We knew from the start that we didn’t want to use traditional “Repeat after me” vows, but finding exactly the right words (and keeping those words to a minimum) was a lot more difficult than we thought it would be. We started out trying to write separately to “surprise” one another; but then decided to work together (and practice reciting them to one another) which really assisted in the process. We ended up taking many vows we found online, and using pieces we liked best and interjecting personal touches. The result was priceless. And no matter how many times we practiced, we still teared up at the alter during the wedding ceremony.

Lots of Love,
Mike & Mel

Mike’s Vows to Mel:

For the Glory of God the Father, through Jesus Christ, I make this covenant of marriage with you Melissa, beloved and most precious treasure. The Lord has made it clear that I am made for you and you for me, to fulfill the purpose that God has created us both to accomplish. In so doing I covenant with you, as Jesus does with the Church, to be your servant all of my life, to wash your feet and to sacrifice all of my self-centered thoughts and desires in order to serve you, our family and the Lord Jesus. I covenant with you to lead and to guide our family as Christ does the Church, building you up in love, cleansing you with the washing with water through the Word, to present you radiant, without spot or blemish, before Jesus. In so doing I will protect and fight for you against all attacks of the enemy, teaching and being guided by the Truth as the only way to keep our path free from snares. I will make intercession for you and our family all of the days of my life, as Christ, the Most High Priest of God, does for the Church. In imitating Christ as your husband, I will also give myself to providing for you and our family, physically and spiritually, trusting God and working hard so that our family will have life that is truly life. Above all things, I choose to love you with joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control, especially when we reach our darkest moments, just as Christ showed His ultimate love on the cross when He looked down in love and asked that we would be forgiven, because we knew not what we did. I surrender my very life to you, holding nothing back, so that you and I may be one in thought, word and deed. Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.

Mel’s Vows to Mike:

Mike, two and a half years ago you captured my heart by being exactly who you are: the sweetest, most loving, compassionate, and sensitive man I have ever known. My love for you grew as you became my very best friend though the fun adventures and the daunting trials we experienced over our time together. You have been the reason that I smile and you have given comfort beyond measure when I have fallen into despair. You have believed in me when no one else would, always encouraging me to follow my dreams and to constantly better myself; all the while loving me exactly as I am. You have shown me how to love with passion, purity, and unconditional acceptance. I am not sure a lifetime is long enough to return all that you have given me, but I promise to spend the rest of my days at your side–to laugh with you and cry with you, to believe in you and support you, and to pursue our God-given purpose together as one. In poverty I promise to do everything to make our love rich, and in wealth to never let our love grow poor. I promise to love every part of you, which extends to your two sons, Michael Caelin and Nicholas. I promise to forever love them as if they were my own. I promise to build a home for them that will always be a safe refuge– filled with unconditional love, encouragement, and life; and devoid of any strife, contention or judgement. Together we will set a new precedence of marriage and family for Michael Caelin and Nicholas, most importantly as an example of what God truly intended marriage to be. With our relationship firmly rooted in the foundation of God Almighty, we are better together than we could ever hope to be apart, and today I give you my unconditional love, unquestioning trust, and unwavering devotion for all eternity. You will forever be the best part of my day.