"I can't believe you got ordained!!!"

Big-sister love...

A moment of awe.

And the ceremony was over. Mike and I went off to take portraits, and the rest of our guests enjoyed the delicous food at the cocktail hour. Next stop, reception!