inspiration – Sweet Violet Bride

How to Compose Personal and Beautiful Unique Wedding Vows For Your Special Day

Car — Sun, 22 Apr 2018 20:08:32 +0000

Wedding vows are one of the most underrated part of the wedding ceremony. So many couples simply recite the traditional wedding vows and go through the rest of the ceremony. However, most couples today are composing their own unique wedding vows.

Photo Source: jmark.photography

Your vows should be personal and meaningful. Composing your own wedding vows is the perfect way to express your true feelings to your soon-to-be-spouse in front of your family and loved ones. As such, they can make your wedding day even more memorable and special.

Guide to Unique Wedding Vows for the Modern Couple

Why traditional wedding vows may not work out today?

Modern wedding vows have come a long way over the years. This is partially due to the fact that marriage as an institution has involved. With so many people having second or third marriages, traditional wedding vows are no longer the norm. Most couples who are having a second wedding want their vows to be completely different from those they recited at their first marriage ceremony.

As well, same-sex marriages are more common, traditional and practical wedding vows no longer apply. The rules and meaning of marriage have changed and progressed over years, so why shouldn’t your vows change to fit the times?

Photo Source: haleyjacksondesigns

Feminist-friendly Wedding Vows

How does one choose contemporary wedding vows if they are gender neutral or non-conforming? As well, today’s feminists do not agree with the wedding vows of yesteryear as they are extremely outdated, not to mention biased against women.

This is why many modern day couples are composing their own feminist wedding vows to fit their specific relationship. With so many types of relationships and genders today, there is no reason you have to stick with the norm. Feel free to express the true nature of your love in any way you see fit. After all, it is your wedding!

Here are some examples of alternative wedding vows:

“Love is tricky. It is never mundane or daily. You can never get used to it. You have to walk with it, then let it walk with you. You can never balk. It moves you like the tide. It takes you out to sea, then lays you on the beach again. Today’s struggling pain is the foundation for a certain stride through the heavens. You can run from it but you can never say no.” ~ Amy Tan, ‘The Hundred Secret Senses’

Photo Source: brushedrose

“Love is the ultimate outlaw. It just won’t adhere to any rules. The most any of us can do is to sign on as its accomplice. Instead of vowing to honor and obey, maybe we should swear to aid and abet. That would mean that security is out of the question. The words “make” and “stay” become inappropriate. My love for you has no strings attached. I love you for free.” ~ Tim Robbins, ‘Still Life with Woodpecker’

Create your own unique wedding vows

So how does one come up with unique wedding vows? It is much easier than you think! All you need to do is take a few minutes to think of the many reasons why you love your betrothed. Think about why you want to spend the rest of your lives together.

When composing your creative wedding vows you should also keep in mind the theme and style of your wedding. This may even help you compose your vows much easier.

Photo Source: terralogical

Take some time to think of how you felt the day you met, the first time you said “I love you” and how you felt the day you got engaged. Speak directly from the heart and don’t hold back. And remember, they don’t have to be sappy or over-the-top. Your wedding vows can be light, fun and humorous as well. Stay true to yourself and the words will flow!

Here are some unique wedding vows examples for your inspiration:

“My love, you are the answer to my prayers. You are a dream come true: everything I have ever hoped for or wished for. I came alive the day we met. You are the air I breathe and my heart and soul are yours forever. I cannot wait to start this beautiful journey together and wake up every day next to you, I want to grow old with you and I will love you until I breathe my last.”

“I promise to love you forever: despite the fact that you steal the covers and hog the remote, I will love you on good days and bad. And that means I will love you whether or not the Eagles ever win another Superbowl. I promise to change the water filter and refill the toilet paper. And to be polite to your mother, even though she won’t forget the time I kept you out past curfew when we were sixteen.”

See how easy it is? You can most certainly create your own personal and epic wedding vows!

Empower yourself with epic wedding vows from songs, movies, TV, and books

If you have trouble composing your own creative vows, you can borrow real wedding vows from music or literature. Why not steal a line from your favorite movie or television show?

Photo Source: daniellesmithphoto

Look to the poets for beautiful love quotes to use as your wedding vows. The possibilities for romantic and beautiful wedding vows are endless. Following are some examples of “borrowed” wedding vows:

Television: Friends: Monica and Chandler:

Monica: Chandler, for so long I wondered if I would ever find my prince, my soulmate. Then three years ago, at another wedding, I turned to a friend for comfort. And instead, I found everything that I’d ever been looking for my whole life.
And now, here we are, with our future before us—and I only want to spend it with you, my prince, my soulmate, my friend. Unless you don’t want to. You go!

