Re-newing vows...

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By Louise Goldborough of Angelique Miniatures...

After 19 years together AIM member Louise and her husband Julian renewed their wedding vows last month in a very special way…

Here is Louise's personal account of their special and very beautiful day...

We chose to have our Renewal Ceremony at our favourite place, 'Harmony Country Lodge' just outside Scarborough. Our friends Sue and Tony run this very unusual hexagonal guest house, spiritual retreat and healing centre.  

Once a year, we meet up with a group of friends there and, last year, whilst we were all deciding what we would do for this year, my husband Julian suddenly announced that we could renew our wedding vows!! I was flabbergasted to say the least as I had secretly always wanted to do this but didn't think he would so I had never mentioned it. Since everybody thought this was a lovely idea, I went along with it!........as you do!  

The first thing I did was to go and buy the fabric for my dress (so that Julian couldn't change his mind!). Julian decided that he would like to wear a 'Sherwani' Indian Wedding suit and I was able to find this for him on e-bay along with some rather nice curly-toed Aladdin shoes!I managed to get my dress finished only a day before we left for Scarborough!  

(Our special day was made even more special as, when we originally married back in 1989, we had to do so in secret (as Julian's parents didn't want him to marry me) and we had had a very plain and simple Registry Office 'Do' with just my parents and my brother as our witnesses and guests. There was no party or presents, just a meal at a local pub afterwards.)  

Anyway, our special day took place on Saturday 17th May 2008. I had told everyone that was coming (about fifteen or so) that fancy dress was optional and was pleased that many of our friends did dress up. They also gave us cards and presents which was a lovely surprise that we weren't expecting.  

At 3pm we all made our way down to Sue's purpose built Healing Centre (a beautiful hall built in the guest house grounds) where the ceremony began with a short speech by Sue (who is also known as the Rev. Susan Hewitt and is actually able to marry people). The song 'You're Still The One' by Shania Twain was played.......we had chosen this as our special song.  

We then lit a large candle from two little ones to symbolise our joint lives together. After exchanging our vows (Julian's were very short!!!!!) we exchanged brand new wedding bands that Julian had bought and had engraved with 'Louisa and Julian' on the outsides and 'Together Forever' on the insides (which made up for his short speech and stage fright as far as I was concerned!!) Our hands were then placed together and loosely bound with a golden ribbon. Sue then read a beautiful poem called 'I would marry you again' which was so romantic and brought a tear to many eyes.

"it was a wonderful day, well worth the 19 year wait..."

After this Sue made another short speech. At this point, I must tell you all that several weeks before, I had asked Julian if he would like any particular piece of music for the ceremony and he told me 'Telly Tubbies'.So.........after her speech, Sue then introduced 'the next piece of very romantic music that Louise has chosen especially for Julian'.......and off it went. As some of you may know, Telly Tubbies starts with a little baby giggling, followed by a lovely tinkly xylophone.......at this point, our guests started to giggle and look around nervously and Julian started to turn a wonderful shade of bright pink.......... it gradually dawned on him just what the music was and of course, I did remind him that he had asked for that piece! Oh I will remember that moment for the rest of my life.........that was a truly exceptional 'pay back' for all the little tricks he has played on me over the years! Once everyone had managed to stop laughing (Julian included) the ceremony was wrapped up with a short blessing by Sue and a prayer. After this, chocolate cake and champagne was served and photographs were taken of the two of us and we had a chance to circulate and talk to all of our guests. 

In the evening there was a lovely buffet and a party with dancing. Unfortunately, due to my poor hips, I wasn't able to dance but I did provide the cabaret with two songs, 'The Charleston' and 'Ain't Misbehavin'' as I was by this time dressed as a 1920's flapper. 

It was a wonderful day and worth the nineteen year wait.  

Best wishes,
Louise.
www.angeliqueminiatures.co.uk