Beyonce and Jay-Z may have recently renewed their wedding vows and got their fans talking, but the act of recommitting to each other and reaffirming your marital promises in a big way is nothing new. In fact, experts say it dates all the way back to the 50s With each decade that passes, vow renewals become more popular, and now it’s very common to see couples heading back to the altar to resolidify their marriage or celebrate a major milestone. For some, the ceremony and celebration are as big as, if not bigger than, their original wedding day.
The meaning and effects of renewing your vows can be a powerful tool in a marriage, but when exactly should you do it? There are no rules here, other than to follow your heart, but there are some key indicators that it could be a good time to recommit to each other in a big way. Here are a few.
01
After You’ve Overcome A Major Storm
As they say, when it rains it pours. Sometimes even though you’re staying positive and giving it your all, the universe has other plans. Your spouse may lose a job, suffer a death in the family, or worse, one of you may have to battle a serious illness. When we least expect it, there are times we suddenly have to gear up for the fight of our lives. By fighting together we can better battle the storm and go further, and when the sun reappears we’re ready to celebrate. As we should. A vow renewal is right on time here.
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02
As You Celebrate A Major Marriage Milestone
Like it or not, more than 50 percent of marriages in America end in divorce. That’s why celebrating your marriage milestones how and when you choose to, is never the wrong idea. Whether it’s your 10th, 20th, or 50th, your wedding anniversary deserves a big birthday party too. Renewing your vows is the perfect way to thank each other for the time well spent and to celebrate the many years together that are yet to come.
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03
When You Almost Got Divorced, But Decide To Call It Off
You thought your bond was irreparably broken, but as it turns out, you’re both ready and willing to start anew. A lot of couples agree to separate as a step toward getting divorced, but then they wind up finding their way back to each other instead. If taking a step apart actually brought you closer, it’s an excellent time to take those vows again. The recommitment could be a powerful move toward healing.
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To Signify A Major New Beginning
Sometimes we need a fresh start, and setting one in motion can yield positive results in our lives or get us back on course toward our dreams. If you’ve relocated for a new job, bought a new house or gone through a major transition, it could be the right time to refresh your commitment to a life together too.
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05
After An Incredible Loss
An unexpected tragedy can take an emotional toll on you, both individually and as a couple. Sometimes the strain of trying to heal from a loss can tug on your marital bond and weaken it. Over time, even though your emotional wounds start to heal, they can still leave a void. This space creates a good time to talk about doing something to uplift you together—perhaps like renewing those vows.
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06
After Your Kids Have All Grown Up and Moved Out
You’re officially empty nesters! Now that your kids are pursuing further excellence, and out of your house, you’re switching gears and learning how to pour back into each other. (A great thing!) With more time to enjoy each other, more kid-free vacation days ahead and a little more money in your bank accounts, you can make your own rules and focus on redefining what married life means for you.
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07
When Your Family Grows
Perhaps the greatest commitment you’ll make in your life, beyond the one you’ve made to each other, is to you raising and nurturing your kids. For many couples, the decision to become parents is something they either put off for some time or that they face unforeseen obstacles in their path—like infertility and conception problems. In these cases, successfully welcoming a child can be an even more pivotal moment in your marriage, and an opportunity to re-commit.
Those sexy brown eyes, that come-hither smile, the moustache — are we wrong for still swooning over this 70s leading man?
02
Lance Gross
In his first major role on the silver screen, Lance was the ultimate dose of chocolate eye candy in “Our Family Wedding.” He is the epitome of sexy and we can’t wait to see more of him in Hollywood.
03
Will Smith
From his early days as the “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” Will Smith has been a constant heartthrob. Do you remember the work out scene in “I, Robot?” We can’t get those puppy dog eyes and sweaty muscles out of our minds!
04
Wesley Snipes
Wesley made us swoon even as a blood-sucking, crime-fighting vampire in “Blade.” His emotional eyes and overall handsome face add a sense of sophistication to everything he does.
05
Henry Simmons
At 6’4” with chiseled muscles, Henry Simmons is undoubtedly sexy. Plus, on “NYPD Blue” he had that fire and passion in his eyes that made us squirm!
06
Common
Common was always sexy as a rapper, and we still had a strong desire for him when he began to appear in leading roles, such as playing baller Scott McKnight in “Just Wright.”
07
Djimon Hounsou
When we think of Djimon, we can’t help but think of his infamous CK ad that had every woman yearning for more of his chiseled, chocolate physique. In addition to being a sexy model, Djimon is also an Oscar nominated actor.
08
Laz Alonzo
This handsome actor has a hot body and gorgeous smile that makes him simply irresistible!
09
Morgan Freeman
With a long list of acclaimed box office hits, Morgan Freeman is not only talented, but his astute and mature persona is incredibly sexy. We’d love that iconic distinguished voice to share some pillow talk with us.
10
Anthony Mackie
We’re head over heels for the New Orleans native’s puppy dog eyes, sly smile and kissable lips.
11
Mekhi Phifer
Nothing says sexy quite like a bald head and chocolate brown complexion. Mekhi Phifer has both which makes us go crazy for him.
12
Jason Winston George
We all remember this handsome hottie from the hit TV soap opera, “Sunset Beach.” With a sultry stare and long lean body like that, how could we forget?
13
Jesse Williams
Just one seductive look into Jesse Williams’ gorgeous blue-gray eyes is all it takes to drive us wild.
14
Eddie Murphy
Eddie Murphy may be one of the funniest men in Hollywood, but we all agree that his sex appeal is no laughing matter.
15
Taye Diggs
With a sexy gaze and smooth brown skin, “Private Practice” star Taye Diggs is truly something special.