Chandler: Monica, I thought this was going to be the most difficult thing I ever had to do. But when I saw you walking down that aisle I realized how simple it was. I love you. Any surprises that come our way, it’s okay, because I will always love you. You are the person I was meant to spend the rest of my life with.

Movies:The Vow: Paige and Leo

Paige: I vow to help you love life, to always hold you with tenderness and to have the patience that love demands. To speak when words are needed and to share the silence when they are not. To agree to disagree on red velvet cake, and to live within the warmth of your heart and always call it home.

Leo: I vow to fiercely love you in all of your forms, now and forever. I promise to never forget this is a once in a lifetime love. And to always know in the deepest part of my soul that no matter what challenges might carry us apart, we will always find our way back to each other.

Books: Jane Eyre: Charlotte Bronte

“I have for the first time found what I can truly love — I have found you. You are my sympathy, my better self, my good angel. I am bound to you with a strong attachment. I think you good, gifted, lovely: a fervent, a solemn passion is conceived in my heart; it leans to you, draws you to my center and spring of life, wraps my existences about you. And, kindling in pure, powerful flame, fuses you and me in one.”

Music: Night and Day: Billie Holiday

“Night and day you are the one. Only you beneath the moon and sun. Whether near me or far, it’s no matter, darling, where you are. I think of you night and day, day and night.”

We hope that you are moved to compose your own unique wedding vows. Look deep into your heart and soul and the words will flow like magic!

Introducing the New BridalPulse App!

Naomi — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 13:36:18 +0000

If you’re recently engaged and are looking for a great app to help plan and inspire your wedding then you will love BridalPulse! It is the first app that brings all your favorite bridal bloggers’ content and inspiration together in a digital magazine and we’re psyched to be a part of it! It is clean and simple to use and you can find the latest wedding information and trends, organized into popular wedding categories such as fashion, destinations, real weddings, DIY, hair & makeup, stationary and more. BridalPulse is a FREE app available in the Apple App Store for iOS.

BridalPulse includes these amazing features:
–          Discover the latest and most popular wedding trends
–          Instant updates with new content
–          Save and share your favorite posts and ideas with friends
–          Find and explore today’s top wedding blogs

The new BridalPulse app is brought to you by BrideClick and sponsored by Cuisinart.

Wedding Inspiration Board #15: River Rock

Naomi — Tue, 05 Nov 2013 15:46:37 +0000

Of the Earth and smoothed over time by water, river rocks have always enticed me to pick them up and turn them over in my hands, to feel their weight, their beauty. Once in a while, if one feels just right in my palm, I’ll pocket it and add it to my “collection.” They seem to have a calming effect and are also unique in that not one is the same as another – the one that looks special to me, might look like just another rock to you. For a nature-inspired wedding, river rocks make for a very natural, earthy theme. From centerpieces to alternative guest books to jewelry – you can pretty much find a place for them anywhere. They can also be used as Oathing stones. In an ancient Celtic tradition, an Oathing Stone was once thought to be the best way to express your vows in the physical form. There are a few variations on how this can be incorporated into a wedding ceremony. You can read more about it here, and here.

3 Stones with Flowers: Style Me Pretty / River Rock Inspired Ring: Cody Sanantonio / River Rock + Birch Candle Centerpiece: Andree Kehn Wedding Photography / “Love is Life” rocks: Sofia Art / Pebble Table Number Frame: Donna Paper Scissors / Handful of LOVE pebbles: Orly Design / Felted River Rocks: ZM Felt / Black and Brown River Stone Ring: Sandra Lee Russell / Alternative Guest Book Jar: Pinterest / River Stone Inspired Sterling Necklace: Bonnie Boardman / Couple in River: Karma Hill Photography

Provence Meets Pasadena Styled Photo Shoot {Mieke Snepvangers Photography}

Naomi — Fri, 11 Oct 2013 14:24:50 +0000

Inspired by French accents and hues of pink and plum, this elegant photo shoot brings us modern Pasadena meets Provence style. I find the elegant floral by Butterfly Floral to be absolutely irresistible, especially the first bouquet shown with garden roses in watercolor shades of pastel pink and purple, accented by golden orchids. What bride wouldn’t love to carry that! Little details, such as the glass ring box filled with dried lavender and the purple plate chargers, make for such a romantic celebration. And the real plums branded with silver ink make charming cake toppers as well as personalized place settings. Thanks Mieke Snepvangers Photography for sharing such lovely inspiration with us!

