Summer Gazebo Elopement in Shell Beach

Sometimes we have couples who compose their own vows, but rarely do we get a couple who will write the entire ceremony.  But, for this summer gazebo elopement in Shell Beach, this couple, who traveled here all the way from Washington, did just that.  And, their ceremony was just perfect for them.

They told us that, even though they were a little older, they had never been married before.  But, after many years, they had met, fallen in love, and were ready to make a lasting commitment to each other.

As the beautiful bride walked up the path to the gazebo, dressed in an elegant lacy dress, carrying a bouquet of roses, her groom had his back turned so that he would not see her.  Suddenly, he was asked to turn around, and he got the first glimpse of his beautiful bride.  And, he smiled!

Their ceremony started with a prayer, thanking God for the love that they both share and asking His blessing as they exchange their vows and seal their promises.  We asked God to surround them with His grace and to live within their hearts from this day forth.

Their ceremony went on to remind them that all of their moments together have led up to this exchange of vows and prepared them as each other’s lifetime partners.  They were about to share a most special gift, one that had been carefully nurtured and polished to give to each other.

As several family members gathered, this couple pledged their loyalty to one another.  They asked for the patience to listen, the capacity to understand, the compassion to give comfort, and the joy to laugh and just to be together.  But, most importantly, they asked that their marriage be a home where neither person is a stranger.

Then, together they repeated:

I will share my life openly with you.
I will walk hand in hand with you.
I will grow with you, not away from you, in each of our discoveries.
I will support your strengths with love and honest,
and protect you, as we go forth together into this world as two yet one.

After the ceremony, there were group photos and then the bride and groom escaped to a secluded beach for some more pictures of just the two of them. What a perfect ending to this summer gazebo elopement in Shell Beach.

May the two of you continue to be as happy as you are today, and may you continue to thank God for the precious gift of your love for one another.  Our best wishes to you both!

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