Beach Wedding -- Vows, Ceremony help!

[royalasschergirl]

Hey everyone!

I can''t believe it, on Friday the countdown will go from triple digits to double digits, which means 3 months to go! I''m starting the think about the ceremony and the vows, etc. and thought I would get the wisdom of those on this board for help, suggestions!!! We are having a beach wedding, and are doing a ceremony, but that''s as far as we''ve gotten -- any suggestions or ideas that you may have used or are considering, etc. would be a great help!

So far I have an opening poem, part of which we used on the invitation:

"My love for you is as high as the sky and I could srite your name in the sky but the wind would blow it away.
My love for you is as constant as the waves washing onto the beach and I could write your name in the sand but the waves would wash it away; So I''ll have to write your name in my heart because there, forever, it will stay."

And the only other thing I have is the opening:
"Family and friends we are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the marriage of ____ and ____. As the tides ebb and flow, so too do the fortunes of life. Footprints in the sand are washed away, driftwood moves on its endless quest for a peaceful harbour. Only a deep and abiding love can withstand the tides of change in two lives.
The love of this couple, ______ and ______, is enduring and profound.

Has anyone seen anything out there they like?!!

THANKS!!

 

[Tybee]

I''m such a crybaby!
Your poem and opening both made me cry.
I have nothing to offer you in the way of readings, but am sure to be in your boat pretty soon!
I''ve been digging through readings and poems on the internet, but have found very few that really
move me. Good luck in your search.

 

[AmberWaves]

I saw this one, maybe not relevant, I was scanning...

(We provide the use of two beautiful seashells, two colors of sand and a heart shaped bottle that you keep as our gift to you.)
________ and ______ may your love always be as constant as the never-ending waves, flowing endlessly from the depths of the sea. Just as the waters touch and nourish the many shores of the earth, may your love be a moving sea between the shores of your souls. Just as there will never be a morning without the ocean’s flow, there will never be a day without your love for each other. You have just sealed your relationship by the giving and receiving of rings. This beautiful union is symbolized through the combining of these two individual shells of sand. The first shell represents you ______, in all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be, and the other shell represents you ______, in all that you were, all that you are and all that you will ever be. Each one holds its own unique beauty, strength, and character. They can stand on their own and be whole, without need of anything else. However when these two are blended together they create an entirely new and extraordinarily more intricate entity. Each grain of sand brings to the mixture a lasting beauty that forever enriches the combination. Please pour the sand into this common container to symbolize the union of your two lives. Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into the individual containers, so will your marriage be a molding of two individual personalities, bonded together forming one heart, one love. The life that each of you experienced now, individually, will hereafter be inseparably united, for the two shall become one.

 

[ivanadiamond]

I love what you have already! I don''t think you need any help at all. I found our vows, I had typed them up and we had a beach wedding...maybe it will help...I took some parts out, but the gist is there


~~~~
Approximately 1757 days ago, when two people first kissed, the earth moved, angels sang, and- in keeping with all good Hollywood love affairs- violins swelled. And since that faithful day we have waited…

Marriage has never been forbidden to XXX and XXX, but instead of getting married at once, it sometimes happens that we get married at last.

This beautiful setting ought to remind us that, like the ocean, human life is an ebb and flow- The life of the spirit and emotions- moves in cycles. To be in a relationship does not guarantee an eternal summer. To make a sincere and honest commitment does not promise, an end to all struggle. What a good relationship does offer, much like this ocean, is the opportunity for renewal. It recognizes the abiding, shared hope that after every fall and winter, spring and summer will come again.

On behalf of XXX and XXX, I welcome you and thank you all for gathering here on this beautiful evening to witness their marriage. They are honored by your presence, for you are their much-loved family and friends, and your good wishes are important to them on this special day.

Many of you have given them much happiness, love, warmth, and guidance through the various stages of their lives. They particularly thank those of you who have traveled great distances to be with them today. A special and respectful acknowledgement must also be made to those loving friends and family members who were unable to attend, or have passed on, but whose spirit remains alive and strong in all our hearts.

I have also been asked by XX and XXX to thank their parents for the wonderful lives they have given them, for the hard work and guidance they have provided, for their everlasting love, support, and encouragement. It is from them that they have learned the true meaning of love, friendship and family.

Ceremony

For XXX and XXX marriage is an affirmation of life, an undying commitment, spiritual, emotional, and intellectual bond between two people. It is created from the purest of friendship, respect and love. The institution of marriage is not entered into lightly, because it symbolizes commitment on every level. Together you will continue to meet the challenges and obstacles of life head on as two hearts, two spirits, and two minds living, loving and learning as one.

Marriage is an adventure in the most intimate of human relationships. It is the mutual commitment of two people sincerely in love who share the same dreams about life. But more than that, it is the intimate sharing of two lives. It is a sharing that does not diminish but enhances the individuality of each partner.

The marriage between XXX and XXX does not mark the beginning of a new relationship; rather, it is an acknowledgement and celebration, of a relationship that has been flourishing since they met.

For XXX and XXX, love is the longing two people feel for one another. It is the need to share, in body and spirit, the warmth, serenity and peace two people can give to one another. A simple touch, a hand held at a time of uncertainty. This is what it means to be intimately human. It is the intention behind the kiss that says, “ Despite the vastness of this earth, despite the chaotic details that make up our lives, despite the hundreds of people we will meet in our travels, you are mine and I am yours forever.”

Love is life’s highest emotion. It makes us less selfish, it makes our personalities grow, and it makes our lives more meaningful. It is caring about the welfare and happiness of your partner as your own. Love makes burdens lighter because you divide them. It makes joys more intense because you share them. And it makes you stronger so you can reach out and become involved with life in ways you dared not risk alone.

You have chosen to walk through life together. There is no truer statement of love. The choice was not made by any one moment, but by being together you grew to realize that you belonged together and that you fulfilled each other’s needs. You have come to thrive upon each other’s presence, loyalty and wisdom. The foundation of your love is profound friendship. A friendship you have nurtured until at last you realized that you wanted to be together always, until the end of time. The commitment you make today will be the foundation on which you will build your life together.

THEN YOUR Vows

Closing:

We who are present this evening, hope that the inspiration of this moment will never be forgotten. May all your days and years to come be filled with vision, joy and passion. May the love you now share continue to grow, and may the happiness you bring to each other be a continuing part of your life together. May you laugh often and enjoy each other every day, steadfast in hope and confidence, believing in yourself and believing in each other. May your love be a sanctuary and a source from which you draw strength to live your lives with enthusiasm and imagination. May the people you touch in your lifetime know how much you love and care for one another and may you love one another for ever.

By the power invested......

 

[royalasschergirl]

THANK YOU ladies for sharing those sentiments with me -- especially to Ivanadiamond for sharing your own written vows/ceremony. I know those are deeply personal, thanks for sharing, they are truly beautiful!

thanks for taking the time to reply, it really has helped me a great deal!