New Book Helps Couples Plan Wedding Vows

Asheville, NC – Many couples spend more time choosing invitations and ordering the cake than considering the vows they will make on their wedding day. Allison Jordan and Gil Holmes chose a different approach. "We decided to write our own vows," says Holmes, "but we weren't sure how to begin."

"We knew we wanted original vows that reflected who we are and what we want for our relationship," Jordan says.

It was serendipity when the couple were given a copy of I Do! I Do! The Marriage Vow Workbook (2006, Lulu Press) by authors Shonnie Lavender and Bruce Mulkey. The book guides couples step by step through the process of creating their own unique wedding vows.

"Using the workbook was a wonderful experience," Jordan says. "Not only did it help us produce vows that really fit, it encouraged us to think through some issues in our relationship and develop a vision for our future."

"We've even posted them in our kitchen as a daily reminder of our commitment," Holmes adds.

After authors Lavender and Mulkey wrote their own vows for their 1999 wedding, they were approached by a friend who wanted help with hers. "The seed for the book was planted," says Lavender, a life coach and author. "After that, we searched bookstores and online sites, but found few resources for couples wanting to write their own vows. For us, and for many people we know, neither traditional vows nor cut-and-paste formulas really felt right. So we started to write."

Once the initial draft was complete, the authors test marketed the book with engaged couples. They also invited feedback from several psychologists and clergy. The results were helpful suggestions that they incorporated and, finally, glowing reviews for the back cover of the book. Best-selling author Harville Hendrix (Getting the Love You Want) said, "This creative workbook will be valuable to any couple planning their marriage or recommitment. Furthermore, the post-ceremony guidance will help them transform their wedding into their marriage. I highly recommend it."

Mulkey says the workbook is written in a straightforward style that makes it accessible to everyone, regardless of their writing ability. "We want every couple to have the opportunity to deepen their connection with one another before they ever say, 'I do.'"

I Do! I Do! The Marriage Vow Workbook is available at www.MarriageVowWorkbook.com, Amazon.com, and other major booksellers.

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Online Media Kit available at http://marriagevowworkbook.com/press.htm