Lodi’s Fourth Annual Bridal Event
Sunday, Feb. 23
Lodi Grape Festival Grounds
Chardonnay & Zinfandel Halls
Registration: 1 p.m.
Fashion Show: 3 p.m.

INDEX OF STORIES

» Brides still take stock in traditional invitations
» Discovering where wedding customs originate
» Say 'I do' to dress desingers' latest trend of corsets
» Always in fashion, diamond rings are a centuries-old trend
» Custom-made dresses affordable option to designer gowns
» New ways to top off your wedding-day ensemble
» Ethnic weddings mix traditional and modern customs
» Simple ideas for creative wedding favors
» Flowers create sweet-smelling nuptials for wedding party
» Grooms wanting something with a different ring to it
» Honeymoons put final fun, touch on weddings
» Creative ideas help savvy brides cut costs, not corners
» Take time to indulge yourself before you walk down aisle
» Here comes the bride, there goes the budget
» Don't be left singing the blues when it comes to wedding music
» Planning a wedding can be just as fun for the groom
» Lodi area offers many options for wedding reception sites
» Special ways to say thank you to the bridal party
» Personalized vows are unique celebrations of a couple's love
» Family grape growers open romantic wedding winery

Personalized vows are unique celebrations of a couple’s love

Metro Newspaper Service

As wedding season approaches, soon-to-be brides and grooms are busy with the many facets of the marriage ceremony, including their vows. The exchange of vows is the emotional zenith of a wedding, with spoken words of commitment expressing love and devotion.

These vows, like other elements of the wedding ceremony, are becoming more personal, from special poems written by the bride and groom to custom-designed wedding certificates.

“A growing number of couples of all faiths are asking artists to record their marriage vows,” says Jonathan Kremer, an artist whose company, Heartscroll: The Art of Love, specializes in preserving and memorializing wedding vows. “Each couple has to find their own special voice when putting feelings into words.”

• Check it out. Consult with the person officiating at your ceremony to find out where — and if — you may insert a personal statement in the ceremony.

• Find literary inspiration. The Bible, Shakespeare, Kahlil Gibran and Pablo Neruda are just a few of the more popular resources for ideas, poems or passages to include. When writing, picture the two of you reading your vows again after 15 years; try to use language that will stand the test of time.

• Write from the heart. Vows in your own words truly express your deepest feelings. You may wish to describe cherished qualities of your beloved or state your hopes for your future together.

• Keep it brief. Your heart is full and your emotions run deep, but it’s best to keep vows on the shorter side (under 200 words).

• Get an editor. Ask someone you trust to review your statement at least a few days before the wedding. This “editor” can help catch potentially embarrassing errors and might even suggest changes to help you express your feelings even better.

• Practice. Stage fright at the wedding could make you forget or stumble over a key phrase. Read your vows aloud several times before your wedding day to a friend or relative, or in front of a mirror. During the ceremony, read them from a clearly printed text.

“Our marriage covenants combine a couple’s vows or other written expression of their feelings with beautiful artwork,” Kremer says. “Displayed on the wall of the couple’s home, a Heartscroll Covenant is a lasting testament to their love.”

Kremer has been crafting artistic certificates for weddings and anniversaries since 1973. Through Heartscroll, Kremer offers affordable, personalized marriage documents that are becoming increasingly popular with couples, wedding planners and invitation dealers across the country. The covenants have also become popular as a wedding gift item.

The covenants come in 19 different designs with a selection of vows. Each is custom-produced on heavy archival-quality paper and measures 13 by 19 inches. Check out www.heartscroll.com for even more ideas and suggestions on how to preserve and memorialize your wedding vows and commitment.

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