New Year, ReNew Vows

What a wonderful experience! Michael called me a couple of weeks ago and wanted to arrange a private time with his wife, whom he had married a year earlier. They had a very difficult first year of marriage. Besides adjusting to married life, several unusual events created stress in their relationship.

Michael rented a condo in Malibu and wanted to make the weekend special. He asked me to be a surprise for Leyla. After a few texts back and forth, at the right moment I knocked on the door and called out, “Room service!” When Leyla opened the door, I was holding a tray with a bottle of Champagne, two flutes, waffles, strawberries, and whipped cream. Needless to say, she was in shock! She remembered what I looked like, but I was totally out of context for her.

We shared in the room some important truths about growth and marriage, blessed the wine, and went out to the beach. In the brilliant fall weather, I stepped back from the couple as they spoke from their hearts, sharing their promises for the coming year. As this was happening, I snapped a few photos of them renewing their commitment to each other.

How great that their anniversary is so close to the New Year! Every year they will be able to celebrate their union with an annual holiday reminder of the power of personal renewal.

Thank you, Michael and Leyla, for including me in this intimate and moving moment!