"I Still do."

How well do you remember your wedding day? Was the day full of time crunches, small talk with distant friends and relatives, and long hours on your feet?

Hopefully your special day was not accompanied by too many stresses that you weren’t able to enjoy the celebration of the beginning of your marriage. It can be helpful to remember back to the important things on that day. (Not what your cake looked like, how the decorations were arranged, or that the bridesmaids were running late.) Think about the commitment you made to each other. What words were said during the ceremony? Did you write your own vows? The word commitment means to “promise” or “pledge.” Have you kept those promises with your spouse? Have you forgiven each other if those promises weren’t kept?

Image courtesy of  Vichaya Kiatying Angsulee at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Try to find the words said in your wedding ceremony. Maybe you have a video of it or you wrote your own vows and they are tucked away somewhere. Maybe the words are only in your memory and you’ll have to dig back to remember them. Whatever the case, reminisce with each other.

Now that your perspective has changed after actually being married, what would your vows say? Would you add new commitments or share experiences that have brought you closer? Would you touch on a few hardships that you have overcome together? What words would you use to describe the things you love about your spouse?

Image courtesy of  David Castillo Dominico at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

On this date, recommit to each other by renewing your vows. Write them down before the date. This might take days or even weeks to do. Or maybe you want to spend time writing them together in an evening. Whatever you decide, determine when your vow renewal date will be and then take turns sharing them with each other. If you’re struggling with finding what to say, try using this resource as a guide: The Knot Wedding Vows.

Image courtesy of  Ambro at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

If you’re wanting the vow renewal to be a little more formal, consider planning a vow renewal ceremony with family and friends in attendance. The Val-Vista Lakes Events is a nice event center located in Gilbert which can be used for your anniversary party or vow renewal ceremony. Or plan something outdoors in your own backyard! Although adding decorations, flowers, food, and other details can make it more of a celebration, keep the focus on your recommitment to each other- not the little details.