I recently celebrated the ten year anniversary of our wedding with my husband Alex. since the loss of my mother in 1993, I have had a heightened sense of awareness around making moments with meaning. it wasn’t because I felt like our marriage needed a renewal for something we had forgotten on that New Years eve evening a decade ago, but rather to just reaffirm, honor, and remind us all that today is a day to celebrate.
Our children were present, and a friend who is ordained oversaw the ceremony. my daughter Quinn made some amazing food (the cook cooks) and eldest Emma wrote an original song (the singer sings). I liked the idea of stopping the pace of our busy lives to take pause and recognize before our family, what that commitment and recommitment looks like.
a smidge of our vows read: i ask that you each continue to cherish each other as special and unique individuals and that you respect the thoughts and ideas of one another. And most of all, be able to forgive each other, and not hold grudges. Live each day in love with each other, always being there to give love, comfort, and refuge, in good times and bad. Barri and Alex, today you have renewed the vows you made to each other on your wedding day, in New York at City Hall. You have symbolized the renewal of your union by the joining of hands, the taking of vows, and by the wearing of your rings. we each shared something we wrote to one another. it was small, and intimate and special. even the dog was rapt, watching us stand before the fireplace with one another. I am forever grateful for making the space to make a memory of the day, and hope that you and yours will look for opportunities to do the same.
