Our Tropical Backyard Vow Renewal: 16 years

        A few weeks ago, we renewed our wedding vows right in our backyard accompanied by some of our family members. Next week, on August 23rd, we will officially celebrate our 16th wedding anniversary. Can you believe that?  Our renewal was extremely special to us because when we first got married, we only had a Justice of the Peace and so many of our loved ones were not present, including my Mother who was still living in Jamaica at the time.  
        If you're a long time reader, then you know the hubby is almost always away and has missed numerous anniversaries and milestones because of his work. Now he has been home for a bit and it seemed like the perfect time to celebrate our love to include our two boys, our dog, and our lovely family members by renewing our vows. This is probably going to be the longest post I've posted, so you've been warned, but it's worth it. You can read HERE to learn more about our love story or to refresh your memory. 

i made my first flower crown

symbols of love everywhere

So Zion opted for no shoes and I didn't object and

 Ian wasn't in the mood to do much walking...

My Mama!

she is like a 2nd Mama to me!

me with my brothers and mama and dada

everyone; what a beautiful sight!

Chow time!

Jamaican rum cake

favors(spice jars)

i could just gobble him up. love him so!

I was a sobbing mess and for good reason. Love was undoubtedly in the air and having our family here to celebrate with us made it extra special. Big thank you to Carly of C. Jakubowski Photography for capturing this special occasion. Styling by me. I completed a few diy projects for this event, but will save the details for another post. xx

images: C. Jakubowski Photography

ON Love

Love is a mighty power, a great and complete good.

Love alone lightens every burden, and makes rough places smooth.

It bears every hardship as though it were nothing, and renders all

bitterness sweet and acceptable.

Nothing is sweeter than love,

Nothing stronger,

Nothing higher,

Nothing wider,

Nothing more pleasant,

Nothing fuller or better in heaven or earth; for love is born of God.

Love flies, runs and leaps for joy.

It is free and unrestrained.

Love knows no limits, but ardently transcends all bounds.

Love feels no burden, takes no account of toil,

attempts things beyond its strength.

Love sees nothing as impossible,

for it feels able to achieve all things.

It is strange and effective,

while those who lack love faint and fail.

Love is not fickle and sentimental,

nor is it intent on vanities.

Like a living flame and a burning torch,

it surges upward and surely surmounts every obstacle.

Thomas à Kempis (1379-1471)