Hello! I am working on planning a SMALL and SIMPLE celebration for my best friends in honor of their marriage of almost 10 years. They were married in a rush as he was entering the military and they never got to have the ceremony everyone deserves. She had talked about doing a big vow renewal ceremony for their 10th anniversary, but has recently decided they'd rather take a trip to the beach with the closest friends and family (a group of approximately 10). We still want to give them that celebration they didn't get, they know we'll be doing something for them just won't know the details and they are fine with that! They are very simple people, but I also know she'd love that fancy feeling for just a night!
I am having the hardest time finding sample ceremonies for something as simple as I am thinking. I am looking for suggestions, ideas, experiences other readers have had! Let me tell you what I DO have in mind, and then PLEASE hit me with your most awesome ideas!!!
We'll be on the beach, evening time...she does have a simple cream lace dress, knee length with a large keyhole cutout (SO pretty!) - he is a very casual guy so we'll try to get him in khakis or linen pants and a cream button down or something. There will be no bridesmaids/groomsmen - want the focus on them! They do have an 11 year old son and 8 year old daughter, and would love to somehow incorporate them or just have them standing with mom and dad! We won't have an "officiant" per say, but I will be doing some kind of ceremony/reading (THIS is where I need advice!!) as I have been friends with both for my whole life - I can't wait to honor them and celebrate them and speak of how special their love is, how inspiring they are as husband and wife! And they do plan to write something up for each other as well!!
I have a ton of mason jars and thought about doing votive candles in them and setting them around us...
Please give any advice you have!! I am looking at this as more of a celebration of their marriage, of them...not SO much a vow renewal but I guess it's all kind of the same!?