Yes of course. This is a very special way of making your ceremony unique to you.
I think that my favourite part of any wedding ceremony is the reaction that I see (and feel) when someone hears their partner's wedding vows - and there is always a reaction (and it's always a good one!)
Your vows can be as traditional, quirky, romantic, simple, personalised, humorous, or formal, as you want them to be.
You may wish to include quotes from favourite books, lyrics from special songs or lines from films that you have seen together.
You may simply want to say what is in your heart. You may want to make your partner laugh (you will probably make them cry 'happy tears' whatever you say or do!)
There are different ways to make your vows; it doesn't have to be 'repeat after me'. In fact, if you have selected, or written, something deeply personal, or if you have chosen to split up your vows and take turns making them (alternate or duet style), I would more often than not suggest that you read them directly to each other, rather than repeating after me - but it is your choice and we will discuss your preferences, along with everything else.
If you wish, you can use symbolic elements as well as, or instead of, words.
And if you want to sing (or sign) your wedding vows, have bilingual vows, or ask your guests to suggest vows for you?
Well, of course, none of those things are a problem either.
If you are unsure where to start, I can provide some suggestions for you to use or adapt (see my free dowloadable guide to Stress Free Wedding Vows near the bottom of this page).
If you prefer to use traditional vows or promises, or if you would like me to create something personal for you, that is also absolutely fine. Quite a number of couples have each simply made this vow:
"I ask everyone here to witness
my promise to love and respect you
for as long as I live"
You can say what you really want to say, in the way that you want to say it - or not say anything at all!
As with everything else, I will never force you to do anything that you don't want to do; I will only ever help you to have the ceremony that suits you.
This fun-loving couple are VERY competitive and played a game of 'Rock, Paper, Scissors' to decide who should make their vows first!
This little girl passed her mummy and daddy's wedding vows to them, but only after she had taken off the ribbon and asked me lots of questions - basically, she was the star of the whole wedding and nobody would have had it any other way (still one of my favourite photographs because it was such a special moment, captured beautifully by the photographer: Wes Simpson)
This couple chose to write their vows separately and keep them a surprise until their wedding day - which is what many couples choose to do; but it's obviously fine if you prefer to share/know what you/your partner will be saying. (Great photograph by: Helen Cotton Photography)
I have read advice that vows should be a similar length, let me tell you that is not true. I once had a couple where one vow was 187 words and the other was 6 - and they were kept a secret, from each other, until the ceremony. It worked, because it was 100% authenitc and reflected their personalities - every single one of their guests said that it was perfect for them and, more importantly, each partner LOVED what the other said! It helped that I knew, in advance, and incorprated the different approaches into their ceremony in a very positive way.
These two Black & White photos, from two different weddings, were taken during the vows and show happy tears and head right back hilarity! Just in case you are wondering, there were also very poignant moments and happy tears in the 'laughing out loud' wedding - just not during this part of the groom's vows...
What will you go for? Short and simple? Happy tears or head right back hilarity? I will be there, to guide and support you every step of the way (should you want me to be).
By the way, I always offer to print out vows (and readings) on high quality card or paper. If you send me a picture of your invitations (or a link to your Pins) I will do my best to co-ordinate what I create with the rest of your look and feel (but, of course, I will never copy someone else's work - because that's very naughty!) .
If you would like a copy of my free guide to Stress Free Wedding Vows please click here.
Hi, I am Lorraine Hull, an award-winning Celebrant, based in Liverpool.
I am most usually asked to conduct ceremonies in North-West England and North Wales but I am happy to travel anywhere within the U.K. or abroad.
At the risk of shouting (and sounding extremely cheesy) "I LOVE MY JOB!".
I really love getting to know the couples and families that ask me to be part of their special celebration, whether that is for a Wedding/Civil Partnership, Renewal/Reaffirmation of Vows, Naming/Welcoming, or Celebration of Life/Funeral
I love hearing, writing and telling love and life stories (and also finding out about hopes and dreams - which are the stories of the future!)
I love to create and conduct unique, meaningful ceremonies that are perfect for each couple, individual, and/or family.
I love helping to create and celebrate happy and poignant moments, which form memories that will last a lifetime (that also includes the memories that I get to keep too - what's not to love?)
I believe that ALL people (and animals) should all be treated kindly, fairly and with respect.
I think for myself and act for others. I advocate anti-racism, the appreciation and celebration of diversity, dignity, justice, equity and equality for ALL through everything that I say and do: Love is Love, Family is Family, Life is Life.
You may like to know that I was trained to the highest level as a Celebrant and have continued my professional development. I hold Public Liability and Professional Indemnity insurance. I adhere to a strict code of conduct and I am committed to identifying, developing and sharing best practice with my Celebrant colleagues, so that we can all be the best Celebrants that we can possibly be.
To contact me please email: lorraine@liverpoolcelebrant.co.uk or call: 0744 932 3988
Kommentare