need help

Cindy&Shane

hi ladies. I have been married for two years this month and because we are both active duty Sailors we have not been able to have our ceremony. I finally say good bye to the military while my husband stays in and on September 19th we will be flying to Ft Worth, TX to have somewhat of a ceremony since our family didn't witness our special moment. I had originally just planned to have a big dinner but my father has made it more into a ceremony which now is turning out beautiful. we have a reception hall, catering, flowers, cake. its very small, 22 people only, family and a few close friends. now, i would like to hear from ya'll if you have any ideas on what else i can do. i plan on wearing a simple wedding gown, and a tux for him. i would like to do our vows but personlize them this time around and because we already have beautiful wedding rings we don't plan on getting new ones anytime soon so i'm looking for ideas of what we can do for the vows part since there won't be any rings. I'm currently deployed so its a little difficult to organize all this but i know we can do it. If ANYONE has any brilliant ideas and is able to understand what my plan is, i would love to hear them. thanks in advance!!Cindy

MOBinFL2008

If you google Vow Renewal you'll get lots of helpful advice.

danieliza1127

I would call what you're planning a vow renewal, so try looking up information on what's typically done at a vow renewal.  You might also get some great ideas on the Military Brides board because I know that your situation being in the military and having a second ceremony is really common.

trix1223

Well, you did have your ceremony, because you're married. It might not be the traditional ceremony, but clearly you had one. I'd actually go with your original plan of the dinner and call it a celebration of your marriage. Or as others have said, you can call it a vow renewal, although IMO, those are reserved for bigger milestones: 25 or 50 years. Have your wonderful party and enjoy every second of it. Just skip the ceremony part. Also, thanks to your and your DH for your service. GL

Micky15

What a nice idea for you and your families! After reading your post I was thinking instead of something like traditional vows, where you would say "I do" at the end, since you all ready did that maybe it would be nice to do something like a love poem to each other - what you love about your significant other, where you see yourselves in the future, favourite memories, hardships you worked through together, etc. And instead of rings you could do something else... Jewelry maybe? Necklace, bracelet...? Hmm... You don't really have to do anything I guess. You could end your poem/speech with something like "I'll love you now and forever" and then just kiss? Or maybe exchange small, wrapped gifts? Because you are all ready married, it would be nice to make it a celebration about you two and it's something your families get to take part in this time. You could do a slideshow of pictures of you two when you were children and as you grew up, pictures of you on duty or something to do with being in the military. Good luck in your planning!!

Micky15

OH! Or, you could exchange origami swans. They represent eternal love and devotion. (I'm on an origami swan kick right now because I'm incorporating them into my wedding. lol!)

kmmssg

I'm a MOB with 4 DD's and I've been on active duty for just over 23 years.  Congrats on your upcoming discharge! From your post it looks to me like this is kind of important to your dad too.  I can understand that - 3 of my girls are married. I think a vow renewal where your vows are centered around where you were 2 years ago, what you have been thru since, and where you are going now would be a lovely idea.  I would not stage a regular wedding, but I would love to be invited to a ceremony where a military couple are about to embark on a bit more normal life and their renewal vows reflect their journey. Your event sounds lovely and intimate.  Best of luck with your plans.

tommyandy

I would defiantly do a vow renewal & have my dad walk me down the aisle since he missed it the first time. Hubby could meet you half way. Get the dress that is 'the one' even if it is fancier than what you thought you wanted. You are not being selfish! You are making you, your Hubby, & your Dad very happy.