Photographer: Mieke Snepvangers Photography / Venue: The Langham Huntington, Pasadena CA / Event Planner: Janel Gonzolez Events / Event Designer: Peltier Interiors / Floral Designer: Butterfly Floral / Brides Dress: Anna Elyse / Bridesmaid Dresses: Anna Elyse Bridesmaids / Makeup Artist: Calibella Organic Makeup Boutique / Heirlooms + Extras: Commemory Fine Art / Linens and Coverings: Designer Specialty Linens / Cake: Cake Studio LA / Favors + Gifts: The Soap Kitchen / Other: Town & Country Event Rentals / Invitation Designer: East Six Invitations

Wedding Inspiration Board #14: Geode

Naomi — Tue, 08 Oct 2013 14:22:11 +0000

Geodes are one the worlds prettiest natural wonders. I mean, can you imagine the first person who found one of these rocks, ordinary on the outside, and cracked it open to find a world of sparkly crystals? That must have been a magical moment. The word geode is Greek for “earth-like.” I keep an egg-sized geode with purple amethyst crystals on my desk and marvel at it each day and finally have made a theme board inspired by these geological spectacles. Wouldn’t this be the perfect theme for a geologist? Incorporate actual geode halves or slices in décor, wear geode jewelry, or even use rock candy to top your desserts!

Escort Cards: Martha Stewart Weddings / Rings inside Geode: Taylor Lord / Geode Ring: Anatomi / Geode Belt: Taylor Lord / Geode cake: Taylor Lord / Rock Candy Geode Cupcake and Amethyst Place Setting: Artisan Cake Company, Hazelwood Photo / Geode Rock Wall: Art Prints by Kathryn Morrison / Geode Earrings: Gemco Diamond Jewelry / Geode Slice Place Setting: Katie Miller Events, Sarah Maren Photographers / Geode Necklace: Jane & Rye / Geode Table Décor: Blue Lotus, Perez Photography

Creative Wedding Ceremony Rituals and Traditions

Heather — Wed, 02 Oct 2013 02:28:38 +0000

Looking for interesting ceremony ideas? There are many cultural and faith traditions to choose from, such as jumping the broom or shattering a glass. On the beach? Skip unity candles in favor of a sand ceremony where the couple pours individual cup-fulls into a single vase or hourglass. Celebrate the joining of families by having your combined relatives break bread, share wine, or exchange roses. Many of these traditions can take the place of unity candles in windy locations or at venues that don’t allow candles. Here are a few more fun, meaningful ideas for your ceremony:

Hand Fasting
This ritual has ancient Celtic, English, and Norse roots and is meant to represent the bond the couple has forged. There are traditional vows associated with this, or you can write your own to be said as your celebrant wraps ribbons around your hands, connecting the two of you and “tying the knot.”

Love Letter Ritual
Before the wedding, both partners write a letter to each other and at the ceremony, seal these letters (and perhaps a bottle of wine) in a wooden box to be opened at a later time, such as an anniversary or a particularly rough marital moment. This is such a sweet thing to do, and you can make it a beautiful time capsule with a well-crafted container and pretty stationary.

Seedling Ceremony
Get your hands dirty (or use gardening gloves) and together plant and water a tree or seedlings as part of your ceremony. Like tending a garden, this ritual represents the way you will continue to care for each other. You’ll be able to watch your tree or seedlings progress as your marriage grows and changes.

Truce Bell
An Irish wedding tradition with roots in St. Patrick’s time, the truce or “make-up” bell is blessed by the officiant and then rung merrily by the couple. Later, it is kept in their home and can be rung by either partner to end marital disputes. It was once believed that bells kept evil at bay, and some couples enjoy providing them to guests as favors to be used in lieu of glass-clinking or rice-throwing.

Water Ceremony
This is a simple ritual representing unity and the blending of two lives as both partners pour dyed water into one container. Choose colors like yellow and blue (to make green), or any hues you love – just make sure you test in advance to be sure you like the shade you get when the colors are combined.

Still searching for ideas? Why not ask your friends and family about what ceremony rituals are practiced in their cultures or faith traditions?

