Our wedding part 2 - The I Do's

Mark and I had decided to write our own vows to each other. I really loved the idea of being able to express our love to each other through our own words.

My vows to Mark:

Mark,

3 years ago I was living life for myself and Parker. I didn't need anyone before we met. I thought I was doing ok, I was doing ok. And when we met it did not cross my mind we wold one day be standing here, pledging our love to each other before God. But now...here we are and I know that it's for a reason. Meeting you was fate, becoming your friend was by choice but falling in love with you was completely beyond my control.

Every day I thank God for bringing you into my life. Even at this point I can't believe I am the one you chose to hold your heart for the rest of our lives. You've shown me so much more in the last 3 years we have been together than anyone has ever shown me. You make me laugh, support me through hard decisions, kiss away my tears. You did something to me that I can't quite explain. You took me to a new place and introduced me to myself. You are what I never knew I always wanted. To me love was just a word until you proved it to me.

Things haven't always been easy for us but with each bump in the road we have conquered I also gained a certain knowledge that there is no other human on this planet of ours that I would rather be with, stand next to, care for and love. It's YOU. You mean everything to me....you are the first into my head in the morning when I wake up, my last thought before I go to bed. You smile at me in my dreams. When you are sad I feel sad and when you kiss me, I feel incredible, like there is no other thing around and all I can see is you. You are my soul mate, someone who loves me for who I am, accepts me for what I lack and gently encourages me to grow.

I could stand here all day and promise to love and cherish you for the rest of our lives but it wouldn't be enough. Instead I am looking forward to a lifetime of showing you.

For hearing my thoughts, understanding my dreams, and being my best friend. For filling my life with joy and loving me without end....I do.

Mark's vows to me:

Love of my life,

One wonderful day in March 2009 I was awe-struck by a stunning blonde haired woman walking my way. After being inseparable for the better part of 4 months, and making each other call off work to be together, I knew I was falling in love hard and fast. We would just sit and talk about life and goals for hours. I realized then I found my soul mate and best friend. And still, after 3 years, we have maybe been apart for a week total and I'm still finding new reasons for falling in love over and over again.

I promise to hold and comfort you in a time of need and I promise to make you laugh in a time of sorrow. I look forward to waking up to your beautiful blue eyes looking at me every day for the rest of my existence.

You love me for all that I am and all that I lack, which I know is a lot at times. I vow to never take you f or granted and to make you the happiest you have ever been.

Amanda, my best friend, I chose you to be my wife, til death do us part.

Yes...he made me cry....but I promise they were tears of true joy and happiness :)