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A marriage is a lifelong commitment that deepens throughout the years, and a vow renewal is a meaningful way for couples to celebrate their journey together and reaffirm the promises they made on their wedding day. Whether it’s in honor of a milestone anniversary, having a redo at a dream wedding or simply expressing their deep love, vow renewals give couples a chance to say,
“I do” all over again.
In November 2024, Maple Grove’s Jaime Engebretson, owner and executive event planner of J’aime Events, helped a New Prague couple plan a deeply personal vow renewal. The bride was facing a terminal illness and was gifted a celebration through the nonprofit Wish Upon a Wedding. Engebretson was able to help the family plan an incredible celebration.
The couple originally married young in Las Vegas and had always dreamed of a more traditional celebration. With Engebretson’s help, they were able to celebrate each other while incorporating their daughter in meaningful ways, creating lasting memories. “For me, it was about finding special ways to include the daughter in the day,” Engebretson says. “The biggest thing was capturing moments they could look back on because the mom may not be at her daughter’s wedding.”
The day was an example of how powerful a vow renewal can be. For couples considering their own, Engebretson shares her best advice for planning a vow renewal. First, clarify the reason behind the ceremony. This helps guide every decision. Next comes the budget. While vow renewals are often simpler than weddings, they still involve costs, and couples should prioritize what is most important to them.
Venues are another key decision. Some couples prefer an extensive guest list and a spacious venue, while others choose a more intimate gathering in their backyard. The venue often paves the way for the guest list and dress code. The great thing about a vow renewal is that there is no pressure to conform; it is a day that can be as unique as the couple.
Ring exchanges are another opportunity to incorporate personal touches. Some couples may use their original bands, add an engraving or even upgrade the rings. Similarly, there is flexibility with the officiant. “Since it’s not a legally binding or formal ceremony, you don’t need someone ordained to officiate,” Engebretson says. “It’s often a family member, a friend, maybe even a parent or the person who first introduced the couple.”
At the very core of the day are the vows. They might include a couple’s original promises, but many shift the focus toward how they plan to spend the rest of their years together. Personal touches, both humorous and sentimental, make them unforgettable.
Ultimately, the most memorable ceremonies incorporate heartfelt details that bring the couple’s love story alive. Whether it’s been one year or 25, a vow renewal is a meaningful way to celebrate the beauty of marriage and honor the choice of saying “I do,” no matter how many years have passed.
J’aime Events
Instagram: @jaimeevents
