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Renewal or Re-Affirmation of Vows

An Anniversary Blessing.

You have come a long way over smooth roads and rough.
But embracing each other and that was enough,
to advance through the darkest and stormiest weather
with a rainbow of love when you shared it together.

And because you have shared your smiles and your tears,
You have built up rich treasures in these many years.
For the memories of things you both shared and faced,
Are engraved in your hearts and cannot be erased.

And life with its problems has been but the blending,
Of a love that’s divine and therefore unending.
For love that endures through a long, earthly life,
And keeps folks together as husband and wife.
Is fashioned by trust and you both have been true,
To the vows of that marriage undertaken by you...

And all of your children and their children too
are indeed very thankful, and so proud of you.

(Received anonymously and substantially edited by D.Messenger)


Married for Yonks - does this describe you?

Bill and Sally ReidPhoto: Bill and Sally Reid - happily married for fifty years (2015) and getting happier.

In the age of divorce so many people forget that there are many, happy, successful marriages. For many couples, the longer they are together, the better it gets. What is it that inspires people all over the world to renew the vows they made in their first wedding?

There are as many reasons as there are people, but we can generalize to aa degree.

Whatever the reason, the special nature of a Renewal or Re-affirmation of Vows ceremony needs the skill and compassionate perception brought by a well-qualified Celebrant.

I think that it is absolutely essentail that a Renewal or Re-affirmation of Vows ceremony has to begin with a personal story. The ceremony can then follow the structure of any wedding ceremony. The readings and music must be appropriate, and the VOWS and RING Ceremony modified as follows:

The Asking

Celebrant to the husband:
Terry, Will you, once again, take Wendy to be your lawful wedded wife? Will you love and respect her, be honest with her, and stand by her through whatever may come, as you always have done,  so you can genuinely share the rest of your life together?

Groom: I will.

Celebrant to the wife:

Wendy, Will you, once again, take Terry to be your lawful wedded husband? Will you love and respect her, be honest with her, and stand by her through whatever may come, as you always have done,  so you can genuinely share the rest of your life together? 

Bride: I will.

Vows

I, Terry, take you, Wendy, once again, as my wife,
and now the mother of our children..
I pledge to share my life
openly with you,
to speak the truth to you in love.
 I promise to honour
and tenderly care for you,
to cherish and encourage
your own fulfilment as an individual,
for the rest of my life.

Bride:
I, Wendy, take you, Terry, once again, as my husband
and now the father of our children.
I pledge to share my life
openly with you,
to speak the truth to you in love.
 I promise to honour
and tenderly care for you,
to cherish and encourage
your own fulfilment as an individual,
for the rest of my life.

Ring Ceremony (new rings)

Husband:
Wendy, This ring I give you,
it is my personal gift,
my personal promise of love and trust,
and pride that you are my wife.

Wife:
Terry, This ring I give you,
it is my personal gift,
my personal promise of love and trust,
and pride that you are my husband.


Call the Celebrants Centre on 1300 446 786 and obtain our books and booklets on ceremony to assist you with ideas on how to make your ceremony unique.

Reaffirmation of Vows Ceremonies, adapted from Marriage Ceremonies, can be found in Ceremonies and Celebrations and It's Your Wedding.

You can also have a professionally prepared Reaffirmation of Vows Certificate with special envelope available from the Celebrants Centre.

Books for sale from the Celebrants Centre1300 446 786 Yvonne - weare@celebrantcentre.com.au
Ceremonies - all
Ceremonies and Celebrations Book and CD
History
Celebrant Training in History
Marriage Ceremonies
It's Your Wedding by Dally Messenger

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