I'm back after a week retreat with family and friends, marrying my best friend in both a traditional and a Viking handfasting ceremony.
Our wedding was an organic, deeply connecting experience where everyone could truly be themselves. Each person contributed in their own unique way, making it one of the most connecting and joyous occasions of my life. These memories are ones I will treasure forever.
In a world where the personal deeply influences the professional, I recently embarked on a transformative journey that not only celebrated love but also mirrored the values I hold dear in my work as a leadership coach.
Last week, I had the privilege of marrying my best friend during a week retreat with family and friends in both a traditional and a Viking handfasting ceremony.
This experience was a profound reminder of the power of authenticity, connection, and community - principles that guide my approach to leadership and coaching.
Our wedding was an organic, deeply connecting experience, emphasizing the importance of being true to oneself and the strength found in collective contribution.
Each guest played a unique role, creating a scale-cloth of support and joy that reflects my belief in the power of inclusivity and collaboration.
Below, I share the vows I made - a testament to the values of trust, authenticity, autonomy, reliability, empathy, and respect that I strive to embody not just in my personal life but also in my professional practice.
These vows are a promise of partnership, growth, and mutual respect, echoing the commitment I make to those I work with to foster environments where everyone can thrive.
In sharing this deeply personal moment, I hope to inspire a conversation about the importance of bringing our whole selves to every aspect of our lives, including our work
Let’s reflect on how our personal journeys shape our professional identities and how we can all contribute to a more empathetic, inclusive, and empowering world.
My vows:
My love,
Today, as I stand before you, my heart overflows with a love that is both my sanctuary and my greatest adventure. In you, I’ve found my perfectly imperfect match, a partner whose strength complements my spirit, whose essence resonates with the melody of my soul. Our journey is a testament to a profound and enriching connection, a dance of twin souls uniquely in step with each other.
I vow to honor the freedom that our love brings, cherishing your autonomy and our ability to grow both individually and together. My commitment to reliability stands firm, not just in words but through every season of our lives together. In acceptance, I embrace all that you are and all that you will become, finding beauty in our differences as much as in our similarities.
Empathy will guide my actions, striving to see the world through your eyes, to share in your joys and your struggles with an open heart. Integrity forms the foundation of our union, a commitment to honesty and transparency that fosters trust and respect between us.
Together, we will navigate the challenges of life with grace, embracing tolerance and adaptability, and finding joy in the simplest moments. We will empower each other to be our best selves, to work hard, to rest, and to enjoy the journey. Our bond extends beyond ourselves, reaching out to help others, illuminating the path of kindness and compassion.
In this sacred moment, I also acknowledge the special bond you have formed with my children. Your love for them, as deep and nurturing as if they were your own, adds an immeasurable depth to my love for you. You have embraced them with open arms, recognizing their individuality, nurturing their growth, and offering them protection and unconditional love. This beautiful gesture has woven us into a family, not just through vows but through the unbreakable bonds of the heart.
My love, I cherish the moments we’ve shared and the future we’re building together. I promise to be your refuge, a place where you can be your true self, sharing your feelings, making mistakes, and embracing the beautiful imperfections that define us. Together, let’s take small steps towards a future where our love for ourselves matches the depth of our love for each other, trusting in the strength of our connection and the commitment we make today.
With every beat of my heart, I choose you, today and always, in a partnership defined by mutual respect, shared dreams, and an endless, embracing love. Together, we step forward into a future bright with promise, hand in hand, heart to heart, our family united in love and joy.
And I’m looking forward to a lifetime of morning cappuccinos. I love you.