Harley, how funny!!  What a great story.

BerryBliss, I love the knowing you both felt when you met each other.

Viola...a handmade wedding dress.  That sounds incredible.  Photos??  Your ceremony sounded amazing too.

Rudolf, I have always wondered the same thing.  I could never understand why people felt like a piece of paper would give them commitment.  I always thought you could achieve that without the paper and the ceremony.  However, in speaking to many, many people, including some who had been together a long time, they've all told me they feel different after getting married, no matter how committed to each other they felt beforehand.

I'm going to sound like a relationship junkie here, but I've been in three relationships and never had the desire to marry any of them.  Just as well or I'd have been divorced three times by the age of 34!!  (Or maybe not...maybe the paper would have made the difference and I'd still be with my first partner...who knows?!)  Anyway, I think I'm your ultimate commitment phobe...I'm happily single and can't see myself being in a relationship again.

Reading the replies above though, I think that it's beautiful to have some kind of formal recognition of your commitment to one another and maybe just living together or saying you're committed isn't enough. 

fruiteus maximus, your celebration sounds divine!!

RNJ...all the best for your wedding in six weeks.  Sounds lovely.

Emi, it's sad that what some consider to be "the best day of your life" turned out to be one of the worst for you, and that you did it for the family.  I guess we all live and learn.  I think I'm like you in your belief that relationships are like the seasons; maybe it's because my mother's been married twice and my father three times (GREAT role models!!) so I don't put much value on wedding vows or their meaning. 

Great thread Freedom. 

xx

DR, that made me laugh so hard.  Always feels good when you have a deep belly laugh!!!  If only we were all so committed to one another.....hee, hee. 

BTW, Harley, if you trade 'her' in for a newer model, how do you think she's going to feel?  LOL 

Rita

My turn lol,

I got married in a church, no music at reception, no alcohol (probably a good thing lol) and it was all over in two hours... I love my husband for life, for ever... But if i was to do it again, i would invite all of my friends and wanted family to a backyard or beach party, without letting them know that we are getting married and surprise everyone, dress would then be casual, no presents (takes pressure off), lots of music, love, laughter, and fun.... What else does anyone need lol...

As far as that dreaded piece of paper some people refer to as an unimportant thing to have, i say "If it's so unimportant why not have it, how can that hurt or change your belief", remember it's already unimportant to you, so just sign away who cares lol...

with love 

John - I hope you had a lovely wedding, and are currently off enjoying a lovely honeymoon somewhere romantic and relaxing! x

P.S.  when I say 'adding a few more buses perhaps to the journey', I meant little buses (children)........not other people........LOL!!!!!  I just re-read it and thought I'd better claify before people get the wrong idea!!! 

Rita

It's a case of whatever rocks your boat..... Again each to his or her own lol... Some believe in pieces of paper some don't, who cares as long as you find that special someone to share your journey with, it's not how you get there, but what you do to get there, lol iv'e confused myself  lol i'm going now lol....

John happy marriage and all that lol....

with love 

As long as you've got the Love thing going on, who cares if it is traditional or not!

Beautiful thread Freedom:)

Garfield i love it..........

as long as you've got the love thing going on,who cares!! im with you on that one.........cheers!