On February 11, 2018 my husband and I celebrated our 11th Wedding Anniversary by renewing our vows atop the Skydeck of the Willis Tower. With one of the most stunning views of Chicago as a backdrop, my husband Jeffrey and I couldn’t think of a better and more unique way to renew our vows.
1 Corinthians 13:4-5: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”
Photography by Ali Stone
Jeffrey and I always talked about renewing our vows. Initially we wanted to do it on our 10th Wedding Anniversary but we had Jaxson and moved into our new home—hence life got in the way. For us, renewing our vows with our children meant to celebrate and reaffirm our love and commitment for one another but it also meant teaching our boys a valuable lesson: Marriage is not just about emotions and feelings of love. A strong marriage is about commitment, and being responsible to that commitment regardless of the external variables you may face as a couple. Like any other (married) couple, Jeffrey and I faced ups and downs in our relationship. However, it was our commitment towards each other that we were able to face our ‘downs’ with strength and love.
Renewing our vows atop the Skydeck of the Willis Tower was beyond magical. Not only did Jeffrey and I marry downtown 11 years ago but our oldest son, Kingston was also born in the city. This being said, Chicago will always hold a special place in our hearts. Renewing our vows in our beloved city was truly the ‘cherry on top’, so to speak.
It was a very emotional day for me and my husband. We exchanged personal vows for each other and when we saw our son, Kingston (who was our ring bear) walking up to us to bring our wedding rings, well, I simply couldn’t help but wipe away tears. It was magical to have our children be part of our vow renewal. Jaxson, our 10 months old was a trooper also! He did not fuss once but he did make funny noises with his tongue when my husband and I were exchanging vows. After our ceremony we headed down to the 99th floor for a toast with our family and closest friends. It was very intimate and special, just what we had hoped for.
And on this note, thank you all for your kind congratulation wishes! We received an outpour of love and well wishes on social media. Words cannot describe how grateful I am to share these intimate parts of my life with you all!
PS: Happy Valentine’s Day!
SHOP MY LOOK
DRESS | EARRINGS | SHOES
So beautiful, Vanessa, and how special that both of your boys were apart of your renewal! Wishing you and your hubby many, many, more wonderful years together!
xo, Jennifer
http://www.publicistinpearls.com
Oh fantastic Vanessa! What a beautiful family!
Congratulations! Nice family!
Kisses
http://www.atrendylifestyle.com/
Felicidadesssss cielo, estabas preciosa. Tienes lo más bonito del mundo, una familia maravillosa.
Te dejo mi nuevo post con una prenda original
http://www.simplysory.com/2018/02/14/theoriginalook/
Congrats Babe & Jeff…love you guys..❤❤☀️
What a sweet post and perfect to share on Valentine’s Day! Congratulations on your 11th wedding anniversary, what a special way to celebrate my renewing your vows. And what a location! Gorgeous photos, Vanessa. Happy Valentine’s Day!
xo, Rachel
A Blonde’s Moment
You are so stunning in this gown and these photos are incredible! Thanks for sharing this special day. Very cool that they offer this at the Willis Tower. Happy Valentine’s Day Vanessa!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Oh, so sweet, dear V.! The pictures speak for themselves, I saw so much love! You are gorgeous, what for a beautiful way to show to your kids what love is – I agree with you, commitment, support! You have a beautiful family where love and commitment are the main ingredients – because you have a golden heart! The boys were lovely, how nice that Jaxson, as a baby who could make some fuss, behaved so well! The place was truly magical and Chicago is in your hearts forever! I am so glad for the day and to see the pictures! Hope you have a wonderful Valentine’s day and up to many many more years of love! Kisses, dear V.!
DenisesPlanet.com
This was so lovely to read and see Vanessa. You look absolutely stunning and your family equally so. What a lovely way to celebrate your love. Have a lovely day hun! Xx
http://www.thefashionfolks.com
I love how you summed the marriage in the commitment words, since love without commitment is worth nothing in marriage.
PS You look so pretty and just seeing this post made me so happy. Wish you all the happiness in the years to come.
Youtube: https://goo.gl/GTYuRM
Blog: http://www.easys-tyle.com/
What a beautiful dress! <3
Federica
http://www.federicadinardo.com
You look gorgeous Vanessa!! Congratulations!! Your entire family looks beautiful!!
Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated
This makes my heart jump with happiness!! 11 on the 11th for a renewal with the boys….perfect! I am so glad you and Jeffery did this, you both emit such joy and genuine love! And now let’s talk about how GORGEOUS you look in that dress! Amazing, absolutely amazing! xoxo all the love to you on this precious Valentine’s Day my beautiful friend! xo
Congratulations, I hope you had a wonderful day! These are such gorgeous photos, you look beautiful in that dress! xox
http://www.lexiealexandra.com
This is such an adorable post to read and you look absolutely gorgeous, may you continue to have happy married life.
Regards Ashon
http://ashonfashionary.com/what-to-wear-and-do-on-galentines-day/
Congratulations! This vow renewal is absolutely gorgeous! I love the Skydeck location, and you look so beautiful in this stunning dress! Amazing photos!
http://roadesque.com
Congratulations!
Xoxo,
Rosie | 2018 Most Wanted Chic Glasses
You look stunning. That dress fits you perfectly. You have a beautiful family.
http://www.comfycozyup.com
It’s nice to see married couples renewing their vows like this.
The skydeck looks amazing, i love it.
Much Love,
Jane | The Bandwagon Chic
Vanessaaaa, look at your biiiiutiful family!! Congrats to you and Mr J for 11 years- wooohooo! And oh my gaaaawd, I love babies in dapper menswear- Baby J is rocking that look as is Mr K! Aaand you look resplendent. Sending much loooove. Xx
OMG theses photos are just so beautiful and full of love !
Your dress was beautiful.
You have such a lovely family
And congrat for your 11 year of mariage.
xx,
Margot
https://troughthepasturesofthesky.com/
What an amazing way to celebrate your love, lady- and WOW that view and your dress! Both stunning!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Oh how gorgeous! You are such a lovely family and your look stunning in your dress.
Gemma x
http://www.jacquardflower.uk
WOW!!! This was such a great idea and Vanessa! You and your dress were absolutely stunning!!! Congrats!
Laura
Black Coffee Beautiful
This is so sweet Vanessa and you are STUNNING! What a sweet and special day!
Heidi || Wishes & Reality
That’s cool. I like your blog. Go to my blog http://alamodenatine.blogspot.com
What a lovely way to celebrate your family and love! Being able to include the boys this time around and share that special moment together is a blessing! You looked beautiful as always! Congrats!
Sydney
http://www.classiccitychic.com
Aww, congrats to you both. These pictures are absolutely beautiful and what a great moment to share with your boys. I think it’s so romantic that you guys decided to renew your vows and did so in such a beautiful way. Thank you for sharing with us.
xo, Jackie
stylemydreams.com
Huge congratulations to you & Jeffrey! You look absolutely stunning in your dress Vanessa! What a wonderful way to mark your 11th anniversary with your two beautiful boys! Here’s to the next eleven years! 🙂
Jaz
xoxo
http://www.thelifeofasocialbutterfly.co.uk
So beautiful! Congratulations to you and your beautiful family x
Emilie x
http://www.mes-dames.com
Loveliest Vanessa, I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to congratulate you both again for this wonderful moment to renew the love and commitment you made all those years ago with the presence of your little boys. Such a magical moment and the backdrop in your home city couldn’t have been more perfect! Xx
Saida | She talks Glam