Vows: The African-American Couple's Guide to Designing a Sacred Ceremony

In 1993 Harriette Cole wrote "Jumping the Broom," the first wedding guide specifically for African-American couples, showing them how to create a wedding that honored their culture and heritage. In her new book, "Vows," Cole turns her attention to the heart of the special day: the wedding ceremony.With everything that is involved in planning a wedding, it is easy to get so caught up in all the details of the celebration that you lose sight of the significance of what you are actually doing -- committing to make a life together. In this beautiful volume, Cole gives you the guidance and inspiration you need to focus your energy on the spiritual and sacred aspect of your wedding day. Chapters include: Reflecting on Your Commitment: What does marriage mean to each of you? How can you honor and express to your community the life you intend to create and share?Ceremonial Rituals from Around the World: A selection of wedding traditions to inspire you.Writing Your Own Wedding Vows: Vows from many traditions and religions, as well as guidelines for transforming your feelings for each other into words.There is advice on selecting your wedding attendants and their special role in your wedding, and on how to welcome children into your ceremony, as well as sensitive counsel on renewal of vows, remarriage, and joining ceremonies.Illuminated by stories and anecdotes from couples remembering their own weddings, and illustrated with beautiful black-and-white photographs by George Chinsee, "Vows" is a book every African-American couple must have.