Creating Beautiful Wedding Memories
One Love Story at a Time!
Creating Beautiful Wedding Memories. . .
One Love Story at a Time!
Write your Love Story

OK you're ready to write your own vows or Love Story, but now a healthy dose of writer's block (not to mention fear of
embarrassing yourself) has hit you squarely on the head. Don't know how to transform your heavy, life-altering, feelings into a string
of coherent words? You're not alone -- but don't worry, your goal is within reach: Just take it one word at a time. Here's the
homework you need to do (and the questions you should ask) to make your wedding words letter-perfect.
Prep Step A: Talk to each other
If you're feeling shy, opt to write your vows together and even recite the exact same promises. But talk about it first and make sure
you are both on the same page. Sometimes I find brides and grooms don't feel the same about writing vows. Are you each going to
write your own, or will you write them together? Will you show them to each other before the wedding ceremony? If there's more
you wish to say, privately, say it in the cards you exchange on the day of your wedding or on your honeymoon.
Prep Step B: Your Love Story for Us.
If you are writing your Love Story for us we prefer that you do not read each others story. It lends to the surprise at the ceremony
when you hear each others words for the first time. Very Romantic. Read the questions below
Introduction: How you met, where you met, why you met etc. things everyone might know about your relationship.
Body: The romantic stuff, why you love her, what is special about him, what do you see in the future. Does his eyes sparkle when he
laughs, do you watch her sleeping? What do you see in the future?
End: The funny and joyful things about her or him. What odd habits does he have? Does he make you laugh cus he is always late?
Does she leave the caps of jars? Tell me the humours stuff!
Remember that what ever you write I can use to create your ceremony.
Prep Step C: Create and outline for your vows!
An outline can help to establish a structure that you both stick to.
Prep Step D: Find your voice in your vows
What overall tone do you want: Humorous and touching? Poetic and mushy? It's your call the most important thing is that your vows
ring true and sound like they're from your heart.
Prep Step E: Cut it down
Finally, pick a length and stick to it by keeping the mantra "pithy and to the point" in mind anything longer than a minute or so, and no
matter how gorgeous your prose, the audience will start to squirm.
Ready to Write!
What exactly do you say? To help you think of sentiments to include, take turns answering this list of questions. When you're done,
look through your answers for the phrases that best capture your intended message and incorporate them into the structure of your
vows.
Ask yourself these questions~
What did you think when you first saw him/her? Start from the beginning -- you didn't want to go out and now you're are grateful
your friends dragged you out?
How to use: "When we met at __________, I knew __________."
When did you realize you were in love? The more specific you are able to be, the more touching the story. Was it when he helped you
bring your sick puppy to the vet?
How to use: "I knew I was in love when ____________." Don't underestimate the power of humor. Throw in at least one more
playful sentiment ("When she recited your fav song or poem").
What do you have now that you didn't have before you met? Focus on the heart and head, not material possessions. Has she taught
you to appreciate beauty differently? Has he helped you learn to savor creating a home-cooked meal? How to use: "Before I met you, I
___________. Now I ___________."
How has your world view changed? Life has likely gotten better since the two of you joined forces, so tell everyone about it.
How to use: "Because of you, I see the world __________." Having trouble? Think about the new things you've tried with your mate
-- what have you experienced together that you never would have on your own?
What do you miss most when you're apart? This will probably be something mundane but powerful¿½what about his smile first thing
in the morning, or the way she puts out your "lucky mug" for your morning coffee?
How to use: "You are such a part of me that when you're gone, I __________."
Where do you see yourselves in 10 years? 20 years? 40 years? Go deeper than "Happily married in a big house." What are your
long-term hopes, dreams, and goals?
How to use: "I look forward to __________, laughing and __________ as we __________."
Is there a line from a movie, song, or poem that says it all? It's okay to borrow, as long as it's not too much of a cliché (were sorry,
but "You complete me" is suffering from overuse). Instead modify something familiar to personalize.
How to use: Subtly. "I watch you ________, and I think to myself, what a wonderful world."
Do parts of the traditional vows resonate with you? Maybe you're not so sure about the "obey" part, but can you really go wrong with
"love, cherish, and..."?
How to use: Try "I promise to cherish and honor you ____________," but add a time frame and funny reference for levity: "...All the
days of my life, especially when curled up on the couch with takeout."
Can you think of a funny or touching experience that put your partner in a new light? The way he played with your little cousin or
helped your grandmother up the stairs showed you that under his macho exterior is a sensitive wonderful guy and you love him for it.
How to use: "When you ____________, I saw you for the _____________ person you are. And that made me want to
____________."
Is there a harrowing experience that strengthened your bond? This one rides tandem with #9. How to use: See #9.
What goals and values do you both have? Stating your common bond may just expose
your inner Wordsworth. These times¿½whether your shared faith or your mutual love of wine will also help demonstrate why you're a
perfect pair.
How to use: "We share ___________, so together we can ___________."
What about him/her inspires you? What is it about your fiancé that you'd like to improve in yourself? What do you most respect about
your partner?
How to use: "Your ___________ has shown me how to be___________."
What promise can you make to codify your devotion? Here's an opportunity to personalize your vows -- many couples pledge their
endless love, but how many promise to take the dog out in the morning, even in the snow?
How to use: "I promise to always ___________."
How will you change together? You know what your goals are -- think about the steps
the two of you will need to take together to reach them.
How to use: "I look forward to ___________ as we __________."
What metaphor (or simile) would capture your love? Think of something that describes or defines your love: Is it strong like a castle?
Peaceful like a mountain stream?
How to use: "Our love is like a ___________ because it ___________."
Why are you entering the bond of marriage? Think about why marrying your fiancé is so special. You may be surprised how the
answer leads you to the perfect words.
How to use: "To me, marriage is ___________. With you, it's ___________."
What will keep your marriage strong? Find the bedrock of your relationship. What makes your relationship tick? Is it your resilience?
Your shared sense of humor?
How to use: "Even when ___________, we will have ___________."
What are you most looking forward to about married life? The wedding is just the beginning.
How to use: "I look forward to ___________ as we embark on ___________."
What do you expect out of married life? Defining your expectations will help you make and keep promises. Think about your dreams,
and what you're¿½ll have to vow to do to make them come true.
How to use: "I know our marriage will ___________ and I vow to ___________."
What words do you associate with "love"? Make a list of romantic terms so you can avoid overusing "love" -- too many repetitions
dilute its power.
How to use: "My devotion/adoration/ passion is ___________."