vows that wow

 picture from A Practical Wedding - read about this forest lovefest here!

So I've been quiet when it comes to the conversation about our ceremony vows.  I'm not holding out on you or anything...I'm actually too terrified to begin writing.  Like - I have no idea where to start - what to say - how do I pick and choose what elements to include?  These are, quite possibly, the most sacred words I will ever recite in my life...and there is simply so much to say.  Just thinking about it makes my nose bright red and my eyes leak because the man I'm about to marry is so incredible...I really am the luckiest.

Anywho...

When it comes to vows, I'm MUCH more of an "I do" kinda gall, especially with the sobs of happiness I'm anticipating.  I've already mentioned, my guy is allllll about crafting our ceremony and making it ours.  But I think that even if I lovingly composed a sonnet fit for publication, I would read it all wrong...I would rush through it, not give emphasis at the proper places, probably giggle or something embarrassing AND cry at the same time.  Good Lord save me from that monstrosity. 

And then I found this AMAAZINGNESS over at Veiled Vows...and think it's a beautiful thing.  We can craft it to our desires, and yet, have the harmoniously simplistic response of "We do."  

I wonder what my loverboy will think of this?

Malina: Megan and Bob are excited today not only because they can share their love for each other, but also because they have the opportunity to express their aspirations for the future. Megan and Bob, do you promise to help each other to grow, cultivating compassion, generosity, and patience, continuously challenging each other to become better people?

Megan and Bob: We do.

Malina: Do you promise to seek to understand yourselves, and each other, to examine your own minds continually and to regard all life with curiosity and joy?

Megan and Bob: We do.

Malina: Do you promise day to day, to be patient with yourselves and others, knowing that change comes slowly and gradually, and to seek inspiration not to become discouraged?

Megan and Bob: We do.

Malina: Do you promise to remain optimistic that you can achieve your dreams both together and independently? Do you promise to help each other achieve your goals and hold each others’ hands through successes and failures?

Megan and Bob: We do.

Malina: Do you promise to always laugh, make each other smile and never take life too seriously? Do you promise to see your life together as the adventure that it is, full of challenges and new experiences, delicious food and great friends?

Megan and Bob: We do.

Malina: I now invite Bob and Meg to exchange rings.

Him: Take this ring as a reminder of all my promises and a choice, made every day, to be in love.

Me: Take this ring as a reminder of all my promises and a choice, made every day, to be in love.

Malina: No one but you can declare yourselves married, despite the rights my online ordination by the Church of Universal Life may confer. You started your lives together 3 years ago and start the rest of them today.

Begin this crazy thing called marriage then, with a kiss.