Special 20 year Vow Renewal Experience
“Everything that we have been through together that has helped keep our marriage strong.” – Sherri and Michael
The most powerful bonds I’ve witnessed in my career are those of a family. Built through years of unconditional love and understanding. I was very interested in Michael and Sherri’s family story. As I started asking questions they began to share some personal and powerful stories about their past. They faced many challenges together and their story is both inspiring and enlightening. I asked them if they wouldn’t mind sharing with everyone, how they have made it to 20 amazing years together with 4 beautiful children. This is the story of Sherri and Michael’s Special 20 year vow renewal. – Matt
“Shortly after we were married, we attempted to start a family. Unfortunately, it did not come as easy as we expected. Although we could get pregnant fairly easily, we could never carry to term.”
“We lost 7 pregnancies in all.”
“We had test after test after test, medications, procedures… but never got any answers. Finally, we said we were done trying to have a biological child. It was taking a toll on us, physically and emotionally.
“But our desire to become parents was still there. So we decided adoption was the answer for us. On January 1, 2003, we started the adoption process. Exactly 9 months later, we became parents to our oldest son, Andrew (best day ever by the way).”
“A few months later, we were surprised to find out we were pregnant with our second son, Justin. Although we experienced a few complications with his delivery, the pregnancy was uneventful. And unexplainable. Our doctors just shrugged their shoulders… We decided to take a chance and try again and again. Both Abby and Jacob’s pregnancy and delivery were picture perfect.
“We never did get any answers as to why we had to go through all of that to start our family… we just assume it was because Andrew was meant to be with us. :-)”
Del Sol: How did you decide on a Mayan ceremony in a cenote for your Special 20 year Vow Renewal?
“We wanted something different, something meaningful.”
“We knew we wanted to renew our vows with the kids around. But we wanted a change of scenery, to get away from our crazy routine at home. Four super active kids. The holidays. Our three crazy dogs. Activity after activity after activity. We needed to get away and focus on our family. There were just too many distractions at home to focus on each other.”
“When I googled “special 20 year vow renewal”, I found out about the Mayan ceremony and knew it was perfect. Once I found Del Sol online and looked at your past photos from Mayan ceremony experiences, I knew this is what we had to do!”
Del Sol: Was there a part of the ceremony that particularly stood out?
“In party of the ceremony, the shaman said: “Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow is a mystery.”
“He said this several times to us, as did his ‘sister’. Our family is so focused on what is coming next (we are so crazy busy), that sometimes we forget what is happening in the moment. This was a great reminder for us to focus on what really matters.”
“Also, we loved when the kids threw rose petals on us. The looks on their faces, especially Jacob. And the seeds. Having our parents there to participate in the ceremony with the seeds was especially touching. Their words and blessings were so meaningful.”
“We may be adults, but we still look to our parents for guidance. They must have done something right since they’ve both been married 50 years!”
Del Sol: Tell us about your experience with the Del Sol Team!
“Our experience was fantastic. I really can’t say enough good things. The tips about our hotel, the full planning of our experience – the hair and makeup, the flowers, the candles, the whole ceremony – it was amazing. The lunch on the beach, the “personal tour guide” in the van, the distraction to the kids, all of it. I can’t recommend del Sol enough. And not just for the great photos… the entire experience. It was amazing… a truly life changing experience.”
Thanks to Matt and Del Sol, we had the event of a lifetime. From the flawless Mayan ceremony, the fabulous lunch on the beach, and the way he handled our crazy family, we couldn’t have asked for a better experience.
“Matt reminded us what is important in life (which is so easily forgotten). I can honestly say that he was the one responsible for changing my perception on what is important in life”
“I’m so very thankful that my google search led me to Matt and his wonderful team at Del Sol Photography. I cannot wait to see the photos he captured on my this amazing day. I HIGHLY recommend them for the experience of a lifetime!” #becool
Del Sol: What is your advice for other couples, starting families, trying to do your best and giving to the relationship. What is the secret of staying together ?
“Practice your patience. Know when to compromise. With your kids, you spouse, your extended family. Nothing ever comes easy, but it is so worth the work.”
“Sometimes during marriage, or family planning, or whatever the situation, things don’t work out the way you envisioned. Or maybe not the way you had initially hoped. And it feels miserable at the time. But you have to dig deep and build off of that. Because maybe something bigger and better and more meaningful is in your path.”
Read more about our Vow Renewal Experiences in Mexico
Vow Renewal ExperiencePrincipal Photographer: Matt
Hair and Make Up: Sara Tamargo
Flowers and Candles: Candle Boutique
Mayan Ceremony: Spirituality Riviera Maya
