Synopses & Reviews
In 1993 Harriette Cole wrote
Jumping the Broom, the first wedding guide specifically for African-American couples, showing them how to create a wedding that honored their culture and heritage. In her new book,
Vows, Cole turns her attention to the heart of the special day: the wedding ceremony.
With everything that is involved in planning a wedding, it is easy to get so caught up in all the details of the celebration that you lose sight of the significance of what you are actually doing -- committing to make a life together. In this beautiful volume, Cole gives you the guidance and inspiration you need to focus your energy on the spiritual and sacred aspect of your wedding day. Chapters include:
Reflecting on Your Commitment: What does marriage mean to each of you? How can you honor and express to your community the life you intend to create and share?
Ceremonial Rituals from Around the World: A selection of wedding traditions to inspire you.
Writing Your Own Wedding Vows: Vows from many traditions and religions, as well as guidelines for transforming your feelings for each other into words.
There is advice on selecting your wedding attendants and their special role in your wedding, and on how to welcome children into your ceremony, as well as sensitive counsel on renewal of vows, remarriage, and joining ceremonies.
Illuminated by stories and anecdotes from couples remembering their own weddings, and illustrated with beautiful black-and-white photographs by George Chinsee, Vows is a book every African-American couple must have.
Synopsis
From the author of "Jumping the Broom: The African-American Wedding Planner" comes an indispensable guide providing all the tools necessary to create a personal, meaningful wedding ceremony. 10 b&w illustrations. Two-color throughout.
Table of Contents
Contents A Note of Thanks
The Pledge of Partnership
Reflecting on Your Commitment
Embracing Your Heritage
The Value of Marriage
Elements of Your Sacred Ceremony
Ceremonial Rituals from Around the World
Selecting Your Officiant
Writing Your Own Wedding Vows
Your Wedding Party: Inspiring Others to Serve
Welcoming Children into the Ceremony
Renewing Your Vows
Starting Over
Joining Ceremonies
End Note
The Creative Team
Bibliography
Index