16
Shemar Moore
We’ve been swooning over Shemar Moore since his days on the runway. The 40-year-old actor has only gotten more talented and fine with age. We wouldn’t mind growing old with him.
17
Chiwetel Ejiofor
Chiwetel must have the softest lips we have ever seen. His big dark brown eyes and true talent, which he’s displayed in films like “2012” and “Salt,” have us wrapped around his little finger.
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Sidney Poitier
The first Black actor to win an Academy Award, Sidney Poitier’s smooth chocolate skin, captivating eyes and deep voice make us melt every time we watch “Lilies of the Field."
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Columbus Short
We’ve got a major sweet tooth for young hottie Columbus Short’s smooth, caramel complexion and adorable dimples.
20
Dwayne Johnson
Before Dwayne Johnson was the “Scorpion King” his bulging pecs and ripped abs made him the king of our hearts.
21
Blair Underwood
We’ve loved Blair Underwood since 1986 when he got his big break on “L.A. Law.” But, like a fine wine, Blair has grown better — and sexier — with time.
22
Harry Belafonte
With his youthful charm and chiseled good looks this Jamaican-American brought in some island heat back in the day. We’re still fanning ourselves.
23
Larenz Tate
No one can forget the sultry and sexy Darius Lovehall from the movie “Love Jones.” Larenz Tate stole our hearts in this romantic film and no matter how many times we she him in this movie, he still makes us quiver.
24
Jamie Foxx
Jamie Foxx — a talented comic, an Oscar winning actor, and a Grammy winning musician — is a true triple-threat who also has a double dose of sex appeal to boast.
25
Mario Van Peebles
Oh Mario! That square jaw and those soft brown eyes made us swoon, but his effortless swagger is “New Jack City” and “Posse” is what really won us over.
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26
Samuel L. Jackson
Sam Jackson’s trademark bald head and strong, deep voice have made him irreplaceable in Hollywood and in our hearts.
27
LL Cool J
With a body to die for and those trademark luscious lips, LL Cool J is always a standout on the big screen. We couldn’t help but notice his ripped body when he flashed across the screen as Deacon ‘Deke’ Kaye in the film “S.W.A.T.”
28
Chris Tucker
Chris Tucker’s golden smile and sexy sense of humor are just two reasons we find him so incredibly irresistible.
29
Tupac Shakur
When he was alive, Tupac made a good girl want to turn bad. We weren’t phased by the “Poetic Justice” star’s commitment to the thug life. We just wanted to wake up to that seductive stare and those perfectly pursed lips every morning.
30
Lamman Rucker
With his all-American good looks, “Why Did I Get Married” actor Lamman Rucker had us at “Hello.” And girl, don’t get us started on those dimples!
31
Michael Jai White
Michael Jai White is always kicking butt on screen, but in real life he’s a total sweetheart. We’d love to lay our heads on his chest and hold him like a teddy bear.
32
Cuba Gooding Jr.
When Cuba was shouting “Show me the money!” on “Jerry McGuire” we were thinking, “show me something else, baby!”
33
Laurence Fishburne
We’ve wanted a slice of Larry ever since he played Tre’s sexy father in “Boyz n The Hood.” Who could resist the “Hoodlum” star’s square jaw and deep sultry stare.
34
Tyson Beckford
Tyson’s still building up his acting portfolio and we are in full support of seeing him flash across the big screen more often — preferably with his shirt off.
35
Nate Parker
Nate Parker won our hearts in “The Great Debaters,” and since then, we just love to see this sexy guy on screen.
36
Omar Epps
We’ll always be a fan of this sexy man whose lead role in “Love and Basketball,” made us want to get some of his game.
37
Terrence Howard
With his soft voice, hazel eyes and intense acting style, Mr. Howard has become one of the most desirable (and bankable) leading men in Hollywood. We’re loving him!
38
Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje
We’re pretty sure the hit ABC show “Lost” was such a success because of this Nigerian-English hottie. That unrelenting stare and dark chocolate complexion have made us huge fans.
39
Michael Ealy
Yes ladies, Michael is beautiful. Plus, this brother is super smart and socially conscious. What else could you want? Oh yeah — a square jaw and gorgeous bedroom eyes that make your knees weak.
40
Tyrese Gibson
Another singer-turned-actor this sexy, multi-talented hottie’s bright smile continues to light our fire.
41
Mehcad Brooks
Check out Mechad Brooks’ biceps in the hit TV series “The Deep End!” We’d like to wrap our arms around that strapping chest.
42
Don Cheadle
An Oscar nominated actor, author, and philanthropist, Don Cheadle’s admirable endeavors make him totally sexy in our eyes.
43
Richard Roundtree
“Shaft” actor Richard Roundtree gave us lots of reasons to love a sexy rugged man in Black.
44
Idris Elba
This Britain born, chocolate heartthrob can’t get any sexier. His smooth and sensual English accent is just one of his many traits that makes us go wild.
45
Boris Kodjoe
When it comes to Borris Kodjoe, we can’t help but put this German-born, model-turned-actor on a pedestal.
46
T.I.
Another real-life bad boy, who kicks butt on screen, T.I. boyish good looks and intrinsic swagger keep us rooting for him.
47
Derek Luke
Derek Luke is a chocolate dream. With an adorable baby face and totally kissable lips, we fell in love when he made his acting debut in “Antwone Fisher.”
Morris Chestnut is the epitome of tall, dark, and handsome. We’d bring him home to momma if he wasn’t already taken.
49
Lenny Kravitz
This rocker and activist’s transition to film seemed pretty effortless. And why wouldn’t it be? He’s Lenny Kravitz after all. The man can do no wrong as far as we’re concerned.
50
Denzel Washinton
Just hearing the name Denzel is enough to send chills down our spine. The handsome, Oscar-winning “Philadelphia” star is one of the sexiest men alive.