Many couples choose to renew their vows, and for a number of reasons………..  number one reason is that they still love one another.

Some feel that their original wedding ceremony belonged to their parents, not to them.

Some say that they were too young to promise the things they promised and they now feel sufficiently ‘grown up’ to repeat them with meaning.

Some express regret that they never got to say what they really wanted to say on that day.

Others feel that whatever the ensuing period between original vows and renewal of vows, their feelings have strengthened, their partnerships is more meaningful and has stood the test of time.

A few have experienced really tough times and they have come through it thankful and enlivened.

A small number have nearly lost one another – through neglecting one another, through illness, accidents and traumas – but have ‘found’ one another again.

So many are bowled over with the love they encounter in middle and late middle age, renewed love and commitment coming as a surprise to them. And a delight.

Working with couples on their vow renewals is a huge responsibility – to make sure that the story I tell is authentic, to convey the real meaning of this day to them, to maintain a sense of dignity and to control my own emotions and to ensure that their day is a significant marker – and revealing the strength of the human spirit and the enduring nature of love finding a way through all that life throws at us.  I think I love vow renewals best of all.

For many couples their animals are as much part of their relationship with their partner as their children or their home.  At the moment we have Nibs the Bengal cat and Crumpet the neat little terrier, Rex the Irish Wolfhound, Orla the magnificent grey mare and Jill the Shetland pony all featuring in the thinking about wedding plans. Whether they will appear remains to be seen, and it is for the couple to decide.

What I know works beautifully is an owl ring bearer. They add a touch of magic, mystery, broad beaming smiles and the element of surprise to a ceremony. and at the same time they are dignified and somehow aloof which is a beautiful contrast to the intensity of emotion that emerges  during ceremonies.  The Owl Ring Bearer Company in Harleston, Norfolk offers such a service (other owl ring bearers are available!)

Nothing need be ruled out when planning your wedding – all things are possible!