I first published this post last year, but love it so much, I’m bringing it back this year!
Today is my FIFTH wedding anniversary! I almost can’t even believe it!
Let me tell you: it hasn’t always been easy, especially these past 3 years that my husband has been injured.
However, ever day that we chose each other has led us to a strong, flourishing partnership, deep love, and friendship that enriches our lives.
So today, I wanted to chat about writing your own vows, the why and the how. Then, I’m sharing the vows that my husband Chris and I wrote for each other.
Why should you write your own vows?
It is my humble opinion that writing your own vows is one of the most beautiful, intimate, and special parts of your wedding. After all, your vows ARE THE WEDDING. They ARE THE MARRIAGE. They are the promises that you will make and spend your whole life keeping. In the endless list of wedding traditions, this is one that is never left out. Use this opportunity to give an incredible gift to your beloved.
How to write your own vows:
So, I’ve talked you into writing your own vows….but now, how do you do it?
Well, I myself did some research. I looked up other people’s vows, and since I myself am a bit of a poet, I just wrote. I also included some promises that are specific to my husband (staying up late). You could do something like mention one of their hobbies, such as football, hunting, baseball, grilling, fishing, etc. You can include things you love about them, the things that keep you falling in love with them.
I recommend 3-4 paragraphs, because that gives you a beginning, middle, and end.
The first paragraph: why you love them.
The second paragraph: the promises of what you will bring to your marriage.
The third and final paragraph: what do you commit to do? This can be where you throw in cute things that maybe only you two know about, inside jokes if you will.
Hopefully that helps/makes sense! I’m always here if you need help 
Now, in honor of my anniversary, here are our own vows:
My vows to Chris:
My wildest dreams could’ve never imagined a man like you or the love that you give to me.
You give me hope, you encourage me, you teach me how to love life, you’ve loved every single part of me, and you’ve loved me when I least deserve it. For these, and reasons you will never know, I fall in love with you all over again every day.
I take you to be my best friend, my faithful partner, and my one true love. I promise to encourage and inspire you. I will forever be there to laugh with you, lift you up, and love you unconditionally though all the seasons of our life.
I commit to trusting you. I commit to be faithful to you in mind, body, and heart. I promise to keep fighting for us when we forget why. I promise to say I’m sorry. I promise to stay up late with you, even when I have to wake up early. And finally, I promise to never stop taking adventures with you. I love you.
Chris’ vows to me:
I can say with all my heart that I never thought this would happen to me.
Today, with all my love, I take you La Rae to be my wife.
You give me strength when I have none left, you give me love when I need it the most, you guide me when I am lost, and you make me the man that I always wanted to be.
I pledge to trust, love and believe in you through all the days of our life, and have fun together and never take things too seriously.
I promise to hold you when you are sad, protect you when you are scared, be there for you whenever you need it, and chase our dreams through all the challenges of our life, and though we may grow old together, I vow to never grow up.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
I love how similar of a format we both did, but we didn’t share our vows with each other beforehand. I was honestly blown away with how beautiful my husband’s words to me were. He definitely did good!
Again, writing your own vows, in my opinion, is the most special and important thing you could ever do for your wedding. I am so happy that I convinced Chris to write our own vows and I cherish them always.
xoxo,
La Rae
Wild Soul Weddings
Wedding photography + videography | Iowa, Idaho + worldwide
(photos from my wedding are credited to Free Dove Photography)