Jan. 31, 2006 — Couples can celebrate Valentine's Day in the most romantic way of all by renewing their marriage vows at the 4th annual Vow Renewal Ceremony. The ceremony will begin at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14 at Trunk Bay beach.
"There are still a lot of us who value marriage," organizer Cathy Dove said.
She, her daughter, Christy, and non-denominational minister Anne Marie Porter organize the event.
There is no charge to participate.
Dove, who has been married for 32 years to her husband, Bill, said that she expects several couples to make repeat appearances. She said some have renewed their vows at all three of the past events.
She encouraged couple to bring their children and their families to the celebration.
"It's important for youths to understand that marriage isn't an old-fashioned thing," she said.
Each of the women who attend will receive a rose.
Flute and guitar music as well as a vocalist will provide entertainment.
Dove said that the event now serves as a focus for couples visiting from the mainland who time their trip so they're on St. John for the ceremony.
Last year, 52 couples married anywhere from nine days to 56 and a half years renewed their vows.
St. John winter residents John and Barbara Achzet were among those couples. In fact, they were the couple married the longest.
"It was a lovely event," Barbara Achzet said Monday.
She said she and her husband are still thinking about whether they'll renew their wedding vows again this year.
For more information, call Porter at 693-5153 or Dove at 693-8555.

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