(Garnet and I are standing in front of the tree we got engaged under… over 11 years age. We sat together, leaning against the tree…I was reading him the first chapter in Galatians and he burst out ‘will you marry me’)
Many years ago I decided I wanted to have a vow renewal when the kids where little still. There where many reasons for it. I knew the girls would really love the experiences, I wanted to wear my wedding dress again, especially once I was done having children, and it is another reason to celebrate life, love and family.
We joke that after Garnet proved himself unable to remember special dates like our anniversary we made a deal. I wouldn’t fuss about the missed dates and he would let me throw a big anniversary party every 10 years. He thought he won but once the ceremony came upon him he knew I won (wink).
We decided to make it special we would amerce our family with special little things because the little things are what is important, and remembered! For example, the girls and I got our hair professionally done and they decided they wanted to have floral crowns instead of bouquets. The guys wore something comfortable instead of super formal. They all looked great in their button up shirts and jeans.
One very special little moment between me and the girls was when we kicked off our shoes as we walked down the isle. I had always wanted to do it bare foot!
Garnet and I going back to our engagement tree and getting pictures done there was very big on the must do list. A good friend, Esther, who is a talented photographer did this for us.
The day was also beautiful because of all the little ways important people in our lives took part.
My sister Mirelle sang a BEAUTIFUL song as we walked down the isle. It was breath taking and I felt so blessed to have her do that for me!
Both sides parents and siblings with their families made it out! Each family had to make an effort to be there, some postponed trips and others traveled far (even though very pregnant) and others still took time off work. I don’t think we have all been together at once since our first ceremony!
(My Mom and Dad)
(Garnet’s Mom and Dad)
Garnet and I wrote our vows and most know already that I found it pretty tough. I was nervous and tried many times to sneak a peek at Garnet’s but he wouldn’t let me. Turned out fabulous. His was about our past and present and mine was about our present and future! I can’t explain how much I appreciated Garnet’s vows… they meant a lot to me… Closed with the very traditional ’till death do us part’ vows and a kiss.
It was adorable how the kids just congregated around, the girls especially where very much into the whole thing. They danced at our feet and watched us, giggling now and then.
Our kiss was much tamer this time round. It felt very different having all our little nieces starring at us.
I played our song on a little stereo after the vows, “Loving A Person” by Sara Groves. We held hands and thought about how hard but rewarding these 10 years together have been.
My Dad then stood and closed in prayer for us, another big moment for me. I held it together till he was done and he and mom hugged me… then I cried. My parents are so precious to me.
A very short ceremony but so special! Right down the cute little church we rented and the leather couches instead of pews that everyone got to sit on.
We finished up with a busy family gathering at our house with boat loads of good food! The girls and I put on less formal dresses so we could have more fun and be more relaxed.
The craziness of a big family gathering was actually very comforting to me that day. As it started to slow down and many of us moved to my sitting room up stairs and chatted I felt very thankful for my family. Most everyone left and Garrison and Mirelle stayed well into the night to watch a movie with us.
A long day that was amazingly not stressful but fun and so pretty!
TTFN
This is not a picture of what I am up to right now… I am drinking an iced tea, however. The similarities stop there. That day I was on the patio with my feet up watching the kids play. Tonight I am baking bread, in the evening, with a big old fan working hard to pull the cool evening air into my killer hot kitchen.