Hand Fasting: Green Wedding Shoes / Love Letter Ritual: Maple Street Paper Co. + Pinterest / Seedling Ceremony: Izzy Hudgins Photography / Truce Bell: Marijanel Knight Photography / Water Ceremony: Marie Kinnaman Designs + Pinterest

Citrus Inspired Wedding Cakes

Naomi — Thu, 19 Sep 2013 14:40:59 +0000

Lemon is one of my favorite flavors, so I might be a bit biased, but I think citrus fruits make for a fun, bright, and flavorful wedding cake theme! Lemons and limes are in season pretty much every month of the year, and most varieties of oranges are in season winter and fall. But also don’t forget the lesser thought of citrus fruits, such as grapefruits, tangerines, tangelos, pomelos, and mandarins! Including the whole fruits into a cake design is absolutely gorgeous, as is merely hinting at the fruits with slices, or simply a splash of citrus color. Served with citrus cocktails, any of these cakes will make a refreshing and gorgeous display. And don’t discount the health benefits of citrus – they’re rich in antioxidants, and cancer-fighting flavonoids. Find more cake inspiration in our cake gallery.

1) via Altamoda Bridal 2-3) Martha Stewart Weddings 4) Erica O’Brien 5) SB Chic 6) Amanda Pearl 7) Pinterest 8) Stella Cake via Apollinas 9) Vanilla Bake Shop 10) Jessica Schilling Photography 11) Dessertier

Wedding Inspiration Board #13: Love Birds

Elicia — Tue, 27 Aug 2013 14:00:58 +0000

Finding the perfect wedding theme can be both difficult and rewarding. I was inspired to create this inspiration board after meeting a woman who owned a dozen Doves that she released at weddings. Traditionally, Doves are symbols of love and peace…and it doesn’t stop there. Lovebird’s exhibit strong, monogamous pair bonding and spend hours of time enjoying each others company. The romance behind this sentiment has been translated into nuptial celebrations as an adaptable and trendy theme. Try adding various size bird cages as table centerpieces or card holders and have your guests throw birdseed instead of rice!

Cake Toppers: Illuminate my Event / Couple: Amy Majors Photography / Birdcage with flowers: Confetti Day Dreams / Cupcakes: Pinterest / Bouquet: BeautySpot on Etsy / Dove: Katie Lamb Photography / Birdhouse favors: Ruffled Blog / Earrings: Autumn and Grace Bridal on Etsy / Invitations: Designs in Paper / Rings: Joe Elario Photography / Cake: Pinterest

‘Mint to Be’ Garden Wedding Style {Christa Elyce Photography}

Naomi — Fri, 23 Aug 2013 14:31:57 +0000

Fresh from the garden, this styled shoot is full of beautiful details and charming treats. Perfect inspiration for the couple who is garden chic and a little bit country, this shoot features vintage doors to frame the outdoor ceremony (love this idea!), a beautiful hutch acting as a drink stand and display, lush floral mixed with edibles, and super cute “wedding exit” bikes. Plus the little potted mint plants work double time as pretty place settings and aromatic favors for your guests to take home. A great wedding recipe: Have some fun, keep it fresh, and make it delicious. Thanks so much Christa Elyce Photography for sharing!

Photography: Christa Elyce Photography / Event Planner: Ellanesque Wedding & Events / Event Designer: Re-Collection Vintage Rentals / Floral Designer: Something Special in Flowers / Invitation Designer: My Urban Invites / Dress Store: Brickhouse Bridal / Drinks: The Mix Bartending Services / Cake Designer: Sugary and Chic Cake Boutique / Makeup Artist: Thalio Beckham Makeup Artistry

Wedding Inspiration Board #11: Rainy Day

Heather — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 14:13:51 +0000

Traditionally, rain on your wedding day is a sign of good luck, or maybe just a sign of mud. While we all cross our fingers for sunshine on the big day, there are plenty of ways to prepare for a spot of bad weather.

Find a pretty umbrella that matches your theme, and make sure you and your guests have shawls or wraps handy to stay warm. Invest in a pair of cute rain boots, or even incorporate the chance of showers into your décor! If your hair is on the wild side, consider a headpiece that will help keep the frizz at bay. If there’s an outdoor component to your wedding, make sure you have shelter available as backup: there are so many fun tents, teepees, greenhouses, barns, and other structures that can be turned into a cozy spot to escape the rain.

If your wedding day dawns cloudy, don’t worry: most photographers say grey skies help make your pictures “pop.” A bonus? You might just see a rainbow, too!

Flower Umbrella: Love My Dress / Green + Yellow Rain Boots: Sabin Gratz Photography / Greenhouse: Babb Photo / Umbrella over Cake: Sweet on Cake / Floral Rain Boots: Weddings Online (Ireland) / Rainbow: Two One Photography / Couple Walking: Sergio Mottola / Headpiece: Bride La Boheme / Autumn Bride: Jenny Haas / Bride in Mist: BHLDN