Vow and Ring Exchange. Neil (Jeff's brother) and his wife, Laura, were our witnesses and assisted us with our vow and ring exchange. They were the perfect people for the job, and it was so comforting to have people we know and love up there with us.

Needless to say, we wrote our own vows, which are printed below. We wanted them to be about ourselves, how the other has impacted our lives, and the promises we're making. But we wanted the vows to sound like us talking, not all lofty and overly formal. We're happy with the way they turned out.

(click image for larger view in a new window)

vow exchangering exchange

Neil & Laura (to Jeff and Jennifer):
Jennifer and Jeff, marriage is a sacred union. It is an important recognition of the love, trust, and commitment that has grown between you. These vows should not be taken lightly. They need to stand strong throughout all the weather that life will have to offer. From this day, you will brave life's changes together as one.

You have chosen to exchange rings as symbols of your vows. A wedding ring is a symbol that binds each to a new state of union, completeness, and fulfillment. Place these rings on each other's fingers as you state your vows to one another.

Jeff (to Jennifer):
I know myself well.
I am an inventor.
Music is at the center of my life.
I can fix almost anything.
I have an uncompromising need to make a name for myself.
I am unafraid of change.
I have a good sense of humor.
I really like my family a lot.
I really like your family a lot.
I'm a devoted and honest friend.

I am also a procrastinator.
I need just about as much time to myself as I do in the company of others.
I don't like to do dishes.
My bad moods can be really bad.

Jennifer, you have changed my life at its deepest.
You have healed me with your presence and inspired me with your wit.
You have triggered my nesting instinct and made me want to spread the love we share.

I promise to hold you when you need to be held,
release you when you need to be free,
to stimulate you with new ideas and experiences,
and tell you that I love you a lot.
I love you a lot.
I promise to soothe you and be that warm cozy place you know as home.

I choose you above all others to share my life's journey.
Knowing me as you do, will you accept me as your husband?

Jennifer: I will. (Jeff places ring on Jennifer's finger.)

Jennifer (to Jeff):
I know myself well.
I am a creative, independent, and sensitive woman.
I love to design and make things
and music is an important part of my life.
I share your sense of humor, even when others don't.
I like my family a lot.
I like your family a lot.
I can keep things organized, on schedule, and within budget.
I find joy in the details.
I can do miraculous things with salmon.

But I'm also prone to worrying, and I will make mountains out of molehills.
I'm likely to whine. You might hear me nag.

When I met you, I had a system that worked,
then you hit my life like a fireball.
You ignite my passions.
You make my life brighter and in focus;
You encourage me to try new things.

I promise to support your creativity,
keep you company,
and give you time and space to yourself when you need it.
I promise to soothe you and be that warm, cozy place you know as home.

Jeffrey, my love,
I choose you above all others to share my life's journey.
Knowing me as you do, will you accept me as your wife?

Jeff: I will. (Jennifer places ring on Jeff's finger.)