Vow Renewal
A Ski Lift Vow Renewal on Castle Mountain
From the bride, Christine: We met on the red chair at Castle Mountain on a freezing cold day. We were the only two people left on the hill and did a few runs together. Mitch came back the next day and we skied together almost every weekend for the rest of the winter. We moved to Arizona to attend school, then onto Chicago. We legally married at the courthouse last year in Chicago, but because of demands on our time from school, we were never able to have a wedding. We finally got the time off and decided to celebrate at the very place that with met, Castle Mountain.
I chose to have a very bright bouquet to stand out against the natural background.
We held our ceremony under the chairlift loading area where we met. We had a close friend officiate and chose the words that we wanted him to say ourselves. My favorite part was our daughter and dog running around us the entire time.
I made the cake toppers to look like our family out of clay.
After dinner, we had our first dance outside on the grass and then everyone changed into comfy cloths and we had a big bonfire and dancing.
CREDITS: Photographer: Loree Photography // Ceremony: Castle Mountain // Floral Designer: Black Earth Floral Gallery // Cake Designer: Decadent Desserts
The Most Romantic Surprise Vow Renewal
From the photographer, Tonie Christine Photography: Ben wrote to me wanting to surprise his bride of 7 years with a vow renewal that she would never forget. Benjamin, the consummate romantic, planned the day to be a complete and total surprise to Alex. Alex later told me, ” I really just thought we were headed to our family’s cabin to have a relaxing weekend away from the kiddos, which I was thrilled about, but this… is just so mind blowing!”
To start the day, Benjamin presented Alex with a handwritten note that ended with him telling her how much he loves her. He went on to say “six years ago we made that pledge to one another… and I can say without a doubt that I would make that same pledge today.” He didn’t stop there. Benjamin finished with these words, “As a matter of fact, let’s do it. Let’s commit to loving each other fiercely, unashamedly, and without reserve… Today, I want to ask you again… will you marry me…?”
To say Alex was in shock might be an understatement. She was immediately swept away to have her hair and make up done, then returned to the cabin to find an assortment of gowns, jewelry and shoes all set up like a boutique. She got to choose her entire ensemble – every last detail. Flowers from The Flower Lab of Seattle were placed in her hands just moments before she would see her groom. 
On the shore of the Columbia River, it was just the two of them. It was there Benjamin placed a floral crown on her head – one fit only for a princess. Then he whisked her away on a grand adventure. Handing her their vows and marriage promises brought tears to her eyes. This special presentation, of these significant words, was designed by Francis & Co.. Alex was at a loss for words, but as she regained her composure she said, “I knew Ben was creative and romantic, but in my wildest imagination I could have never guessed that we would be on the Columbia River sharing our vows – let alone in the middle of it.” 
Perched on top of their own private island rock Benjamin and Alex recited their original wedding vows and promises. 
Benjamin and Alex love to celebrate and believe love, laughter, good company, and food go hand in hand. So what better way to concluded their evening then with a dessert reception under the stars. 
Their love speaks volumes to anyone around them and this vow renewal between their 6th and 7th year of marriage was not due to hardship in life or broken vows, but rather was a celebration of what they have done together and in anticipation of their exciting future! They later shared with me that what made this so special was that “life had given their vows context and that having a chance to look at them again and share them aloud together, made them even more real.”
