These are the vows Rafa and I shared with each other at the wedding. He had them memorized and spoke them to me, firmly and softly, while looking into my eyes.

I had them memorized, but after hearing Rafa say his and getting distracted by the emotions of my future mother-in-law, my mind went blank after the first line. Thankfully, Pastor Karl had them ready to give me a help.

After the ceremony, I just cried. I felt so bad that I didn’t give Rafa my vows in the same beautiful way he gave me his. About 2 minutes after the ceremony, Rafa forgave me for the first time. I love him so much! Our photographer captured the moment we spent talking after the ceremony:

Rafa’s vows

I, Rafa, take you, Sarah, as my wife, for better or for worse, in prosperity and in need, in sickness and in health, from today forward.

With God’s help, and by His grace, I promise to love you, to cherish you, and to treat you with patience and gentleness.

I vow to raise our family up in the Lord. I will honor you and protect you. I promise to be faithful to you, to forgive you, and committed to growing as a man of God in order to lead you.

My promises to you, Sarah, are these, and I am responsible before God if anything but death separates us.

Sarah’s vows

I, Sarah, take you, Rafa, as my husband, for better or for worse, in prosperity and in need, in sickness and in health, from today forward.

With God’s help, and by His grace, I promise to love you , to encourage you, and to respect you.

I vow to follow your leadership. I will affirm you and admire you. I promise to be faithful to you, to forgive you, and remain encouraged in my relationship with God in order to be a helper to you.

My promises to you, Rafa, are these, and I am responsible before God if anything but death separates us.